---
title: "Scientific Inquiry"
description: "49 topics in Science, in the order they build on each other."
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/areas/scientific-inquiry
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/areas/scientific-inquiry.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Scientific Inquiry

49 topics in Science, in the order they build on each other.

Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/areas/scientific-inquiry

- [Observation vs Interpretation](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/observation-vs-interpretation-mt_Hw70LI5xza): Notice the difference between what you observed and what you think it means — 'the ice melted' is an observation; 'the ice melted because of the heat' is an interpretation
- [Asking scientific questions](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/asking-scientific-questions-mt_XirhnAB6Ye): Ask simple scientific questions and recognise that they can be answered in different ways including observation, testing, and research
- [Modelling with Sketches](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/modelling-with-sketches-mt_hi8cVycbwn): Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem
- [Observing with simple equipment](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/observing-with-simple-equipment-mt_vJO5Bxk4z-): Observe closely using simple equipment such as hand lenses, and use observations to describe, compare, and identify things
- [Simple tests and experiments](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/simple-tests-and-experiments-mt_Wa44s-f8Ws): Perform simple tests and use observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions
- [Recording Data](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/recording-data-mt_ZFwPZaDJ0_): Gather and record data using simple methods such as tables, tally charts, and drawings to help answer questions
- [Comparing Design Solutions](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/comparing-design-solutions-mt_nNYo5A-7Bl): Analyse data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of each design
- [Changing Your Mind with Evidence](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/changing-your-mind-with-evidence-mt_obF-6VYRya): Be willing to change your mind when evidence doesn't support your prediction — a result that surprises you is more valuable than one that confirms what you already thought
- [Could there be another explanation?](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/could-there-be-another-explanation-mt_QrVF5n7vci): For any result, ask: is there another explanation? — the first explanation that fits isn't always the right one, and good scientists actively look for alternatives
- [Fair testing](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/fair-testing-mt_qgb76wHN2X): Set up simple comparative and fair tests, changing one thing on purpose and keeping other conditions that could affect the measurement the same
- [Measuring accurately](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/measuring-accurately-mt_nUnowllzaN): Make systematic and careful observations, and take accurate measurements in standard units using suitable equipment such as rulers, thermometers, measuring jugs and scales
- [Recording and presenting data](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/recording-and-presenting-data-mt_7IFpDVNsmt): Gather, record, classify, and present data in a variety of ways including tables, bar charts, labelled diagrams, and keys
- [Using evidence to answer questions](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/using-evidence-to-answer-questions-mt_CVywzrjT_c): Identify differences, similarities, or changes related to scientific ideas and use straightforward scientific evidence to answer questions or support findings
- [Drawing conclusions from evidence](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/drawing-conclusions-from-evidence-mt_7VrR1GzhrN): Report on findings from enquiries using oral and written explanations, draw simple conclusions, make predictions, and suggest improvements
- [Correlation vs Causation](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/correlation-vs-causation-mt_X0Tr8IYaEd): Two things happening together doesn't mean one caused the other — recognise the difference between correlation and causation before drawing conclusions
- [Simple Design Problems](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/simple-design-problems-mt_Z5-fSCOBep): Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost
- [Comparing Possible Solutions](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/comparing-possible-solutions-mt_HveO1bOXpJ): Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints
- [Accurate Measurement](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/accurate-measurement-mt_Psun-u_lPf): Use a range of scientific equipment to take measurements with increasing accuracy and precision. Take repeat readings when appropriate.
- [Controlling variables](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/controlling-variables-mt_ArVBEpMAPk): Plan different types of scientific enquiries to answer questions, recognising and controlling variables where necessary
- [Fair testing (age 8+)](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/fair-testing-age-8-mt_eoPcc4nrBE): Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved
- [Fair testing (age 9+)](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/fair-testing-age-9-mt_5PgQB0QkWi): Use test results to make predictions and set up further comparative and fair tests to investigate new questions
- [Recording data with diagrams and graphs](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/recording-data-with-diagrams-and-graphs-mt_rDjtmDogJr): Record data and results of increasing complexity using scientific diagrams, classification keys, tables, scatter graphs, bar and line graphs
- [Drawing conclusions from evidence (age 9+)](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/drawing-conclusions-from-evidence-age-9-mt_nyPMkeHlVJ): Report and present findings including conclusions, causal relationships, explanations, and a degree of trust in results using oral and written forms
- [Science Can Be Revised](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/science-can-be-revised-mt_1GVAmcwAiO): Scientific knowledge is provisional — it is the best current explanation based on available evidence, and it can and should be revised when better evidence arrives
- [Evidence Supporting Ideas](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/evidence-supporting-ideas-mt_AstzvYDU2m): Identify scientific evidence that has been used to support or refute ideas or arguments, evaluating the strength of evidence
- [Assessing Hazards and Risks](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/assessing-hazards-and-risks-mt_r66rs2EVkZ): Evaluate risks before and during practical work: identify hazards (a substance, flame or procedure that could cause harm), judge how likely and how serious the harm would be, and choose sensible control measures to reduce the risk
