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Northeast Indiana Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Education Resource Center

STEAM Activities

Discrepant Events

A discrepant event refers to an unexpected or unusual outcome in an experiment or observation that doesn't align with the anticipated results based on existing scientific theories or predictions. These events are pivotal in scientific inquiry as they challenge established knowledge, prompting researchers to reevaluate current theories or experimental procedures to better understand the phenomenon being studied. Discrepant events serve as catalysts for scientific discovery and often lead to new insights and a deeper understanding of the natural world. Watch our student's perform their own discrepant event activities.

Behind the Discrepant Events

Hot versus Cold Water on a Balloon: Claire Hipskind

Taste the Rainbow: Ellen Krisel

Walking Water: Ellen Krisel

Candle Lighting: Leah McGinnis

Roll a Can: Kennedy Peckinpaugh

Discrepant Events

A Discrepant Event refers to an unexpected or unusual outcome in an experiment or observation that doesn't align with the anticipated results based on existing scientific theories or predictions. These events are pivotal in scientific inquiry as they challenge established knowledge, prompting researchers to reevaluate current theories or experimental procedures to better understand the phenomenon being studied. Discrepant events serve as catalysts for scientific discovery and often lead to new insights and a deeper understanding of the natural world.