Overview

Scientists use a variety of methods and approaches to collect and analyze data. The methods they choose depend on the questions they are interested in answering. For example, volcanologists might ask a research question such as, how do we predict when volcanic eruptions will occur? To answer that question, they might use a variety of tools such as thermal imagers, seismic monitors, and satellites. In addition to collecting data from these instruments, they may also conduct field research to gather samples of rocks, gas, and ash. In this activity, you will identify a scientific approach used by scientists to study the topic of your chosen news story "Key Building Block for Life Found at Saturn's Moon Enceladus?" and draft research questions about it.

Prompt

To complete this activity First, examine your scientific news story: "Key Building Block for Life Found at Saturn's Moon Enceladus?" for descriptions of how the research was conducted. This might be a general description of steps the scientists took, or the specific methods used to collect and analyze evidence. Look for words associated with the scientific method such as observations, hypothesis, field research, experiments, lab research, or data collection.

Next, consider the questions you have about the main idea presented in your scientific news story. What do you want to know more about? What answers or solutions might benefit you or your community? Draft two research questions you are interested in asking. As you write your questions, consult the module overview and module resources for assistance writing your research questions.

Specifically, you must address the following rubric criteria:

Part One: Identifying Scientific Approaches

• Identify an approach to scientific research addressed in the chosen news story.

Part Two: Drafting Good Scientific Questions Draft two research questions you are interested in asking about the main idea of your news story. Ensure that both of your questions are measurable and focused.

• Prepare measurable scientific questions based on the main idea presented in the chosen news story.
• Prepare focused scientific questions based on the main idea presented in the chosen news story.