Asking Scientific Questions

Asking questions is a vital part of the scientific process, but it’s not enough to simply ask any question. Science is about asking good questions that can be answered through direct observation or w/ scientific tools. While initially observing a phenomena, you should identify variables (things that you can change in order to change what you are observing). Scientific questions seek to determine the relationship between variables through experimentation or investigation. The answers to scientific questions are the results of experiments and investigations and DO NOT rely on beliefs, biases, wishes or desires. SCIENCE RELIES ON FACTS!

• GOT IT!

• I don't get it.

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NGSS.MS-PS1-2

In science class we refer to observable events as _______________.

• Phenomena

• Experiments

• Question

• Explosions

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

Which of the following statements is NOT true about good scientific questions.

• Their results can be quantifiably measured and interpreted.

• They examine the relationship between variables.

• They can be investigated through controlled experiments.

• They are based on values or opinions.

Scientific questions are __________.

• Vague

• Specific

Scientific questions are __________.

• Based on opinions

• Based on facts

• Based on biases

• Based on wishes

True or False: Scientific questions examine the relationship between phenomena (observable events).

• True

• False

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NGSS.MS-PS1-2

Variables are _______________.

• Things that you can change during an experiment and can possibly change what you are observing

• Things that you can change during an experiment but will never change what you are observing

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NGSS.MS-PS2-2

Which is a better scientific question?

• Which sunscreen has the highest spf?

• How does the SPF value of sunscreen affect the amount of UV light that is blocked by the sunscreen?

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NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Which is the better scientific question?

• Which car is the best?

• Which car is able to accelerate the most in 5 seconds?

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NGSS.HS-PS2-1

Which is the better scientific question?

• What hand sanitizer is able to reduce the amount of bacteria that grows on an agar plate?

• What is the best hand sanitizer?

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NGSS.MS-PS1-2