Asking Questions and Defining Problems Based on Observations or Information

The first thing that should be done when performing an investigation using the scientific method is to ? .

• develop an idea to test

• record and analyze test results

• state the conclusion

• state the problem

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

Which of these is a scientific question?

• Which is a better insulator, wood or glass?

• Which is the most beautiful place on Earth?

• Which animal makes a better pet, a cat or a dog?

• Which color is most liked by the majority of people in the world?

Which would be the best high level scientific question?

• Who made the first microscope?

• How many giraffes live in Africa?

• How long ago did dinosaurs live on Earth?

• Does the amount of salt in water affect the temperature it boils at?

Select the question below that is a testable question.

• What helps a plant grow best?

• Does changing the amount of light a plant gets affect how fast is grows?

• How does a plant grow?

• What does a plant need?

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NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What is the first step to the scientific method?

• draw conclusions and publish results

• plan the experiment

• ask a question

• form a hypothesis

Lily is working on a science project and needs to come up with a testable question. Which of the following should she choose?

• One that will require many hours of studying.

• One that must be answered the same day.

• One that can be answered by designing and conducting an experiment.

• One that requires extensive expertise to answer.

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NGSS.MS-PS2-2

NGSS.MS-ETS1-4

Scientific questions have to be...

• Measurable/Investigated

• Easy

• Interesting

• Short

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NGSS.MS-PS1-2

State the problem in the form of a question

• observations

• experimental question

• hypothesis

• control group

ask questions about what you observed 

• observation

• question

• method

• hypothesis

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5