Testable Questions

Step 1: Ask a Question

Ask about , organisms, and events in the world

objects natural

Step 1: Ask a Question

Relate to scientific ideas rather than

or

moral values personal preferences

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Can be answered through

that involve experiments, ,

or surveys

investigations

observations

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Are answered by collecting and analyzing evidence that is

measurable

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Do not relate to the

or to phenomena

non-measurable

supernatural

Step 1: Ask a Question Examples of Testable Questions

• The difference between a non-testable and a testable question

– testable questions are always about changing one variable to see what the effect is on another variable.

Step 1: Ask a Question

Non-Testable Questions

(lead to science reports)

Testable Questions

(lead to investigations)

How do plants grow?

• How does changing the amount of water affect the growth of tomatoes?

• How does changing the type of soil affect the growth of petunias?

• How does changing the amount of sunlight affect the growth of daffodils?

Step 1: Ask a Question

Non-Testable Questions

(lead to science reports)

Testable Questions

(lead to investigations)

What makes something sink or float?

• How does changing the type of fruit affect its ability to float in water?

Step 1: Ask a Question

How do rockets work?

• How does changing the shape of a rocket’s fins affect its ability to fly?

Non-Testable Questions

(lead to science reports)

Testable Questions

(lead to investigations)

Step 1: Ask a Question

Non-Testable Questions

(lead to science reports)

Testable Questions

(lead to investigations)

How does the sun heat up water? • How does changing the type of water affect its ability to absorb thermal energy from the Sun?

Now Try it on Your Own!

• Write a testable question that uses some of the supplies on your desk.