Scientific Inquiry

Scientists are
CURIOUS they ask questions that make them want to investigate. OBSERVANT they look at the world around them

CREATIVE they think about what they already know to explain their observations and come up with plans to test their ideas
SKEPTICAL they question their own conclusions and except only explanations based on evidence

Science is the continuous process of asking questions and seeking answers!

Scientific Inquiry
The process that allows us to think about and design an experiment to help us find the answers to our questions!

Scientific Inquiry
Problem Hypothesis Experiment
Materials Procedure - Variables/Controls - Observations

Results
Charts/Graphs

Conclusion Limitations

Problem
Identify by asking a question Only part of the process that will end with a question mark. As you do research/perform the experiment you make ask more questions!

Our example

Which brand of paper towels is the most absorbent?

Hypothesis
Tentative explanation

Thinkers

Educated guess/prediction What do you think will happen when you perform your experiment? Written in the form of an IF/THEN statement. IF three brands of paper towels are tested, THEN Bounty will be the most absorbent.

Experiment
An organized procedure used to study something under controlled conditions. Consists of two parts: Materials Procedure

 Materials items needed to perform the experiment

Graduated cylinder, beaker, lab sheet, pencil, paper towels, triple beam balance, water

Procedure sequence of actions or instructions to be followed 1.

The STEPS of the experiment!
2. 3. 4. 5.

Variables
Independent Variable (IV) the factor being tested: paper towels Dependent Variable (DV)
DV
x axis
y axis

IV

the factor being measured: amount of water the paper towels absorb

Constants
Factors that remain the same throughout the experiment Examples:
The size of the paper towel The type of liquid used Using same balance to mass wet towels OTHERS?

Control
Serves as a basis for comparison Ex: a paper towel that is not wet

Trials
The number of time the IVs are tested The more the better!

Not this kind!

Observations
Made during the course of an experiment using your senses or equipment Often recorded in data tables Examples:
Temperatures Times Color changes

Data
One type of observation Evidence collected during a lab TRIAL TEMP 1 2 3 4

Results
We often use charts and graphs to show our results.

You may also write results statements that put your observations/data into paragraph form.

Conclusion
Statement indicating whether your hypothesis was correct or incorrect. Use one of the following in your conclusion:
Supported Rejected Could neither support nor reject
Example: The results of my experiment rejected my hypothesis go on to tell why.

Limitations
Unforeseen problems with an experiments design What went wrong during the lab. Examples:
Complete more trials Test more paper towel brands We spilt something beside water on the towels Used the wrong mass Forgot to test one brand