Lesson 3 Scientific Inquiry

1.3 Learning Objectives Explain what scientific inquiry is and how it involves posing questions and developing hypotheses. Explain how to design and conduct an experiment so that it uses sound scientific principles. Differentiate between a scientific theory and a scientific law. 7.NS.1 Make predictions and develop testable questions 7.NS.2 Plan and carry out investigations 7.NS.3 Collect quantitative data with correct units 7.NS.4 Incorporate variables that can be changed 7.NS.6 Test predictions with multiple trials 7.NS.8 Analyze data, identify patterns and make inferences 7.NS.9 Evaluate causes of differing results 7.NS.10 Compare results with prediction 7.NS.11 Communicate findings using models. 7.DP.2 Brainstorm solutions

Ch. 1, Lesson 3 Scientific Inquiry: diverse ways scientists study the natural world and propose explanations *Multi-path process* Some scientists run experiments Some scientists study available data and make inferences

Ch. 1, Lesson 3 Posing Questions EXAMPLE Process begins with a problem, question, or observation EXAMPLE Problem: What questions could the scientists ask to start the scientific inquiry?

Ch. 1, Lesson 3 Hypothesis Possible explanation for a set of observations or answer to a scientific question Must be testable Gather evidence to support or disprove hypothesis

Ch. 1, Lesson 3 Design an Experiment Must design an experiment Controlled Experiment – only one variable changes at a time Independent variable: called the manipulated variable; Changed on purpose Dependent variable : called the responding variable; Factor that may change in response to the independent variable

Ch. 1, Lesson 3 Collecting & Interpreting Data Graphing Results Data - facts and figures involved in the experiment Record all observations Graphing Results Use a graph to show data Reveals patterns or trends Independent/ Manipulated variable on x-axis Dependent/ Responding variable on y-axis

Example

Ch. 1, Lesson 3 Draw Conclusions Communication Overall Summary Make a decision Data support hypothesis? Experiment may raise new ?’s Communication Tell the world your results!!!

Ch. 1, Lesson 3 Scientific Theories & Laws Theory: well-tested explanation for wide range of observations Law: statement that describes what scientists expect to happen every time under certain conditions Big Difference: law describes a pattern in nature, but does not explain it