1. Scientific Inquiry
Ms. Oxendine

2. Objective Develop a definition of science.
Classify information as an observation or an inference.
Classify information as a hypothesis or a prediction.
Understand the difference between a scientific theory and a scientific law.
Descibe a scientific model

3. What is Science? Think-Pair-Share Think: On pg 7. Of your notebook…
Write, “What is Science?” as the title.
Answer the question in 2-3 sentences.
Update your Table of Contents
Pair: Turn to your shoulder neighbor and discuss your ideas.
Share: We will discuss ideas as a class.

4. Scientific Inquiry Notes
Instructions: Fill in the blanks on the notes sheet. Paste in your notebook according to teacher instructions.

5. What is Science?
Science is the investigation of natural events and the new information that results from these events.

6. Branches of Science There are three branches of science:
Physical Science: study of matter and energy
Earth Science: study of the earth and the processes that occur in and on the Earth
Life Science: study of life and it’s processes

7. Scientific Inquiry Process
When scientists conduct investigations they are trying to answer questions about the natural world.
To answer these questions they use SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY.
AKA the scientific method.
However, there is no single scientific method.
The skills scientists use to conduct their investigation can be used in any order.

8. Scientific Inquiry Process
Hypothesis Supported
Hypothesize and Predict
Analyze Results
Draw Conclusions
Modify Hypothesis

9. Results of scientific inquiry
New technology
New objects or events
Example: galaxies in space
Answers to questions
Treatment for HIV or cancer

10. Are you paying attention?
How many branches of science are there? 4 3 5 2
What is scientific inquiry?
The investigation and explanation of events in the natural world.
The branch of science that deals with matter and energy.
The process scientists use to investigate the natural world.
The branch of science that deals with life and it’s processes.
What are the results of scientific inquiry?
New treatments for disease
Faster internet speeds
Discover new species of fish
All of the above

11. Pg 8 of your notebook...
Write the following questions and answer them.
What is scientific inquiry?
Explain 2 steps scientists use when conducting scientific inquiry?
If test results do not support a scientist’s hypothesis is the inquiry a failure? Explain your answer.
What are the results of scientific inquiry?

12. Warm up
Use this time to work on your flashcards. Use the bird book for reference.

13. Inquiry Skills Foldable
On pg 9 of your notebook,
Label the flaps with the following:
Observation
Inference
Hypothesis
Prediction

14. Inquiry Skills
Inquiry Skills: The skills a scientist needs to answer a scientific question.
They include:
Observation
Inference
Predict
Hypothesis

15. Observation
Observations are the results of using 1 or more of your senses to gather information.
Ex: The room is purple.

16. Inference
An inference is a logical explanation of an observation drawn from prior knowledge or experience.
Ex: Since you’ve been in my class for a week, you probably inferred that I like different kinds of music.
How is this different from an observation?

18. Prediction
A prediction is a statement of what will happen next in a sequence of events.
Ex: My cell phone’s home screen does not light up when the home button is pressed.
Prediction: Plugging my phone up to the charger will cause the home screen to turn on.

19. Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a possible explanation for an observation that can be tested through scientific investigation.
Ex: My cell phone will not come on when the home button is pressed.
Since my phone is battery operated, charging the battery for 30 minutes will allow the screen to light up when the home button is pressed.
How is this different from a prediction?

20. Evaluate the statements...
It is cloudy outside, it might rain today.
Since fast food is loaded with fat & grease, I will gain 10 pounds if I eat fast food every day for 1 week.
When the temperature drops, the leaves will change colors because leaf color change is related to temperature.
When it gets cold outside, the leaves will change colors.
I will catch the flu if I come into contact with an infected person.
Getting my flu shot in October, will eliminate the possibility of me catching the flu in November.

21. Warm Up On pg 9
Below your foldable,
Explain in 4-5 sentences why scientists need inquiry skills.

22. Theory vs Law Think-Pair-Share
Think: Think about the words “theory” and “law”. What is the difference between these words? How did you know? Write your ideas on pg 10 of your notebook.
Pair: Turn to your neighbor and share your ideas.
Share: We will discuss ideas as a class. You will be asked to discuss your shoulder partner’s ideas so LISTEN CLOSELY!

23. Scientific Theory
A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of the natural world is acquired through the scientific method.
Confirmed through observation and experimentation.
Aim to predict and to explain aspects of the physical universe or other specific areas of inquiry.
Testable. Can be debunked, rejected, or modified
A hypothesis that has been accepted by the scientific community.
Example: The Theory of Evolution
States that organisms change over time due to changes in their physical traits or behavior

24. Scientific Law
A scientific law is a statement based on repeated experimental observations
Always true, under every condition!
Do not explain. Makes predictions.
Example: Newton’s Law of Gravitation
Predicted the behavior of a dropped object

25. Notebook Activity Complete the following in your notebook:
Pg. 10: Summarize what a scientific theory and scientific law are (include similarities, differences, examples. )
Pg. 11: Evaluate the statements. Label them as T/L.
Pg 11: Complete the Venn Diagram

26. Observe the pictures: How are they similar?different?

27. Scientific Model
A representation of an idea, idea, object, or process that is used to describe natural events that cannot be experienced directly.
Requirements of scientific model:
Generate Predictions
Should be testable
Simplifies a complex idea
Supported by evidence

28. Why do scientists create models?
Scientists create models because
To help them understand how systems work
Visualize complex properties, structures, or behavior
Can change over time due new evidence and collaborating with other scientists

30. Create A Model
Task : Create a model of St. Paul’s Middle School layout. (a map)
Criteria:
Each group member must must participate!
Your model must satisfy all of the requirements of a model.
You should label what things represent.