Principles of Scientific Inquiry and Engineering Design

Testing ideas is the core of science and engineering, involving observations, evidence-seeking, and data analysis.
The process is non-linear and creative, often looping back to build knowledge based on available resources.
New technology often facilitates new methods of inquiry, such as using portable, remote data-collecting equipment to monitor environment conditions.

Curiosity: Observation of the natural world, such as salt marshes, leads to new questions.
Skepticism: Scientists and engineers question existing ideas and refuse to accept explanations without evidence.
Open-Mindedness: A willingness to accept different ideas that may conflict with an original hypothesis.
Creativity: Essential for defining problems, proposing hypotheses, and designing experiments.

Peer Review: A process where anonymous, independent experts in the same field evaluate submitted papers for mistakes, oversights, unfair influences, or fraud.
Reviewers ensure articles meet the high quality standards of the scientific community before publication in journals.
Shared results allow other researchers to evaluate, test, and build upon data in a marketplace of ideas.

Science explains natural phenomena but does not include ethical or moral viewpoints.
Science can describe what is technically possible but cannot determine if an action should or should not be taken.
Bias: A personal, rather than scientific, point of view. Personal perspectives can lead to different interpretations of the same data.

Developing and Using Models: Scientists and engineers use diagrams, mathematical representations, and computer simulations to visualize and communicate ideas.
Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking: Tools like ratios, rates, and percentages are used to analyze and interpret relationships between variables.
Constructing Explanations: Explanations describe how variables relate and must be supported by evidence.
Designing Solutions: Engineers aim to solve problems within specific constraints.
Engaging in Argument from Evidence: The use of evidence to persuade others and respond to critiques regarding an explanation or design.

Reading Check: Describe a "fact" that you have heard or read that made you skeptical. Explain your reasons for doubt.
Reading Check: What might happen if a scientist were biased?