The goal of science is to understand how the world works by applying human intelligence to observe patterns in nature and develop testable theories. Scientific theories help make predictions but do not reveal absolute truth as science is an ongoing process of testing, revising, and occasionally discarding theories. Investigations in science involve asking questions, making observations, collecting data, interpreting results, and comparing conclusions with others to build a better understanding of the world.

1. The Nature of Science

2. What is the goal of science?
Science is the application of human intelligence to figuring
out how the world works. Science is based on the
assumption that the basic rules are everywhere the same in
the universe.
The patterns observed in nature can be understood and
studied. A scientific theory is the best explanation of a
particular phenomena. A scientific theory is always testable.
Scientific theories help us make predictions about the world
around us.

3. How is science done?
In science, the testing, revising, and occasional discarding
of theories, new and old, never ends. This ongoing process
leads to a better understanding of how things work in the
world but not to absolute truth.
Investigations are conducted for different reasons,
including to explore new phenomena, to check on
previous results, to test how well a theory predicts,
and to compare theories.
Investigations involve asking questions, making
observations, collecting data, interpreting data, and
comparing conclusions with those of others.

4. Inquiry Process

5. Inquiry Process Vocabulary
Term Definition
Investigation n. A search for an answer... looking for and making sense of clues.
Observation n. Using the senses to gather information
Using the senses to gather information about the quality of something...without
Qualitative Observation
numbers, such as hardness, shape, color.
Quantitative Observation Using the senses with tools for measuring and gathering numerical information
Problem A question which calls for an investigation.
Data Information, mostly numbers with units

6. Inquiry Process Vocabulary
The guess at the answer to the problem, stated in two parts, "If
Hypothesis _________(suspected cause), then _______(expected
response)."
A test of the hypothesis, seeing if two variables have a cause and
Experiment
effect relationship.
Variable Things that change or can be changed.
The changes an experimenter purposefully makes. The believed
Independent
cause in the experiment. Written in the first part of the hypothesis
variable
after the "If___"
Treatment The different measures of the independent variable.
Trial Each test of a treatment.

7. Inquiry Process Vocabulary
Repeated trial When a treatment is tested more than once.
Control Trials that have no treatment.
Constants Possible variables that are kept from changing during the experiment.
The response to the experimenter's puposefull changes. The effect.
Dependent variable
Written in the second part of the hypothesis, after the "then, ________"
An organized chart on which to keep data from the independent and
Data Table
dependent variables.
Analysis A study of data for patterns, error and meaning

8. Inquiry Process Vocabulary
Tells whether the data does or does not support the hypothesis and
Conclusion how. Attempts to explain the meaning of strange data. Suggests
improvements to the experiment to avoid errors in data.
the best explanation of a particular phenomena. A scientific theory is
Scientific Theory
always testable
Inference a conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning