Unit 9 — Scientific Investigation

Welcome back!

Science begins with curiosity.

Scientists ask questions about the world and then look for evidence to answer them.

You can be a scientist every time you carefully observe, ask questions, and test ideas.

What Is Science?

Science is the study of the natural world.

Scientists study:

• plants
• animals
• weather
• rocks
• water
• space
• light
• sound
• living things

Science helps us understand how the world works.

Asking Questions

Every scientific investigation begins with a question.

For example:

• Why do plants need sunlight?
• What objects float?
• Why does it rain?
• Which paper airplane flies the farthest?

Good questions lead to new discoveries.

Making Observations

An observation is something we notice using our senses or simple tools.

We can observe by:

• looking
• listening
• touching
• smelling
• measuring

Careful observations help scientists collect accurate information.

Making Predictions

Before doing an investigation, scientists often make a prediction.

A prediction is an educated guess based on what we already know.

For example:

"I think the plant in the sunlight will grow taller."

Predictions help us compare what we expect with what actually happens.

Conducting an Investigation

A simple investigation usually follows these steps:

1. Ask a question.
2. Make a prediction.
3. Test your idea.
4. Observe carefully.
5. Record what happened.
6. Share what you learned.

Following these steps helps keep investigations organized and fair.

Recording Results

Scientists keep careful records.

They may use:

• notebooks
• drawings
• charts
• tables
• photographs

Good records make it easier to remember and explain discoveries.

Activity

Choose a simple question to investigate.

Example:

Which paper towel absorbs the most water?

Write:

• your question
• your prediction
• what you observed
• what you learned

Share your results with your class or family.

Practice

Answer these questions.

What is an observation?

What is a prediction?

Why do scientists keep records?

What is the first step in an investigation?

Why is it important to observe carefully?

Review

Today you learned:

• science begins with curiosity
• scientists ask questions
• observations provide evidence
• predictions help guide investigations
• careful records help explain discoveries

Every great discovery begins with someone asking a thoughtful question.

Looking Ahead

Next we will study plants and animals in greater detail.

We will discover how living things grow, survive, and depend on one another.