SNC1D

THE SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY PROCESS

What is Science? Write your ideas in the space below.

Scientists want to understand why the things they _____________, and wonder about, happen.
Experiments are important tools that scientists use to help them answer their ______________.
The scientific inquiry process often begins with an _____________________ (due to curiosity or the
identification of a serious problem) and a ______________.

Most of these questions are ____________________________ questions as the process is easier to

test and the answers are typically ______________.

Ex: How does the amount of moisture effect the growth of mould on bread?

The cause: the ___________________________________

 Can be _________________ by the __________________

 Called the _____________________________

The effect: the __________________________________________

 Changes due to the change in the ________________

 Called the __________________________________

We then form a _____________________ (an ______________ to our ______________)

This will ______________ the effect that changing the independent variable will have on the
___________________________________

Usually written “If...then...”

Ex: If the amount of moisture is increased, then the bread will get mouldier more
quickly.
A _____________________ is then developed to test the hypothesis fairly and safely.

 Which independent variable do you want to ____________________?

 How will you _____________________?

 How will you keep all _________________________________ so that they don’t affect your
results?

 What _________________________________________ will you need for the experiment?

 How will you conduct the experiment _________________?

 How will you set up the procedure to __________________________ you need to test your
hypothesis?

_____________________ the experiment and _____________________

Be sure to keep the data organized in a ______________ or ______________, make a

_____________________, or keep _____________________ where appropriate

_____________________ and _____________________ your data

Look for ______________ and ______________ (a ______________ may help with this!)

Be sure to include any ________________ of possible ______________ in order to be fair. Some

errors include:

_____________________ of measuring instrument

Flaw in how the ____________________________

Note: this should not be due to human negligence in carrying out the experiment!

The ______________ is based on the _______ and compares the ______________ with the
______________.

It doesn't matter if your hypothesis was incorrect, it matters that you're honest!

If the data does not support the hypothesis then the scientist must respond to the possibility that the
experimental plan was ______________ or the _____________________ was incorrect and needs
be reassessed and modified.