Understandings+of+Inquiry

Pre-K-2
Students describe the use of questions and accurate communication in scientists’ work.

a. Describe how scientific investigations involve asking and answering a question. b. Point out the importance of describing things and investigations accurately so others can learn about them or repeat them.

3-5
Students describe how scientific investigations result in explanations that are communicated to other scientists.

a. Describe how scientists answer questions by developing explanations based on observations, evidence, and knowledge of the natural world. b. Describe how scientists make their explanations public.

6-8
Students describe how scientists use varied and systematic approaches to investigations that may lead to further investigations.

a. Explain how the type of question informs the type of investigation. b. Explain why it is important to identify and control variables and replicate trials in experiments. c. Describe how scientists’ analyses of findings can lead to new investigations.

9-Diploma
Students describe key aspects of scientific investigations: that they are guided by scientific principles and knowledge, that they are performed to test ideas, and that they are communicated and defended publicly.

a. Describe how hypotheses and past and present knowledge guide and influence scientific investigations. b. Describe how scientists defend their evidence and explanations using logical arguments and verifiable results.