What is scientific inquiry?
• Scientific inquiry refers to the
many ways in which
scientists study the natural
world and propose
explanations based on the
evidence they gather.
• Scientific inquiry has been
used by scientists since the
early 1700s, and is used by
scientists all over the world.
• Read through the list of
steps.
How does scientific inquiry begin?
• It often begins with
a problem or
question about an
observation.
• How important are
observations?
• What scientific
attitude might
generate a
question?
Curiosity!
• Turn to page
Inquiry6
• Curiosity drives a
scientist to ask
questions.
When is a question testable?
• A testable
question is one
that can be
answered by
designing and
conducting an
experiment.
How do you write a testable
question?
• Testable questions always have the
same format…
What effect does (Manipulated or Independent
Variable) have on (Responding or Dependent Variable)?
• What is a manipulated(IV) or a
responding(DV) variable?
What is the manipulated or
independent variable?
• The independent
or manipulated
variable is the thing
that is deliberately
manipulated to
cause a change in
the dependent
variable. (It is what
I aM testing.)
(Cause)
M
IV
What is the responding or
dependent variable?
• The dependent or
responding
variable is the thing
that is observed
changing in
response to the
independent
variable. (Depends
on what you do.)
(Effect)
R
DV
Writing a testable question
• You may find yourself in one of two
situations:
1. You have a question, but it is not
testable.
2. You have an interest, but you don’t
have a question.
How to Turn a NonTestable Question into a
Testable Question
• Step 1: Read the question carefully.
EX: Which brand of shoe makes you run
faster: Nike or New Balance?
• Step 2: Determine the manipulated and
the responding variable in the question.
EX: Question: Which brand of shoe makes
you run faster: Nike or New Balance?
• In your teams:
1. What's the IV or manipulated variable?
2. What's the DV or responding variable?
• Manipulated variable (What‛s being
changed on purpose?): brand of shoe
• Responding variable (What‛s being
measured?): running speed (m/min)
• Step 3: Plug the variables into
the “What effect does ____
have on ____?” format.
What effect does the brand of running
shoe have on running speed (m/min)?
What is a constant variable?
Let’s Practice!
• Does carbon dioxide
in the atmosphere
cause the
atmosphere to warm
up?
• Team…(variables
and question)
Answer
• IV or Manipulated variable: carbon
dioxide in the atmosphere
• DV or Responding variable:
atmospheric temperature (ºC)
• What effect does the amount of carbon
dioxide in the atmosphere have on
atmospheric temperature (ºC)?