Researchable vs. Testable Questions

Researchable Question

• The answer can be found in a book, magazine, or the internet

• You do not have to do a test or experiment to find the answer

• “I wonder ______________ ?”

Researchable Questions Examples

• How do plants grow?• Why are their craters on the moon?• What ingredients are in coke?• What to mice like to eat?• How is a soccer ball made?

Testable Question

• You must do an experiment or make an observation to find the answer

• The answer cannot be dependent on someone’s opinion

• You have to be able to collect measurable data or make direct observations

• Should be narrow and specific

Testable Question Examples

• Which plant grows taller in two weeks, a mustard plant or lima bean plant?

• Does Coke or Dr. Pepper have more sugar in it?• Will a mouse go faster through amaze with

cheese, crackers, or apple at the end of the maze?

• Which ball will roll the fastest down a hill, a tennis ball, soccer ball, or ping pong ball?

Activity

• Write a testable and researchable question for each picture book.– Diary of a Fly– Diary of a Worm– Find some other science picture book examples