BCHS-183(EM) 2025-26

Observation: Scientific inquiry begins with careful observation of natural or experimental phenomena. Observations are objective and serve as the basis for generating questions. 2. Question formulation: Based on observations, scientists identify a problem or question that is specific, measurable, and researchable. A well-defined question guides the entire inquiry process. 3. Hypothesis development: A hypothesis is a tentative explanation or prediction that can be tested through experiments. It should be falsifiable, meaning it can be proven wrong. 4. Experimentation: Experiments are designed to test hypotheses under controlled conditions. Variables are identified, with independent variables manipulated and dependent variables measured. Controls are used to ensure reliable results. 5. Data collection and analysis: Scientific inquiry requires systematic data collection. Data are analyzed using statistical or qualitative methods to identify patterns, relationships, or deviations. 6. Interpretation: Scientists interpret the results to evaluate whether they support the hypothesis. The analysis must be unbiased, and conclusions are drawn based on evidence rather than assumptions. 7. Communication and peer review: Findings are shared with the scientific community through reports, publications, or presentations. Peer review ensures that the methods and interpretations are scrutinized for accuracy and validity. 8. Replication: Reproducibility of results by independent researchers strengthens the validity of scientific