Prediction vs Hypothesis

Both teachers and students often misunderstand the difference between a prediction and a hypothesis. This article gives an exceptional explanation of the differences between them and why it ... See More

Both teachers and students often misunderstand the difference between a prediction and a hypothesis. This article gives an exceptional explanation of the differences between them and why it is important to know them. Beginning with what a prediction is, the author describes, gives examples, and explains its purpose. Giving student examples helps to further clarify what a prediction is. Moving to the hypothesis, again the author describes, gives example, and explains its purpose. In the final part of the article, the author starts with a prediction and follows it through to becoming a hypothesis, very clear in its description. I recommend this article to all teachers that teach scientific practices within the classroom, both experienced and new to the classroom.

Are the two interchangeable?

Prediction, hypothesis. Hypothesis, prediction. Are they the synonymous? The author makes a clear distinction between the two. “A prediction is more than a guess. A prediction reflects o... See More

Prediction, hypothesis. Hypothesis, prediction. Are they the synonymous? The author makes a clear distinction between the two. “A prediction is more than a guess. A prediction reflects our thoughts about what will happen in the future, but it is based on patterns we have observed or on prior knowledge.” Predictions require us to use data to determine what will happen in the future. When students make a prediction, it is critical we ask them to explain their reasoning. A hypothesis is a “more developed form of a prediction.” A hypothesis includes the If … Then … Because … This format requires the use of the independent and dependent variables. “A hypothesis goes beyond prediction in that it takes the observations that have been made, considers what might happen and why, and then helps create a testable experiment.”