1. 1-2 Scientific Inquiry
How do scientists investigate the natural world?
What role do models, theories, and laws play in science?

2. What is Scientific Inquiry?
Scientific Inquiry refers to the different ways scientist study the natural world.
The Nature of Inquiry
There is no set path that a scientific inquiry must follow. Different scientists may choose different paths when studying the same event.

3. The scientific method is a more linear, organized way to inquire about science.
It always starts with an observation.
Copy the flow chart to the left, but add a bubble to the top that says “Make Observations.”
The Scientific Method

4. To review… The process of inquiry includes:
1. Posing questions 2. Developing hypotheses 3. Designing experiments 4. Collecting and interpreting data 5. Drawing conclusions 6. Communicating ideas and results

5. Developing Hypotheses
A hypothesis is a possible explanation for observations
-Understand that your hypothesis is only ONE possible explanation and may not be correct!
Example: You hypothesize that the light bulb has burnt out but there may be a problem with the wiring.

6. Designing an Experiment
A Parameter is a factor that can be measured in an experiment. The type of parameter we will focus on this year is called a variable.
manipulated variable (independent variable)
What is the independent variable in this experiment? (Hint: What are we changing?)
responding variable (dependent variable)
-What is the dependent variable in this experiment? (Hint: What is changing because of our independent variable?)

7. Collecting and Interpreting Data
Collect data through observation or measurement or both
Remember…
Qualitative: characteristics (ex: red hair)
Quantitative: numbers (ex: plant height= 32cm)
Example: Check other known-working light bulbs in the lamp to see if the light will turn on.

8. How Science Develops Models
A model is a picture, diagram, computer image or other representation of an object or process.
Theories
A theory is a well-tested explanation that brings together a lot of observations
A theory may be changed or replaced as new evidence is discovered
Laws
A law describes an observed pattern without attempting to explain it.
Laws have been verified over and over again.