Drawing Conclusions

Asking questions (for science) and defining

problems (for engineering)

Developing and using models

Planning and carrying out investigations

Analyzing and interpreting data

Using mathematics and computational thinking

Constructing explanations (for

science) and designing solutions (for engineering)

Engaging in argument from evidence

Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating

information

1. Examine the question, data, and conclusion provided

2. Determine if the data presented supports the conclusions being made. If not, identify the problem(s).

3. Identify what conclusions could/should be made from this data to answer the question and/or what additional data we would need to draw this conclusion.

4. Brainstorm how can you support your students in coming to these conclusions and/or avoid making similar mistakes

5. Share your case study & findings with a partner

Drawing Conclusions

1. Does the data presented support the conclusions being made? If not, what problem(s) exist?

2. What conclusions could/should be made from this data to answer the question and/or what additional data would you need to draw this conclusion?

3. How can you support your students in coming to these conclusions and/or avoid making similar mistakes?

Case Studies -Drawing Conclusions

Question: Are the Adelie penguin populations decreasing due to sea ice melting?

Data:

Conclusion: The melting of sea ice is causing a decrease in Adelie penguin numbers. We know this because the air temperature is increasing and the number of breeding pairs is decreasing.

A

Question: What effect does pollution have on plant growth?

Data:

Conclusion: The Boston Fern grew less when watered with polluted water. Therefore, pollution will decrease the amount of plant life on Earth.

B

Question: What effect does pollution have on plant growth?

Data:

Conclusion: When watered with polluted water, both fern species grew less. This shows that pollution has an impact on the growth of ferns.

C

Question: What impact does weight have on maximum oxygen consumption during exercise?

Data:

Conclusion: A person’s weight, which is related to the amount that a person exercises, does not impact maximum oxygen consumption. Therefore, exercising does not influence a person’s maximum oxygen consumption.

Max

imum

oxy

gen

cons

umpti

on

Weight (lbs)

D

Question: How does adding a bacterial starter culture impact the yogurt making process?

Data:

Conclusion: During the process of making yogurt we used a lot of good bacteria such as Lactobacillus. When heating the yogurt up we were allowing the heat to kill the live bacteria in the yogurt to make it healthier for us humans. For example, it is similar to a frozen hot pocket being heated in an oven. It is important to cook food all of the way or you could get sick from bacteria like Salmonella.

E

Table A – Observations for 230 minutes of whole milk + killed bacteria (starter culture)

Table B – Observations for 230 minutes of whole milk + live bacteria (starter culture)

Question: What was the impact of Superstorm Sandy on large versus small trees in the Rutgers EcoPreserve?

Data:

Conclusion: During Superstorm Sandy, many of the tree that fell were large. This is because they were older (probably at or around 100-150+ years old). Their roots are weak so they were easily pushed over versus smaller, younger trees with stronger roots.

Tree Diameter At Base (inches)

Number of Fallen Trees Within This Diameter Range

4.2 0

4.3 – 15.0 3

15.1 – 20.0

10

20.1 – 27.0

13

27.1 – 37.2

5

Map of survey area and location on fallen trees. Each student group is represented by a different color. The lines are the path they took and the circles are the location of the fallen trees with information on their diameter.

F

Question: Which sensor (the seabird, cast away, glider, or PASCO) is the most accurate for measuring the temperature and conductivity in the ocean?

Data:

Conclusion: Conductivity and temperature are related, as one goes up, the other goes down. Therefore, all four sensors are accurate and can be used.

Aver

age

Tem

pera

ture

(C)

Conductivity (s/m)

G

Question: Has the climate changed over time in New Brunswick, NJ?

Data:

Conclusion: Climate change is impacting NJ. While the temperature goes up and down between the years, overall it has gone up from the late 1890s to today. This indicates that NJ is becoming warmer over time. The warming began around the time of the industrial revolution (about 1880 – 1890) when more carbon was being pumped into the air. Before that, the temperature was below 9.5C.

H

Question: What controls where sharks go?

Data:

Conclusion: Sharks swim in waters that are at different temperatures. However, they spend most days in water temperatures that are above 10°C so they like warmer temperatures. This proves that temperature controls where sharks go.

Day

Tem

pera

ture

(°C)

I

Question: How will increased carbon dioxide concentrations and temperature changes impact the growth of the saltwater clam (Mercenaria mercenaria)?

Data:

Conclusion: Changing temperature and increased carbon dioxide will impact the growth of calcifiers, like saltwater clams. When we increased the carbon dioxide concentrations and temperatures, we found the the size of the shell decreased. This proves that climate change will impact organisms that make shells.

Pre-Industrial RevolutionConditions:

73°F250 ppm CO2

Current Conditions:74°F

390 ppm CO2

Estimated 2100 Conditions:

79°F750 ppm CO2

Extreme FutureConditions:

85°F1500 ppm CO2

J

Question: How can we manage fisheries to make sure that there is enough fish for the future?

Data:Commercial landing

Total landingRecreational landing

Black Sea Bass Landing Data

Conclusion: Most of the fish were caught by recreational fisherman so we should restrict how much fish they can catch compared to commercial fisherman. Also, most of the fish caught were from 1981 to 1987. We should not let people fish at those levels. This will help to make sure that there are enough fish for everyone.

K

Question: How does temperature impact growth rates of cacti?

Data:

Conclusion: The cactus at room temperature grew much more than the one stored in the refrigerator. Therefore, cacti do not grow well at cold temperatures and cannot be grown in cold climates.

Day 1 Day 3 Day 5 Day 7 Day 9

Cactus grown in refrigerator at 4°C 1.0 0.1 0 0.2 0.1

Cactus grown at room temperature (22°C) next to

window1.5 2 2.4 3.1 3.5

Growth of the cactus in centimeters

L

Student pitfalls Ways to help?

Common Mistakes

• Incorrect assumptions and/or exaggerated inferences

• Data and/or conclusion does not match the question being investigated

• Missing data to support the conclusion• Misinterpretation of the results due to

incorrect data visualization

Helping Students Draw Conclusions From Their Investigation

• What can be learned from looking at the data?• Did what you change (independent variable)

cause changes in the results (dependent variable)?

• How does the data relate to your original hypothesis?

• What changes in the experimental procedure (or design) would you make?

• What are the possibilities for further study?