SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY

Mrs. Haywood

LESSON OBJECTIVES Explain the goal of science. Define hypothesis. Explain how a hypothesis is tested. List the steps of scientific inquiry. Identify terms associated with an

experiment. Explain how a theory develops.

Terms

Science observation

data inference hypothesis

WHAT IS ?

It is organized It uses evidence to

learn about nature

WHAT IS THE GOAL OF SCIENCE?

THE GOAL OF SCIENCE IS…

To investigate To understand To explain

HOW DO SCIENTISTS DO SCIENCE?

Using a method called

Scientific Inquiry

STEPS TO SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY

State the problem by posing a question.

Make observations. Form hypothesis. Design an experiment. Collect, record, and analyze

data. Draw conclusions.

1. POSE A QUESTION TO STATE THE SCIENTIFIC PROBLEM.

Do heavier objects

fall faster than

lighter objects?

2. MAKE OBSERVATIONS With your

shoulder buddy, look at the objects at your desk.

Write down observations about your objects.

3. FORM A HYPOTHESIS Which object do you think will hit the

ground first? Why? With your shoulder buddy, write

down your hypothesis (your prediction that will answer the scientific question)

4. DESIGN AN EXPERIMENT

Hold both of the objects at the same height.

Release the objects at the same time. Let your shoulder buddy try.

5. COLLECT, RECORD, & ANALYZE DATA With your

shoulder buddy, write down data you collected from your experiement.

Examine, or analyze, your data with your partner.

6. DRAW CONCLUSIONS Was your hypothesis correct? Why or why not? Do heavier items fall faster than

lighter items?

DRAWING CONCLUSIONS