Scientific Inquiry

Biblical Reference

Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.

Psalm 111:2

What is Science?• Science is the investigation and exploration

of natural events and of new information that results from those investigations.– Using reasoning, creativity, and skepticism to

solve problems.

• People from many backgrounds, interests and talents have contributed to science over thousands of years.

Three Branches of Science• Life Science – the study

of all living things

• Earth Science – the study of the Earth and the forces that shape the Earth’s surface

• Physical Science – the study of chemistry and physics

Life Science• Study of all organisms and the many

processes that occur in them.• Questions from a Life Scientist:

– How do plant and animal cells differ?– How do animals survive in the desert?– How do viruses spread?

Earth Science• Study of the processes that occur

on, deep within and above the Earth

• Questions from an Earth Scientist:– What are the properties of

minerals?– How do volcanoes form?– How is energy transferred?

Physical Science• Study of Matter (Chemistry)

and Energy (Physics)• Questions from a Physical

Scientist:– What happens to energy

during chemical reactions?– How does gravity affect

roller coasters?– What are protons, neutrons

and electrons?

Branches of Science

Scientific Inquiry

Ask Questions• Asking a question is often the first step in

using scientific methods.

• Asking a question usually results from making many observations, using one of more of the five senses.

Form a Hypothesis• After scientists ask a question, their next

step is usually to form a hypothesis.

• A hypothesis is a possible explanation or answer to a question.

• A good hypothesis is a testable idea that leads to scientific investigation.

• A prediction is a statement of what will happen next in a sequence of events

Test the Hypothesis• After scientists form a hypothesis, they

usually test the hypothesis to find out if it is a reasonable answer to their question.

• If the prediction is not confirmed, the hypothesis might need revision

Organize and Analyze Data• Analyzing results by using

tables and graphs helps scientists understand relationships between the data.

Organize and Analyze Data• Scientists must determine whether inferences or

conclusions can be made from the data.– An inference is a logical explanation of an observation

that is drawn from prior knowledge or experience.

• Analyzing data from repeated tests can help scientists determine if their data are accurate and reproducible.– Data are reproducible when you get similar data from

many tests.

• If the hypothesis is not supported, it may have to be modified.

Draw Conclusions• After scientists analyze the results, they draw

conclusions about whether their hypothesis was supported.

• Valid conclusions can only be obtained with reproducible data.

– Data are considered reproducible when scientists get similar data from many repeated tests.

– Reproducible data helps scientists make sure that the results of their experiment were not an accident

Communicate the Results• After drawing conclusions, scientists often

communicate their results.

• When scientists communicate their results, it allows others to continue the investigation.

• Results can be communicated through scientific papers, presentations, and the Internet.

Results of Scientific Inquiry• Scientists perform scientific inquiry to find

answers to questions.– Who, what, when, where, why or how

• The practical use of scientific knowledge, especially for industrial or commercial use is technology.

New Materials & Technology• Corporations,

governments and universities spend millions of dollars to design new materials and technologies.

– Using the Scientific Inquiry Cycle

New Objects & Events• NASA’s Hubble Telescope has identified

several thousand new planets and galaxies.• Scientists discovered bacteria in a lake 60-

feet below the ice on Antarctica.• Scientific research indicates that stem cells

can be used to treat and cure many diseases.

Scientific Theory and Law• A scientific theory is an explanation

of observations or events based on knowledge gained from many observations and investigations.

• A scientific law describes a pattern or an event in nature that is always true.

Scientific Theory and Law• Critical thinking is comparing what you

already know with the information you are given in order to decide whether you agree with it.

Scientific Theory and Law• To prevent bias in an investigation, sampling,

repetition, and blind studies can be helpful.– Bias: Intentional or unintentional prejudice

towards a certain outcome.

– Sampling: A small, random representation of the whole population

– Repetition: Experiments are conducted multiple times to ensure the results are valid.

– Blind Studies: The investigator, subject or both do not know which sample they are testing.

Scientific Theory and Law• Questions about personal opinions, values,

beliefs, and feelings cannot be answered scientifically.

• Scientists follow safety procedures when they conduct investigations.

• Ethics are especially important when using living things during investigations

Pop Quiz

A. biologyB. Earth scienceC. life science D. physical science

Which is the study of chemistry and physics?

Pop Quiz

A. hypothesis B. inference C. prediction D. observation

Which term refers to a statement of what will happen next in a sequence of events?

Pop Quiz

A. critical thinkingB. inference C. observation D. scientific law

Which refers to comparing what you already know with the information you are given in order to decide whether you agree with it?