Extrapolation & Inference

Making Extrapolation & Inferences

 (Sourcebook for Teaching Science 16.6) An extrapolation is an inference based on the assumption that trends continue beyond the set of data collected.  Scientists often extrapolate from laboratory data to the real world.  For example, cancer researchers cannot perform experiments on human subjects, but can do so on laboratory rats.  Such researchers may conclude that chemicals are carcinogenic to humans based solely upon data collected from rats and other laboratory animals.  To make such conclusions, it is necessary to extrapolate from rats to the human population. 

• • Making Inferences - Extrapolations can also be made from graphics or pictures.  Figures 16.37A-X show common items viewed at 50X to 100X magnification.  Each of these photographs contains clues (evidence) of its source.  Search each photograph for clues and extrapolate to the item photographed by matching with the objects listed below. Once you have done this, make your own extrapolation game or exercise with a handheld digital microscope.

  • Create your own extrapolation activity 

    • cell phone magnifiers (iPhone, Android)

    • stand-alone video microscopes (such as ProScope or Dino-Lite)

    • Petrified wood samples vs. fresh wood samples

    • Other close-up views

  • compound microscope adapters

  • Upload your photos here