1. 1-2: Scientific Inquiry
What role do models, theories, and laws play in scientific investigation?

2. Anticipatory Set
What are some problems you’ve solved recently, such as having to fix something or having to decide how to proceed in treating an injury or illness? What were the steps you used in solving this problem?

3. California Standards
Science Standard 8.9.a: Plan and conduct a scientific investigation to test a hypothesis.
Science Standard 8.9.c: Distinguish between variable and controlled parameters in a test.

4. Input
scientific inquiry: the different ways scientists study the natural world.
hypothesis: possible answer to a scientific question.
parameter: factor that can be measured.
manipulated variable: the variable parameter that is purposely changed.

5. Input
responding variable: the variable parameter that is expected to change in response to the manipulated variable.
controlled experiment: an investigation where only one parameter is manipulated at a time.
data: facts, figures, and evidence
model: picture, diagram, computer image, or representation

6. Input
scientific theory: well-tested explanation for a wide range of observations or results.
scientific law: statement that describes what scientists expect to happen every time under a particular set of conditions.

7. COLLECT AND INTERPRET DATA
Analysis
POSE A QUESTION
FORM A HYPOTHESIS
DESIGN AN EXPERIMENT
COLLECT AND INTERPRET DATA
DRAW CONCLUSIONS
COMMUNICATE
THE NATURE OF INQUIRY

8. Modeling
Scientists design an experiment in such a way that the experimental results will prove or disprove the hypothesis.
A hypothesis leads to predictions that can be tested.
A prediction must be testable by observation or experiment.

9. Modeling
A controlled experiment may yield quantitative observations that can be recorded in a table or graph.
A data table provides an organized way to collect and record observations.
Graphs are a useful way to analyze quantitative data because they can reveal trends or patterns in data.

10. Modeling
Scientists use models and develop theories and laws to increase people’s understanding of the natural world.
A theory is only accepted when there is a large body of evidence that supports it. If future evidence no longer supports the theory, scientists modify it.
A law is a statement of a pattern or a rule of nature. Laws have been verified over and over again and do not offer an explanation.

11. Check for Understanding
What is a possible answer to a scientific question or explanation for a set of observations?
hypothesis
How can a graph help you analyze data?
It can reveal a trend or pattern in data.

12. Check for Understanding
How do scientific theories differ from scientific laws?
Unlike a theory, a scientific law describes an observed pattern in nature without trying to explain it.

13. Guided Practice Independent Practice Answer #1, 6&8 Finish the
worksheet.
Posing questions, developing hypotheses, experiments, data, conclusions, communication
Hypothesis
8. Communicating

14. HOMEWORK EXTENSION
Write a detailed SUMMARY of the section and complete the UNANSWERED QUESTIONS section of your notes.
Choose two of the remaining Depth & Complexity ICONS in your notes and explain how they relate to this section.