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“OK, I see now that the synthetic sponge is better at soaking
up water,” said Teasha. “The evidence is right there for all to see.
From now on, I am going to use synthetic sponges to soak up spills.
But I will still use natural sponges for other things because they
last longer.”
“Are you sure?” asked Kim.
Opinion
Teasha likes natural things. She likes chairs made of wood.
She likes T-shirts made of cotton. Her opinion is that natural
things are always better.
When she and Kim were working with sponges, Teasha
claimed that natural sponges were better. But her claim was
not based on data and evidence. Her claim was her opinion.
Opinions are based on what a person believes to be true,
not on scientific data. Evidence is based on observation
and scientific data.
In science, claims are tested with experiments. Experiments
produce data and evidence. The evidence will show if the claim
is true or not true. Sometimes more experiments need to be done
before a conclusion can be reached. When Teasha and Kim did their
experiment, the evidence showed that the synthetic sponge soaked
up more water. Teasha changed her mind about sponges after she
studied the evidence.
Thinking about Opinions and Evidence
1.
Teasha claimed that natural sponges were better.
What did she base that claim on?
2.
Why did Teasha and Kim repeat their experiment?
3.
Was Teasha’s claim that natural sponges last longer
based on opinion or evidence?
4.
What is the difference between opinion and evidence?
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