1. Scientific Inquiry Notes
The diverse ways in which people study the natural world and propose explanations based on evidence derived from their work.

2. Variables
Manipulated (Independent) Variable: This is the one thing that you will change in an investigation. Found on left side of data table.
Responding (Dependent) Variable: This is the result of your investigation. Found on right side of data table.
Controlled Variables: This is all the things that should stay the same during an investigation. Found in procedure steps and/or diagram

3. Hypothesis
A prediction or educated guess about what will happen as a result of an investigation
Describe what changing the manipulated variable will do to the responding variable and why it will happen.

4. Writing Conclusions 4 pts. in 4 sentences
Answer the investigative question specifically
Give the lowest manipulated variable’s average data
Give the highest manipulated variable’s average data
Use explanatory language to compare the results of the manipulated variables

5. How does the thickness of the rope affect how much mass the rope will hold up?
Manipulated Variable
Responding Variable Average
Rope Thickness (cm)
Trial 1 mass (g)
Trial 2 mass (g)
Trial 3 mass (g)
Avg. mass held up (g)
1 cm
2 g
3 g
2.33 g
2 cm
4 g
6 g
5 g
3 cm
8 g
7 g
7.33 g
4 pt/ 4 sentence Conclusion example
Increasing the thickness of the rope increased the amount of mass that it held up. When the rope was 1 cm thick it held up an average of 2.33 grams. When the rope was 3 cm thick it held up an average of 7.33 grams. The 3 cm thick rope held up 5 grams more than the 1 cm thick rope.

6. 9 Points to Writing an Investigation
Prediction (Hypothesis)
Prediction Reason
List of minimum materials needed.
Controlled Variables
One manipulated variable
Responding variable
Record Measurements
Trials are repeated
Logical Steps