Scientific Inquiry and

The Scientific Method

An introductory slide show for the vocabulary, tools, and steps in the scientific process.

Created by Kristina Cochran ©2015Adorable Graphics by MyCuteGraphics.com

Additional pictures from pixabay.com

For the TeacherThis power point includes directions for activities

included in a student study booklet. There are certain materials you will need to complete the

activities. They are listed below.

Vocabulary Terms printout or index cards

File folders or large construction paper to create a folder

glue, scissors, markers/crayons

additional paper or construction paper for add-ons

Scientific Vocabulary

Before you can begin your scientific inquiry, you must first understand the terms you will be using and hearing.

Scientific Vocabulary

standard measuremicroscopespring scaleobservationinferencepredictionestimate

hypothesis

experimentinterpret

scalescientific method

variabledata

Vocabulary Pocket

Today, we are going to define the vocabulary terms and assemble our vocabulary pocket for our

study booklet.I will pass out the vocabulary term sheets. There

are 4 terms per sheet.

DirectionsUsing your text book glossary, a dictionary, and/or an online dictionary, define the vocabulary terms.

When you have finished the definitions, cut apart your vocabulary cards

Place your vocabulary terms into the pocket provided and write “Vocabulary” on the front of the pocket.

Glue the pocket on the inside of you file folder.

If time permits, you may decorate the front of your folder with the following: SCIENCE INQUIRY FOLDER, Your Name and Number, Your Science Class Name, and drawings that relate to science inquiry.

Science ToolsThe tools you will be using in your

inquiries are also important. You need to know what they are and how to use them.

Science Tools

rulermeasuring tape

droppergraduated cylinder

beakermeasuring cupsmagnifying box

hand lensforceps

microscope

slidethermometerpan balancespring scale

standard masstest tube

flask

Ruler• a straight, rigid

device• marked at

regular intervals

• used to draw straight lines and measure lengths and distances

Measuring Tape

• a thin, flexible tool

• marked at intervals

• used for measuring objects

Dropper• a glass or

plastic tub, with a rubber bulb at one end

• used to measure out small drops of liquid

Graduated Cylinder

• a narrow cylinder shaped container

• marked in intervals

• used to measure the volume of liquids

Beaker• a large

cylinder shaped glass or plastic container

• marked in intervals

• used to measure the volume of liquids or to contain other substances

Measuring Cups• a measuring

devices• marked in

specific amounts

• used to measure the volume of liquids or solids

• typically used in cooking

Magnifying Box

• a box or container used to contain objects for observation

• lid contains a magnifying lens for enhanced viewing

Hand Lens

a hand held magnifying

lens

Forceps• a tool used for

holding or grasping objects

• another term for tweezers

Microscope• instrument

used to view very small objects

• Magnifies the objects hundreds of times

• typically used to see objects not viewable with the human eye

Slide• small,

rectangular piece of glass or plastic

• used to hold specimens for viewing with a microscope

Thermometer• instrument

used to measure how hot or cold something is

• marked in intervals

• measures in Fahrenheit and Celsius

Pan Balance• used to weigh

or compare mass of objects

• marked in intervals

• use mass weights to determine actual mass

Spring Scale

tool used to determine mass of objects using a tension spring

Standard Mass

objects having specific

weights used with scales

and balances to determine the mass of

objects

Test Tube• thin, glass or

plastic tube• closed at one

end, rounded at the other

• holds small amounts of materials

• used in lab testing and experiments

Flask• narrow neck

glass or plastic container

• marked in intervals

• used to hold liquids in laboratories and experiments

More Science ToolsYou will be also using tables, charts, and/or

graphs to display data from your experiments and investigations. There are several kinds you

may already be familiar with.Charts, Tables, and Graphs

TablesData is organized in rows and columns

Bar GraphsData is displayed using horizontal or vertical bars. The

bars represent a given data set using a scale.

Line GraphsData is displayed using connected points on a graph.

The line represents a given data set using a scale.

Circle GraphData is displayed in a circle divided into sections. Each section represents a part of the whole and allows for a comparison between sections and the whole. Another

term for circle graph is pie chart.

The Scientific Method

Now that we are familiar with the vocabulary and the tools you will be using, you need to know the process it takes to

complete a scientific inquiry or experiment.Steps in the Scientific

Method1. Make an Observation2. Ask a Question and Research3. Make a Hypothesis4. Design and Conduct and Experiment5. Analyze Results & Draw Conclusions6. Report Results

ObservationWhat we see, hear, smell, feel, or taste often lead us to wonder about things.

