Scientific Inquiry

Everyone uses Scientific Inquiry everyday Yes, even you!! Do you have any problems to solve?

Do any of these sound familiar? Where is my homework? What do I wear to soccer practice? What should I have for lunch? Did I clean my room? What is the answer to the teacher’s question? Which laundry detergent is best? You can use Scientific Inquiry to find the answers to these questions.

Six steps to Scientific Inquiry: 1. Question 2. Hypothesis 3. Experiment 4. Investigate & Observe 5. Analyze the data 6. Conclusion It’s important to follow these steps in order!

Question The problem that you are trying to solve Try to narrow it down and be very specific so it will be easier to answer at the end of the experiment

Hypothesis An educated guess about the experiment’s outcome A prediction based on data What you think the answer is based upon your gathered information

Hypothesis A good hypothesis has 5 elements: Written as a statement, not a question Predicts how the experiment will turn out before you know the results Is testable, observable, & measurable Explains the results & the relationships between variables Based on observations & knowledge

Experiment 2 parts: Materials and Procedure Materials: A list of equipment and supplies that you will need for the experiment Procedure: A list of instructions or steps that you need to follow in order for the experiment

Investigate And Observe Collect information and data from the experiment Use your observations skills and senses This is what happens during the experiment Investigate & Observe

Analyze the Data Look at the data carefully Take into account all of the variables Independent Variable: The part of the experiment that you changed Dependent Variable: The variable that you measure or observe

Conclusion Determine the answer to your question It is OK if it turns out that your hypothesis was not correct You may want to begin again with a new question