1. Scientific Inquiry
Chapter 1 Section 3

2. The Scientific Process
Scientific inquiry is the process scientists
use to investigate the natural world.

3. Posing a question *Scientific questions must be answered by
observation and
gathering evidence.

4. Is this a scientific question?
Which makes a better pet, a dog or a cat?

5. Is this a scientific question?
Does a dog eat more food than a cat?

6. How would you set up an experiment to answer your question?

7. II. Developing a Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a possible
explanation for a set of
observations.
It must be testable! Investigation must be done and data must be gathered to support or refute the hypothesis…

8. Question: Why do crickets chirp more on summer nights?
Hypothesis: Cricket chirping increases at higher air temperatures.

9. Designing an Experiment
Experiments must be controlled to yield usable data. A controlled experiment has only one variable (a factor that can change in an experiment).

10. How could you test your hypothesis and collect data about cricket chirping?

11. Collecting and Interpreting Data
Data are facts, figures, and other evidence gathered through your investigation.

12. Does your data
support
your hypothesis?

13. V. Drawing Conclusions

14. VI. Communicate your Findings
Scientists share
their findings through
public speaking and
writing in books,
Journals and on the
Internet.

15. To complete your Cornell Notes you must:
1. Write 4 questions and provide their answers. (no yes/no or true/false questions will be given credit)

16. 2. Write a four sentence summary of the key points in your notes
2. Write a four sentence summary of the key points in your notes. Do not include sentences like: I like this topic… I learned a lot… This topic is about experiments…

17. Let’s see what you know! Mini quiz:
1. List one way to communicate scientific findings.
2. What are the two ways scientific questions must be answered?
3. A controlled experiment must only have one _____________.
4. What was the factor that changed in the cricket experiment?
5. A ________ is a possible explanation for a set of observations.