Question

What are the students observations and inferences before he starts his investigation

Answer 1

A student's observations, such as noting an overly warm classroom, and inferences about potential causes lead to the formulation of testable hypotheses as part of the scientific process.

Step-by-step explanation:

Before beginning an investigation, students make observations and inferences about natural phenomena. For instance, upon entering a classroom and noting that it is unusually warm, a student has made an observation. That student may then infer possible causes for the temperature issue, leading to the formulation of a hypothesis. A hypothesis is a tentative explanation for an observation that can be tested through scientific methods. One hypothesis could be, "The classroom is warm because the air conditioning has not been turned on." Another could be, "The classroom is warm due to a power failure preventing the air conditioning from working." Both hypotheses arise from initial observations and inferences and are designed to be tested via controlled experiments. An experiment might involve checking if the air conditioning is functional, if it has been turned on, or if there is a larger power outage affecting the building. The results of these tests will either support or refute the hypotheses.

Answer 2

The student has observed that artificial fertilizer makes his plants grow faster and taller than plain soil. He knows that compost is a natural fertilizer. So, he infers that compost will make his plants grow at a faster rate than they grow in plain soil.