Inferring explains and predicts. Children enjoy predicting. While most students do not become proficient using inference until middle school age, many students may use models and evidence combined with reasoning to understand that which they cannot test or view directly. Additionally, they use prediction in developing hypotheses which they may be able to test subsequently. Applying is the final scientific thinking process .
New knowledge is created through applying a new treatment to a problem.
Application creates new knowledge or understandings. Inventions or solutions to world problems are examples of application of scientific knowledge and understanding. Children often enjoy designing inventions to do routine tasks. They also are able to use that which was learned through one exploration in another. While these are not examples of application at the highest level, such activities stimulate the children and prepare them for using application at a more sophisticated level.