1. Developing Testable Questions
Doing Science and Math by Inquiry

2. What makes a good testable question?
What happens to the speed of a toy car as it travels down a ramp?
Do magnets work through different materials?
How will increasing the amount of one reagent affect the heat produced during a chemical reaction?
How does an increase in voltage affect the brightness of lights in a circuit?
November 15, 2013
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3. Level One Questions… cover a topic that interests you.
often can be answered by a yes or no.
Example:
Will an empty film canister float?
July 22, 2012
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4. Level Two Questions… Better!
eliminate opinion or bias (i.e. not a brand comparison)
include a variable that is stated and/or manipulated
Example:
How can I make a film canister sink?
July 22, 2012
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5. Level Three Questions…
Best!
show a clear relationship between two variables.
are complex and quantifiable.
Examples:
How does the density of a film canister affect its tendency to float?
July 22, 2012
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6. Criteria covers a topic of interest should eliminate opinion or bias
states a relationship between two variables
complex enough that an answer is not already known
quantifiable data can be gathered
July 22, 2012
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7. How can we develop these questions?
Will a plant grow better in water or dirt?
How many more leaves will be produced by a plant growing in water than by one growing in dirt?
In what ways is plant growth affected by different potting conditions?
July 22, 2012
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8. How can we develop these questions?
Will a toy car travel differently as it moves down a ramp?
July 22, 2012
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9. How can we develop these questions?
Will changing the length of a 3D figure affect its volume?
July 22, 2012
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10. Let us know how we can help!
Leah Purvis – Sandusky Middle School Todd Anderson – James River Day School Laura Delo – Amherst Middle School
July 22, 2012
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11. Copies of the PowerPoint and questioning tool can be found at:
TAnderson2/index.cfm
July 22, 2012
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