Scientific Inquiry

Also known as

The Scientific Method

How Scientists Think

Observing-using senses to gather information

Qualitative-descriptions, no numbers Quantitative-involves numbers Inferring-explaining observations Predicting-forecasting the future based on

past experience Classifying-grouping items that are alike

Posing questions

What is the difference between scientific questions and opinions or judgments?

Hypothesis is a possible answer to a scientific question or an explanation for a set of observations.

It must be testable It must be a statement

Discovery Activity

P14

•What can you learn about mealworms?•Write three questions about mealworms and their behavior.•Discuss how you would find the answers.

Designing an experiment

Experiments test a hypothesis. Variables are factors that change in an experiment. Manipulated variable is a variable that is change

also called the independent variable. Responding variable is the variable that changes

because of the manipulated variable, also called the dependent variable.

Controlled experiment is an investigation in which all the variable except one remain the same.

Skills Activity p 16

Design the experiment: Hypothesis? What are the manipulated and responding

variables? Is there anything else you would need to

control? See figure 8

Data

Facts, figures and other evidence gathered through observations

P9 Analyzing Data, answer the four questions.

Conclusions

After the data is interpreted, scientists draw conclusions about their hypothesis.

Communication

Communication is sharing ideas and conclusions with others through writing or speaking

Active Art

The Nature of Inquiry

Scientific Model

A picture, diagram, image or some other representation of a process or system.

Examples: solar system, flight path of space travel, globe

Scientific Attitudes

Curiosity Honesty Open-mindedness and skepticism Creativity