Introduction to the Scientific Inquiry Process How to solve almost anything. Created By: Mrs. Gismonde

To Begin Scientific Inquiry is a process that is used to solve every day problems or questions.  Scientific Inquiry is also called the Scientific Method. Did you know… ◦ You have used the scientific inquiry process many times throughout your life, probably without realizing it.

Real Life Example: Have you every lost your house keys before? What was the first thing you did when you realized your keys were missing? ◦ You probably asked yourself,  “Where was the last place I had my keys?” ◦ You hypothesized (took an educated guess),  “My house keys are in my backpack.” ◦ What would you do next? ◦ You would probably test your hypothesis.  You went and checked your backpack.

Real Life Example: Can you think of an example of when you might have used the scientific inquiry process? ◦ My Example:  I went camping and my flashlight didn't work.  I Asked: Why isn't my flashlight turning on?  I Hypothesized: The batteries are dead.  I Tested: Put in a new set of batteries and turned on the flashlight.

Try It How would you solve the following problem? ◦ You went to use your computer and it would not turn on.  What would you ask yourself?  What would you hypothesize?  How would you test your hypothesis?

Just Ask Scientific inquiry always begins by asking a question or stating a problem. Scientists use the scientific inquiry process to search for a cause and effect relationship in nature. ◦ Examples:  Does the moon cause tides on Earth?  What causes the winds on Earth?

Scientists use a specific set of steps when investigating a problem or a question about the world around them. Steps within the scientific method will vary from textbook to textbook, but the process is basically the same.

Steps of the Scientific Method Step 1: Ask a Question Step 2: Research your Question Step 3: Create a Hypothesis Step 4: Design and Test your Experiment Step 5: Collect and Analyze Data Step 6: Draw Conclusions ◦ If hypothesis was supported, repeat experiment several more times to confirm results. ◦ If hypothesis was not supported, go back and modify or revise your hypothesis. Step 7: Communicate your Results

See the Scientific Method in Action Click on the link below **Please be patient it will take a few minutes to download NASA : Problem Solving Video

Scientific Method Quiz Read the following sentences and select the word that best fills each blank. Lets Begin

Question #1 The __________ method is a process that scientists use to help answer questions or test new ideas. a. Variable Variable b. Scientific Scientific c. Control Control d. Think Think

Question #2 The first step is to ask a question or identify a ______. a. Conclusion Conclusion b. Data Data c. Experiment Experiment d. Problem Problem

Question #3 Next, information must be gathered by __________ your question or problem. a. Senses Senses b. Control Control c. Researching Researching d. Solving Solving

Question #4 Scientists then create _____________ to test their hypothesis. a. Theories Theories b. Experiments Experiments c. Properties Properties d. Conclusions Conclusions

Question #5 While you are performing your experiment, observations are made and recorded. This is also known as collecting ____________. a. Data Data b. Hypothesis Hypothesis c. Expressions Expressions d. None of the above None of the above

Question #6 Once scientists analyze their data, they will come to a ___________ that either proves or disproves their hypothesis. a. Meeting Meeting b. Data Data c. Conclusion Conclusion d. Laboratory Laboratory

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Incorrect Sorry Try Again Return to Question Need Help? For more information on the scientific inquiry process click on the picture below.

Incorrect Sorry Try Again Return to Question Need Help? For more information on the scientific inquiry process click on the picture below.

Incorrect Sorry Try Again Return to Question Need Help? For more information on the scientific inquiry process click on the picture below.

Incorrect Sorry Try Again Return to Question Need Help? For more information on the scientific inquiry process click on the picture below.

Incorrect Sorry Try Again Return to Question Need Help? For more information on the scientific inquiry process click on the picture below.

Incorrect Sorry Try Again Return to Question Need Help? For more information on the scientific inquiry process click on the picture below.

Results The scientific method can lead to many outcomes. When using scientific inquiry, scientists are able to… ◦ Answer questions about the world around them. ◦ Gain more information on specific topics. ◦ Find support for a hypothesis. ◦ Discover new materials that improve our daily lives.

For Example: With the creation of NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope we are able to see new stars being born in far away galaxies.

Optional: Try this at home. 1. Research one of the following scientists. 2. Write a summary identifying how the scientific method might have lead them toward their great scientific discovery or discoveries. a)Nicolaus Copernicus b)Johannes Kepler c)Sir Issac Newton d)Carolus Linnaeus e)Gregor Mendel f)Louis Pasteur g)Marie Curie h)George Washington Carver i)Jane Goodall

In Conclusion When using the steps within the scientific method the possibilities are endless. (Or is it just the beginning?)

Bibliography Page 1. (2000). Problem-Solving Using the Scientific Method [Web]. Available from Solving_Using_the_Scientific_Method.html 2. Scientific method. (n.d.). Retrieved from 3. Stars adorn orion's sword. (n.d.). Retrieved from 4. Steps of the scientific method. (n.d.). Retrieved from