Scientific Method and Inquiry Skills

Ask a testable question based on observations

Form a hypothesis

Changing one variable to observe its effects

Use tools to collect data

Draw conclusions from data

To answer questions and improve scientific knowledge

Independent variable

Quantitative data

Keep constants constant

The data

Scientific knowledge

Qualitative data

Collect and analyze data

Hypothesis

Ask a question = First, scientists ask a testable question based on their observations. Do research = Scientists research to learn about the topic they’re investigating. Form a hypothesis = Scientists form a hypothesis, or an educated guess, about what they think will happen based on the patterns they’ve seen. Perform an experiment = Scientists design and conduct an investigation to test the hypothesis. This usually involves changing one variable to see how it affects another.

Asking a question = To initiate inquiry and form the basis for investigation. Researching = To acquire knowledge about the topic being investigated. Forming a hypothesis = To make an educated guess about the expected outcome of an experiment. Conducting an experiment = To test the validity of the hypothesis and observe cause-and-effect relationships.

Tools for collecting data = Used by scientists to collect data that will help answer their question. Trials in an experiment = Involves multiple attempts to observe consistent results. Changing variables = Involves altering one factor to observe its impact on another. Patterns and hypotheses = Utilized to form an educated guess about expected outcomes.

Problem-solving and creation = Applying scientific knowledge to solve problems or create new things through engineering design. Scientific knowledge improvement = Enhancing scientific understanding through research and experimentation. Testing hypotheses = Conducting investigations to verify educated guesses about cause-and-effect relationships. Observing patterns = Identifying recurring traits or behaviors in data to form hypotheses.

Improving scientific knowledge = Enhancing understanding through learning and experimentation. Applying knowledge to solve problems = Using scientific insights to address challenges or develop innovative solutions. Collecting and analyzing data = Gathering information and scrutinizing it to draw conclusions or support arguments. Asking testable questions = Initiating inquiry by framing questions based on observations.

Variables = Factors in the experiment that change Independent variable = The factor that is changed by the experimenter Dependent variable = The factor that changes because of the independent variable Constants = Other factors that can affect the data

Collecting and analyzing data = Scientists can collect qualitative or quantitative data during the experiment Draw a conclusion = Scientists use the data to form conclusions and support arguments about the problem they studied Share the results = Scientists share the results and conclusions with others Developing conclusions and arguments = Finally, scientists develop conclusions and arguments, based on evidence from their investigations

Qualitative data = Observable through the senses, like color, texture, and smell Quantitative data = Measurable, like length, time, or number of people Hypothesis = A prediction about how the independent variable will affect the dependent variable Scientific method = A series of steps followed by scientists to answer questions or solve problems

Models and representations = Scientists may create models, or representations, to describe their findings Engineering design = Engineers use scientific knowledge to solve problems by developing objects, tools, processes, and systems Data analysis = After an experiment, scientists develop conclusions and arguments based on evidence from their investigations Testing and improving designs = Engineers test what they design and use their data to improve their designs

Data organization = Scientists often organize the data in tables and graphs after collecting it Comparison of results = Scientists compare their results with other scientists' data to look for similarities and differences Prediction making = When the experimenter forms a hypothesis, they are making a prediction about how the independent variable will affect the dependent variable Sharing findings = Scientists share the results and conclusions with others after completing an experiment