Scientific Method & Inquiry
What is a hypothesis?
A testable prediction or educated guess based on prior knowledge.
What is one thing scientists do when they start investigating a problem?
They ask a testable question or make observations.
What is one example of science helping us in everyday life?
Medicine, clean water, electricity, transportation, or technology like phones.
Which sides do the X and Y axis correspond to?
x-axis on the bottom, y-axis on the side
What is kinetic energy?
The energy of motion—any moving object has it.
What are the 5 steps of the scientific method?
Ask a question, form a hypothesis, test with an experiment, analyze data, draw a conclusion.
What makes a claim strong in science?
It’s clear, specific, and supported by reliable evidence.
What do engineers do that's different from scientists?
Engineers solve real-world problems by designing and building solutions; scientists focus on understanding how things work.
A bar graph shows one bar much taller than the rest. What might that mean?
That value is much higher than the others — it could show a trend, outlier, or strong result.
What is potential energy?
Stored energy based on an object’s position or condition (like height or stretch).
Why do scientists use variables in experiments?
To test how one factor (the independent variable) affects another (the dependent variable).
What does it mean to analyze data?
To look at data to find patterns, trends, or meaning.
How do scientists help during a natural disaster like a wildfire or earthquake?
They predict risks, design warning systems, and study how to reduce harm to people and the environment.
What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative data?
Qualitative is descriptive (colors, textures); quantitative is numerical (measurements, counts).
What happens to potential energy as a ball rolls down a hill?
It transforms into kinetic energy as the ball gains speed.
What makes an experiment a “fair test”?
Only one variable is changed while others are kept constant.
Two students make the same claim but use different evidence. How can a scientist decide which claim is stronger?
A scientist evaluates the quality of the evidence—looking for data that is more reliable, accurate, and relevant. The stronger claim is the one supported by better evidence and clear scientific reasoning.
Why is it important to study how humans affect Earth’s systems (like the atmosphere or oceans)?
So we can find solutions to problems like pollution, climate change, and natural resource loss.
Why is it important to repeat measurements when collecting data?
To reduce errors and increase accuracy and reliability.
A rollercoaster car is at the top of a hill. What kind of energy does it have, and why?
Gravitational potential energy—because it's elevated and gravity can pull it down.
How does using CER (Claim-Evidence-Reasoning) help you write a good scientific explanation?
It helps clearly state your answer (claim), back it up with data (evidence), and explain how the evidence supports your claim (reasoning).
A student claims that plants grow faster with music. How would you test this scientifically?
Design an experiment with two groups of plants—one with music and one without—keeping all other variables the same, then compare growth.
A community has dirty water. How could you use the engineering design process to help?
Identify the problem, research causes, brainstorm solutions, build and test a filter, improve the design, and share results.
You find two studies with different conclusions. What should you do before deciding which one is more trustworthy?
Check how each study was done: sample size, controls, type of data, and source credibility.
A student says a parked car has no energy. Do you agree? Explain using potential or kinetic energy.
Disagree. It has potential energy due to gravity and stored energy (like fuel or battery), even if it’s not moving (no kinetic energy).