The difference between asking a question and evaluating one
In short: Moving from basic inquiry to scientific evaluation requires a shift in how we process information. This lesson explores how to move beyond simple questions to critique the very foundations of an argument or experiment.
To evaluate a question means to determine its significance through careful study. This process is rooted in the Science and Engineering Practices established by the NRC's 'A Framework for K-12 Science Education.' Rather than just seeking information, evaluation involves challenging the underlying premises of an argument, the way a data set is interpreted, or whether a specific design is suitable.
The lesson distinguishes between several key components of scientific inquiry: observations (noticing something), predictions (forecasting the future), and hypotheses (proposed explanations based on evidence). It also clarifies the roles of variables, specifically the independent variable as the manipulated cause and the dependent variable as the responding effect.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Evaluating Questions
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