Unit: Science & Technology Lesson #3 Scientific Inquiry Essential Question: What is scientific inquiry? How do you design and conduct an experiment? What are scientific theories and laws?

What is Scientific Inquiry? The diverse ways in which scientistsScientific inquiry study the natural world and propose explanations based on evidence

What are the steps? 1.) The first step of scientific inquiry that Posing questions is influenced by observations, experiences and inferences A scientist is curious about crickets and poses the question: Do crickets chirp more at high temperatures or low temperatures?

2.) A possible answer to a scientific Hypothesis question. A hypothesis must be testable. The evidence from the investigations will either support or disprove a hypothesis. What are two hypotheses you can make from the scientist’s observation?

How Do You Design and Conduct an Experiment? A test that must follow scientificExperiment principles for its results to be valid 1.) Controlling variables  Factors that can change in an experimentVariables  A variable that is purposely changedManipulated variable  A variable that may change in responseResponding variable to the manipulated variable

2.) Set up a controlled experiment  An experiment in which one variable isControlled experiment manipulated at a time 15 degrees Celsius 20 degrees Celsius 25 degrees Celsius What is the manipulated variable and responding variable?

3.) Awareness of experimental bias 4.) Collecting and Interpreting Data  Facts, figures and other evidence Data gathered through qualitative and quantitative observations Collecting and Interpreting Data A data table helps you organize the information you collect in an experiment. Graphing the data may reveal any patterns in your data.

5.) Drawing Conclusions  It is a summary of what you have learnedConclusion in an experiment. You must examine your data objectively to see if it supports your hypothesis. Many trials are needed for a hypothesis to be accepted as true. Drawing Conclusions Sometimes the same experiment can have very different data.

6.) Communicating  The sharing of ideas and results Communicating with others through writing and speaking

What are Scientific Theories and Laws? 1.) A well tested explanation for a wide Scientific theory range of observations and experimental results. They explain important observations. If they don’t explain new observations they are revised. 2.) A statement that describes whatScientific law scientists expect to happen every time under a particular set of conditions. A law describes a pattern without attempting to explain it.