Scientific Inquiry Chapter 1 Section 3
The Scientific Process Scientific inquiry is the process scientists use to investigate the natural world.
Posing a question *Scientific questions must be answered by observation and gathering evidence.
Is this a scientific question? Which makes a better pet, a dog or a cat?
Is this a scientific question? Does a dog eat more food than a cat?
How would you set up an experiment to answer your question?
II. Developing a Hypothesis A hypothesis is a possible explanation for a set of observations. It must be testable! Investigation must be done and data must be gathered to support or refute the hypothesis…
Question: Why do crickets chirp more on summer nights? Hypothesis: Cricket chirping increases at higher air temperatures.
Designing an Experiment Experiments must be controlled to yield usable data. A controlled experiment has only one variable (a factor that can change in an experiment).
How could you test your hypothesis and collect data about cricket chirping?
Collecting and Interpreting Data Data are facts, figures, and other evidence gathered through your investigation.
Does your data support your hypothesis?
V. Drawing Conclusions
VI. Communicate your Findings Scientists share their findings through public speaking and writing in books, Journals and on the Internet.
To complete your Cornell Notes you must: 1. Write 4 questions and provide their answers. (no yes/no or true/false questions will be given credit)
2. Write a four sentence summary of the key points in your notes 2. Write a four sentence summary of the key points in your notes. Do not include sentences like: I like this topic… I learned a lot… This topic is about experiments…
Let’s see what you know! Mini quiz: 1. List one way to communicate scientific findings. 2. What are the two ways scientific questions must be answered? 3. A controlled experiment must only have one _____________. 4. What was the factor that changed in the cricket experiment? 5. A ________ is a possible explanation for a set of observations.