Scientific inquiry uses a methodical process called the scientific method to answer questions through experiments and data collection. The scientific method involves stating a problem, developing a hypothesis, designing an experiment to test the hypothesis by manipulating a variable while controlling others, collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, and drawing a conclusion supported by the data. Hypotheses are educated guesses about outcomes, experiments require control of variables like amount of water and sunlight in a plant experiment, and data comes in forms like descriptions, measurements, and quantities to prove conclusions.

1. Scientific Inquiry
Scientific Method and Data

2. Scientific Inquiry
• Science is the pursuit of
answers to questions.
• Scientists answer
questions by designing
experiments and
gathering data to test a
hypothesis.
• The process used to find
answers is called
“Scientific Inquiry” or the
“Scientific Method.”

3. Scientific Method: This is a series of steps used by scientists to solve
problems. There are many paths that can be taken to solve a problem, here
is one possible method:
State the problem  gather information  develop a hypothesis 
experiment  collect and interpret data  state a conclusion

4. Hypothesis: This is an educated guess. It is what you expect the outcome of
your experiment or the answer to your question to be.
Parts of an Experiment:
•Variables: Something that can affect the outcome of an
experiment. All variables must be kept the same except for the ONE
variable you are testing (The manipulated or independent variable.

5. •Manipulated Variable: the one variable that is changed by the
experimenter. Also known as the Independent Variable.
•Responding Variable: the variable that is expected to change as a
result of what you did to the manipulated variable. Also known as the
Dependent Variable (it depends on the independent variable).

6. Experiment
• In order for the results of an
experiment to be valid or
good, all the variables (parts)
of an experiment must be
or .
in the experiment is
the one thing you are testing.
This is called the
“ ” or
.
In a plant experiment, what
needs to be controlled?

7. What needs to be controlled in a plant
experiment?
• Question: I wonder what
plant fertilizer grows the
best plants?
• Hypothesis: I think
Miracle Grow because it’s
the most expensive.
• Controlled Variables:
Amount of water, amount
of sunlight, type of plant,
type of soil…
• Manipulated Variable:
Type of fertilizer.

8. • Data can be QUALITATIVE or
QUANTITATIVE.
• Qualitative Data are all of
the observable qualities of
your test subject: taste,
smell, color – Descriptions.
Qualitative Data: Brown, Liquid,
Warm, Roasted, Rich Aroma

9. • Quantitative Data is any
data that involves
measurement, a number, or
quantity.
Qualitative Data: There are three cups. The volume of
each cup is 12 oz. The coffee temperature is 95 degrees
Celsius.

11. Why is Data Important?
• Data is what you and
scientists use to prove
or explain the outcome
of an experiment.
These are the facts that
you use in your
conclusion.
• Your conclusion must
use qualitative and/or
quantitative data!