1. Inquiry Process
(scientific method)

2. An approach to problem
solving,
can be used by anyone

3. Observations
 Observe the workings
of your subject before
starting your
experiment

4. Define the Problem
From observation or research
Always a question
Ex: How much fertilizer makes
beans grow the tallest?

5. Form a Hypothesis
Educated prediction
If…then
Testable – can collect data
(numbers, observations, make and
inference.)

6. A Hypothesis
If I test zero tsp, 1 tsp,
2tsp, and 3tsp of fertilizer on
bean plants, then the beans
with two tsp of fertilizer will
grow tallest.

7. Experiment
Organized way to test a hypothesis
Control: standard for comparison
Ex. Zero tsp of fertilizer

8. Experiment
Constant: the part of the experiment
that stays the same for all trials.
Ex. Amount of heat, light, water, type of
soil, humidity…

9. Experiment
Dependent variable:
what is measured
Ex. Height of plant, number of flowers
Independent variable:
what is tested
Ex. Amount of fertilizer.

10. Field Study
Replaces experiments in situations
where many observations are used to
collect data.
Ex. Animal behavior, dinosaurs

11. Conclusions
Accept or Reject your
hypothesis
Explanation of your data

12. VOCAB
(theory) – well supported,
well tested explanation,
which unifies a broad range of
observations
EX: BIG BANG THEORY

13. VOCAB
(LAW) – a well tested theory
Lots of data...no exceptions
Ex. Gravity, math, thermodynamics,
dominance and recessiveness

14. Inquiry Process
 Observations
 Define a Problem
 Research
 Form a Hypothesis
 Experiment or Field Study
 Conclusions
 Repeat…New Question…New Hypothesis

15. What part of the Inquiry Process
is this Statement?
•Why does the lawn mower not start?
•Answer:Problem Statament
• Life may exists on Mars.
• Answer: Hypothesis
•The purpose of this experiment was to find out why
butterflies migrate in the Fall.
•Answer: Conclusion
• I will need a map, tack pins, yarn, computer analysis
read out.

16. Part of the Inquiry Process?
 None of the beans in the refrigerator
sprouted.
 Answer: Observation
 Life could have originated in earth ’s
atmosphere.
 Answer: Hypothesis
 No maggots appeared in the broth that
was boiled
 Answer: Observation