Scientific Inquiry

The Scientific Process

Scientific Process = Scientific Inquiry

The Scientific Process Scientific Inquiry -- how scientists study the world and propose explanations based on the evidence they gather. Scientific Process = Scientific Inquiry

Steps to Scientific Inquiry

Posing a Question

Steps to Scientific Inquiry Posing a Question Develop a Hypothesis

Steps to Scientific Inquiry Posing a Question Develop a Hypothesis Design and Conduct an Experiment

Steps to Scientific Inquiry Posing a Question Develop a Hypothesis Design and Conduct an Experiment Collect and Interpret Data

Steps to Scientific Inquiry Posing a Question Develop a Hypothesis Design and Conduct an Experiment Collect and Interpret Data Analyze and Graph Results

Steps to Scientific Inquiry Posing a Question Develop a Hypothesis Design and Conduct an Experiment Collect and Interpret Data Analyze and Graph Results Draw a Conclusion

Key Terms

Scientific Question -- a question that can be answered through a scientific investigation.

Key Terms Scientific Question -- a question that can be answered through a scientific investigation. Hypothesis -- a possible explanation to a scientific question. A researcher must be able to approve or disprove the hypothesis.

Key Terms Scientific Question -- a question that can be answered through a scientific investigation. Hypothesis -- a possible explanation to a scientific question. A researcher must be able to approve or disprove the hypothesis. Research -- gathering information relevant to the inquiry.

Key Terms

Manipulated Variable -- the one variable that is purposely changed to test a hypothesis.

Key Terms Manipulated Variable -- the one variable that is purposely changed to test a hypothesis. Manipulated Variable = Independent Variable

Key Terms Manipulated Variable -- the one variable that is purposely changed to test a hypothesis. Manipulated Variable = Independent Variable Responding Variable -- the factor that changes because of the manipulated variable change.

Key Terms Manipulated Variable -- the one variable that is purposely changed to test a hypothesis. Manipulated Variable = Independent Variable Responding Variable -- the factor that changes because of the manipulated variable change. Responding Variable = Dependent Variable

Key Terms

Operational Definition -- a statement that describes how to measure a particular variable.

Key Terms Operational Definition -- a statement that describes how to measure a particular variable. Data -- facts, figures, and other evidence gathered through observations.

Key Terms Operational Definition -- a statement that describes how to measure a particular variable. Data -- facts, figures, and other evidence gathered through observations. Conclusion -- summary of what you have learned from an experiment. It will also state whether your hypothesis was correct or incorrect.

Scientific Theory vs. Scientific Law

Scientific Theory -- a scientific belief that has a wide range of evidence to support it, but hasn’t been proven to be absolutely true.

Scientific Theory vs. Scientific Law Scientific Theory -- a scientific belief that has a wide range of evidence to support it, but hasn’t been proven to be absolutely true. Scientific Law -- a statement that describes what scientists expect to happen every time under a specific set of conditions. It is a “rule of nature.”