Hobbies And Interests
Observation
Observation is the first step in any scientific inquiry. Observation leads to asking important questions which will guide the rest of the research. For example, if a student is asked to observe the sky, his observations could include the color of the sky, appearance of clouds, number of clouds and whether it is sunny or not.
Ask a Question
All the observations will lead to asking questions. For example, in the case of observing the sky a student may note the sky is blue. "Why is the sky blue?" is a natural question that may arise from the observations the student made. The observations on any object may give rise to numerous questions. However, for the inquiry process only one question about one item can be researched at one time.
Research
The question you have asked has probably been asked before. Once you have asked the question, find out what you can about what other scientists and researchers have to say about the topic. Research requires the use of reliable resources such as science books and trusted websites. This research will help develop the hypothesis regarding your question and the design of the experiment to test the question.
Hypothesis
The hypothesis is a prediction of the answer to the question based upon your observations and research. The hypothesis must be testable through the use of an experiment. A hypothesis statement is written in the form of an "if/then" statement. Using the, "Why is the sky blue?" question, a hypothesis may be, "If the sky is blue because of all the water on the surface of the planet, then when light is bounced off any surface the reflected color will be blue." This statement provides a testable experiment with verifiable or falsifiable results.
Experiment
The experiment is where the hypothesis is put to the test. In this stage of the process all the equipment and experimental procedure is written down in great detail. This is required so that other researchers can repeat if they want to confirm the results of your experiment. During the course of the experiment, write down observations and notes. These notes will be helpful later on to help analyze the results of the experiment.
Analyze the Data
Depending on the experiment, the data recorded may be in the form of numbers or in observations on the results of the experiment. Organize the data in the form of graphs or charts to make the data easy to understand. The data helps you draw conclusions as to whether the hypothesis has been supported by your experiment or whether it should be rejected. As you analyze the data, take additional notes on items that surprise you and things that you may do differently if you complete the experiment again.
Draw a Conclusion
The conclusion is the culmination of the entire inquiry process. The conclusion should include all aspects from the observations that lead to the question, to the research that lead to the hypothesis and the experiment and data which lead to the determination if the hypothesis should be accepted or rejected. The conclusion also includes other questions that may have arisen during the course of the experiment, unique experiences during the experiment and what could have been done differently for the experiment.
Share the Results
Scientists must share the results of their inquiry to other scientists. This information is then accessible to other scientists during their research phases. A scientist should not change the hypothesis of the experiment to match the results. This is unethical. There is no shame in having a hypothesis proven false. This information is just as important as a confirmed hypothesis and will encourage scientists to look elsewhere for answers.