When you want to design an experiment, begin here. Look around. What observations can you make that cause you wonder…

My Observation

“I saw this weird ice cream called Dippin Dots.”

Question“What if…”

These two words lead to the beginning of a scientific investigation.

First, observe.

“ I saw a kid eating Dippin Dots at the water park. That’s some really strange ice cream!

Next, question.

“I wonder if it melts slower than ice cream scoops?”

Your question should be one that can lead you to make a discovery. It should begin with words such as what, when, where, why, or how.

Once you have your question, you need to do some research. If I want to know if Dippin Dots melt slower, I must first learn about Dippin Dots. Using research tools, I would find information and learn about Dippin Dots. This will help me when I begin to design an experiment.

ResearchDippin Dots

From www.dippindots.com

• tiny beads of ice cream, yogurt, sherbet, and flavored ice

• flash frozen

• can melt if not stored correctly

• require sub-zero storage

• would stick together in your home freezer

HypothesisA hypothesis is an educated guess about what might happen in a scientific investigation.

If my questions is:

“Will a scoop of Dippin Dots melt slower than a scoop of ice cream?

After my research, I could formulate the hypothesis:

“Dippin Dots will not melt slower than a scoop of ice cream.

Now that you have your hypothesis you can begin to design an experiment to test your hypothesis.

ExperimentAn experiment is a step by step process for testing a hypothesis. Experiment should be repeated several times. We call these trials.

These questions will help you design an experiment.

• What materials will you need?

• What are your variables? Variables are the things that stay the same and things that change .

• How will you measure and record your data?

• What will my data table or chart look like?

As a class, think of possible answers to these questions.

ExperimentLet’s design an experiment

together.

Create a materials list.

Determine your variables.

Write step by step directions on how you will conduct your experiment.

Design a data table to record your observations or measurements.

Our ExperimentLet’s begin with the materials list.

The materials are everything your will use to conduct the experiment.

What will we need for our experiment?

Dippin Dots, ice cream, measuring spoons, containers, timer, lamp,

graduated cylinders

Can you think of anything else?

Our ExperimentNow, what are our variables?

A variable is any object, event, or category you are trying to measure. There are two kinds of variables: independent and

dependent. There can be more than one.

Independent Variable: It is NOT changed. It is constant.

Dependent Variable: Changes depending on other factors

What do you think our variables will be for our experiment?

Independent: containers, amount, time

Dependent: Dippin Dots, ice cream

Our ExperimentWhat are we going to measure?

In this experiment, we are going to measure the amount of liquid there is after a specific amount of

time for each trial.

Experiments need to be repeated at least 3 times; each time is called a trial.

Let’s design a table to record our data.

A table arranged information in rows and columns.

Our ExperimentOur table can look like this.

Which Ice Cream Melts Faster?

Dippin Dots Liquid Ice Cream Liquid

Trial 1

Trial 2

Trial 3

Our ExperimentHere is an example of step by step directions

for this experiment.

Step 1: Measure out an equal amount of Dippin Dots and ice cream and place each into a

container.

Step 2: Place each container under the lamp so each one receives the same amount of light.

Step 3: Set the timer for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Pour the melted ice cream/ Dippin Dots liquid into separate graduated cylinders and

record the amount on the data table.

Step 5: Clean your materials and then repeat the experiment at least two more times.

DataDocuments your times,

measured amounts, etc. as you conduct the experiment and write the information

down on your chart or table.

Describe what you see, hear, smell, feel, or

taste- if that is part of the experiment- with

your data.

Observations

Our ExperimentAfter you complete all of your trials, look at

your data and analyze the similarities, differences, and other observations.

*the following data table is NOT from an actual experiment. It was designed for instructional purposes only.

In all three trials, there was more melted liquid in the ice cream container than in the Dippin Dots container. The ice cream appeared to melt faster than the Dippin

Dots.

Which Ice Cream Melts Faster?

Dippin Dots Ice Cream

Trial 1 3mL 5mL

Trial 2 4 mL 5mL

Trial 3 2 mL 6 mL

Results & Conclusion

Conclusions begin with analyzing the results of your experiment by taking a close look at the data you collected.

What did you notice about the data in each trial? How did it changed, if there

were any changes?

In the conclusion, use the results and the data to write about whether or not the experiment supported your hypothesis. Write about factors the effected your

experiment and how you would change them if you did it again.

ReportWhen scientists have finished conducting their experiments, analyzing the results, and writing their conclusions, they publish their results.

Examples of published results are:

• scientific journals

• posters at school

• display boards in a science fair