Scientific Inquiry

Scientific Method

The scientific method is a logical way to solve a problem. It is a process that is used to find answers to questions about the world around us. The scientific method is used by researchers to support or disprove a theory. Below are the steps of the scientific method:

• Observation
• Problem Statement
• Hypothesis Statement
• Experiment/ Data Collection
• Conclusion Statement

When we make observations we use our senses to gather information about the world around us. A good scientist notices what is happening in the world and becomes curious about what's happening.

• Qualitative Observations are observations about quality and are usually made with our senses: color, shape, feel, taste, sound.
• Quantitative Observations are observations about quantity (how many). There will always be a number based on a type of measurement.

• Find information about your topic.
• Learn about theories related to your topic.
• A theory is an explanation based on many observations during repeated experiments that has consistent results, makes predictions that can be tested, and is the simplest explanation.
• Theories can never be completely proven, only disproven. When new evidence comes along, we must change our theory or get rid of it and start over.

A problem statement is a question that compares variables. Careful observations lead to these questions. This is when scientists raise questions based on what they have observed.

• When writing the problem statement think about what you want to know or explain. Use observations you have made to write a question about the problem or topic you want to investigate.
• A variable is something that changes.
• An independent variable is what we change or manipulate on purpose. We know the value of the variable before we start the experiment.
• A dependent variable is what changes depending on some other factor. It depends on the change you made. This is the variable we are trying to find out about. We do not know the value of the variable before we start the experiment.
• A responding variable responds (reacts) to the change you made.
• A constant is a variable that does not change during the experiment. It stays the same.

A Hypothesis Statement is a statement that expresses what the expected answer to the experiment will be. This is what you think the results of the experiment will show.

• A hypothesis is an educated guess.
• It is a prediction.
• Use an if....then format in a hypothesis statement. For example: I predict that if I drop a ball from a higher height, then it will bounce higher.
• "If" is the variable that changes and "then" is the responding variable.

An Experiment is a planned way to test a hypothesis and find out the answer to the problem statement. To conduct an experiment a scientist develops and follows a procedure (steps to the experiment). The procedure also includes a detailed materials list.

• When conducting an experiment, change one factor and keep everything else the same.
• Remember that the factor you change is the variable and the factor you keep the same is a control.
• An experiment is a way to collect data and determine the value of a dependent variable.
• An experiment compares the independent variable to the dependent variable.
• An experiement can only test one dependent variable at a time.

• Data is the information you get when you test the variable.
• Confirm the results by retesting.
• Modify the procedure if needed. Did you get the same results each time you retested? If not, why? Is there a change you can make that would make the results more consistent?
• Include tables, graphs, and photographs that show your data.

A Conclusion Statement is a statement that presents the findings of an experiment, what the data shows, and states if the hypothesis was correct (supported) or incorrect (negated).

• Conclusion statements also make recommendations for further study and possible improvements to the procedure.