• use careful observations and measurements to develop descriptive findings about an organism, substance, reaction, or natural process
  • can include both quantitative and/or qualitative data
  • include the following parts of scientific inquiry:
    • observations
    • scientific research question
    • procedure
    • data, graphs, analysis
    • conclusion
  • do not include hypothesis or predictions
  • can be identified with the following key words:
    • observe
    • describe
    • list
    • identify
  • Example: observing cells under a microscope and diagramming what is seen
  • involve collecting data on different organisms/objects/features, or collecting data under different conditions (e.g., times of year, temperatures, locations) to make comparisons
  • involve looking for patterns or trends by comparing similarities and differences over time and under various circumstances
  • include the following parts of scientific inquiry:
    • observations
    • scientific research question
    • hypothesis
    • procedure
    • variables (independent and dependent)
    • data, graphs, analysis
    • conclusion
  • do not include a control group
  • can be identified with the following key words:
    • compare/contrast
    • similarity/difference
    • categorize
  • Example: comparing two different types of leaves to see which one has a greater rate of transportation
  • involve a process in which a "fair test" is designed and variables are actively manipulated, controlled, and measured in an effort to gather evidence to support or refute a causal relationship
  • involve determining how a variable affects a control and experimental group
  • include the following parts of scientific inquiry:
    • observations
    • scientific research question
    • hypothesis
    • procedure
    • variables (independent and dependent)
    • control and experimental group
    • data, graphs, analysis
    • conclusion
  • can be identified with the following key words:
    • control and experimental groups
    • constants
    • testing the effects of …
  • Example: testing to see how the height of a ramp effects how far a marble will roll