Key Concepts in Scientific Inquiry
Scientific Inquiry:
- Definition: The diverse ways in which scientists study the natural world, processing explanations based on evidence from their work.
Steps of the Scientific Inquiry Process:
- Observation:
- Scientists observe and notice patterns or phenomena that spark curiosity.
- Question:
- A specific question is formed based on observations (e.g., how or why something happened).
- Hypothesis:
- A testable explanation developed to answer the question based on knowledge from observations.
- Experimentation:
- Experiments are designed to test the hypothesis, gathering data through observations or manipulated variables.
- Data Collection & Analysis:
- Data from experiments are collected and analyzed to determine if they support or refute the hypothesis.
- Conclusion & Iteration:
- Conclusions are drawn based on the analysis. If the hypothesis is not supported, it is refined or replaced, restarting the cycle of inquiry.
Experimental Design Example:
- Question: Do plants grow better in sunlight?
- Hypothesis: Plants grow more in light.
- Experiment Design:
- Plant one inside and one in the sun.
- Data Collection:
- Observe results; record the health of both plants.
- Conclusion:
- If the plant in sunlight is greener, it supports the hypothesis.
- Independent Variable: Light (sun vs. inside).
- Dependent Variable: Health or height of the plant.
- Controlled Variables: Type of plant, pot sizes, amount of water, etc.