Scientific inquiry

Scientific inquiry

​Scientific inquiry refers to the diverse ways in which scientists study the natural world and propose explanations based on the evidence derived from their work.

Pattern seeking

Observing and recording natural phenomena, carrying out surveys or collecting data from secondary sources. Then looking to identify patterns in the data.

Researching

Gathering and analysing scientific findings to answer a question or to provide background information to help explain observed events. Research can also show how scientists’ ideas have changed over time as new evidence has been found

Fair testing

Observing or measuring the effect of changing one variable whilst keeping other potential variables constant.

Observing over time

Making careful observations of objects or events and how they change over time.

Identifying and classifying

Identifying features that allow things to be organised into distinct groups. Recognise things as part of a specific group and name them.

Now, read the questions and decide which type of scientific inquiry is being used.

Multiple Choice

Is it a living thing or not?

• Fair testing

• Identifying and classifying

• Pattern seeking

• Researching

Multiple Choice

How do habitats change during the year?

• Observing over time

• Fair testing

• Pattern seeking

• Identifying and classifying

Multiple Choice

Which paper towel soaks up most water?

• Identifying and classifying

• Observing over time

• Researching

• Fair testing

Multiple Choice

Where does glass come from and when did we start using it?

• Pattern seeking

• Fair testing

• Researching

• Observing over time

Multiple Choice

Do tall people have bigger feet?

• Pattern seeking

• Observing over time

• Identifying and classifying

• Fair testing

Multiple Choice

Are older children in our class taller?

• Researching

• Pattern seeking

• Fair testing

• Observing over time

Multiple Choice

Why does the moon change every night?

• Observing over time

• Patter seeking

• Fair testing

• Researching

Multiple Choice

How does the temperature of water affect the rate at which sugar dissolves?

• Observing over time

• Fair testing

• Pattern seeking

• Identifying and classifying

Multiple Choice

How do our shadows change during a day?

• Pattern seeking

• Identifying and classifying

• Observing over time

• Fair testing

Multiple Choice

Can we identify which objects will float and which will sink?

• Identifying and classifying

• Observing over time

• Researching

• Pattern seeking

Poll

Did you understand?

• Oh yeah!

• Most of it.

• Some things are clear to me.

• Not at all.