1. Scientific Inquiry

2. Everyone uses Scientific Inquiry everyday
Yes, even you!!
Do you have any problems to solve?

3. Do any of these sound familiar?
Where is my homework?
What do I wear to soccer practice?
What should I have for lunch?
Did I clean my room?
What is the answer to the teacher’s question?
Which laundry detergent is best?
You can use Scientific Inquiry to find the answers to these questions.

4. Six steps to Scientific Inquiry:
1. Question
2. Hypothesis
3. Experiment
4. Investigate & Observe
5. Analyze the data
6. Conclusion
It’s important to follow these steps in order!

5. Question The problem that you are trying to solve
Try to narrow it down and be very specific so it will be easier to answer at the end of the experiment

6. Hypothesis An educated guess about the experiment’s outcome
A prediction based on data
What you think the answer is based upon your gathered information

7. Hypothesis A good hypothesis has 5 elements:
Written as a statement, not a question
Predicts how the experiment will turn out before you know the results
Is testable, observable, & measurable
Explains the results & the relationships between variables
Based on observations & knowledge

8. Experiment 2 parts: Materials and Procedure
Materials: A list of equipment and supplies that you will need for the experiment
Procedure: A list of instructions or steps that you need to follow in order for the experiment

9. Investigate And Observe
Collect information and data from the experiment
Use your observations skills and senses
This is what happens during the experiment
Investigate & Observe

10. Analyze the Data Look at the data carefully
Take into account all of the variables
Independent Variable: The part of the experiment that you changed
Dependent Variable: The variable that you measure or observe

11. Conclusion Determine the answer to your question
It is OK if it turns out that your hypothesis was not correct
You may want to begin again with a new question