Scientific Method and Inquiry Process

The Scientific Method

• Scientists conduct experiments to answer their questions about the world by following a set of procedures.
• The scientific method involves asking a testable question based on observations and researching to learn about the topic.

Forming a Hypothesis

• Scientists form a hypothesis, an educated guess, about what they think will happen based on the patterns they've seen.

Conducting the Experiment

• The experiment might involve several trials, and scientists use tools to collect data that will help answer their question.
• During the experiment, scientists collect data to form conclusions and support arguments about the topic they studied.

Variables

• An independent variable is the factor that is changed by the scientist.
• A dependent variable is the factor that changes because of the independent variable.
• Variables are factors in the experiment that can change.

Data Types

• Qualitative data is observable through the senses, like color, texture, and smell.
• Quantitative data is measurable, like length, time, or number of objects.

Analyzing Data

• When the trials are over, scientists analyze the data to determine the answers to their question.
• Scientists organize and analyze the data to determine the answers to their question.

Engineers and Scientific Knowledge

• Engineers use scientific knowledge to solve problems by developing objects, tools, processes, and systems.
• Scientists can collect qualitative or quantitative data during the experiment.

Test your understanding of the scientific method and the inquiry process used by scientists to investigate, model, and explain the world. This quiz covers the steps involved in conducting experiments, asking testable questions, and applying scientific knowledge to problem-solving and engineering design.