- [Controlling variables (age 11+)](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/controlling-variables-age-11-mt_Ae56umVlTT): Form a testable scientific hypothesis linking an independent variable to a predicted outcome, plan a full investigation identifying independent, dependent, and control variables, sample size, and risk assessment
- [Precision, accuracy and significant figures](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/precision-accuracy-and-significant-figures-mt_auJqTemMpI): Distinguish between precision (consistency of repeated readings) and accuracy (closeness to true value), use significant figures and standard form correctly, and choose and use appropriate measuring instruments to minimise uncertainty
- [Scientific Quantities and Units](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/scientific-quantities-and-units-mt_vdHqdaflog): Use scientific quantities with correct units: pair every measurement with its unit (metres, kilograms, seconds, newtons, joules), pick sensible prefixes like milli- and kilo-, convert between them, and call chemicals by their proper scientific names
- [Tables, charts, and graphs](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/tables-charts-and-graphs-mt_YHsUhi4Prc): Construct data tables with correct headings and SI units, plot appropriate graph types (bar chart, line graph, scatter graph), draw a line of best fit, and calculate the gradient of a straight-line graph
- [Drawing conclusions from evidence (age 12+)](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/drawing-conclusions-from-evidence-age-12-mt_3jmBpEepYX): Identify patterns and trends in data, draw conclusions that directly address the hypothesis with quantitative reference to evidence, and evaluate the investigation by distinguishing between systematic and random errors and proposing targeted improvements
- [Writing Science Reports](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/writing-science-reports-mt_ThTbUuNb3p): Communicate scientific findings in a structured report using appropriate scientific vocabulary, SI units, and standard notation; describe how peer review and replication contribute to the reliability of scientific knowledge
- [Uncertainty, Precision and Significant Figures in a Measurement](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/uncertainty-precision-and-significant-figures-in-a-measurement-mt_HPc3OahYoV): Report measurements with uncertainty based on the instrument and method. Distinguish accuracy from precision, random scatter from systematic offsets, and individual-reading spread from uncertainty in an average. Averaging suitable independent repeats can reduce the random uncertainty of the mean, but does not remove a shared zero offset.
- [Combining Uncertainties and Reading a Result off a Graph](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/combining-uncertainties-and-reading-a-result-off-a-graph-mt_kn8RhTDEOK): Combine stated uncertainty bounds through calculations. Add absolute bounds for sums and differences, and use first-order percentage bounds for products and quotients. Calculate gradients of acceptable extreme lines, then report their midpoint with half their difference as a bound. Compare reported intervals using an explicit compatibility criterion.
- [Dimensional Analysis, Scaling and the Order-of-Magnitude Estimate](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/dimensional-analysis-scaling-and-the-order-of-magnitude-estimate-mt_jXnXRMKnC3): Use dimensions to reject inconsistent expressions and construct dimensionless groups. Predict scaling under stated physical assumptions, and make order-of-magnitude estimates with explicit inputs and limits. Dimensions alone do not establish a unique formula, determine dimensionless constants or prove an estimate correct.
- [Fitting a Model to Data: Least Squares, Chi-Square and Goodness of Fit](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/fitting-a-model-to-data-least-squares-chi-square-and-goodness-of-fit-mt_NN0WYlp0md): A fit chooses parameters that minimise a weighted sum of squared residuals, and the size of that sum says whether the model is believable at all. Without uncertainties on the points, neither the parameters nor the verdict means anything.
- [Systematic Error, Controls and the Design of a Measurement](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/systematic-error-controls-and-the-design-of-a-measurement-mt_rGjB_JcsLJ): Repeating a measurement shrinks the random part and leaves the systematic part untouched, so the design has to attack systematics directly through calibration, null tests and blind analysis. Most disagreements between published results are arguments about the systematic budget.
- [Reading a Paper: the Claim, the Evidence and the Assumption](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/reading-a-paper-the-claim-the-evidence-and-the-assumption-mt_YFgMvbohC0): A research paper is read in a different order than it was written: the claim first, then the figure that carries it, then the method that produced the figure. The question that does the work is which assumption would have to fail for the conclusion to collapse.
- [Writing Science: the Figure, the Error Bar and the Claim](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/writing-science-the-figure-the-error-bar-and-the-claim-mt_uUQ4gKXTN0): A result reaches other people as a figure that carries the claim, an uncertainty honest about both of its parts, and a sentence that says no more than the data supports. The method section exists so that someone else can repeat the work and disagree with it.
- [Testing a New Drug: Controls, Placebo and the Blind Trial](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/testing-a-new-drug-controls-placebo-and-the-blind-trial-mt_If6qHIrOxT): Deciding that a treatment works means ruling out that people would have got better anyway, or believed they had. The design that does this is a controlled trial, and each feature of it exists to close one specific way of being fooled.
- [Sampling Ecosystems with Quadrats and Transects](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/sampling-ecosystems-with-quadrats-and-transects-mt_jI8rAOYdmb): Estimate how many of a species live in an area by counting inside randomly placed quadrats and scaling up, or track how abundance changes along a transect. Covers random placement, the mean per quadrat, and what a bigger sample buys.
- [Estimating Population Size by Mark, Release and Recapture](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/estimating-population-size-by-mark-release-and-recapture-mt_SrISE2trf9): Estimate a mobile animal population from the marked proportion in a second catch. Calculate the estimate, check its sampling assumptions, and explain how lost or harmful marks can bias the result.
- [Designing a Biological Experiment: Units, Controls and Randomisation](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/designing-a-biological-experiment-units-controls-and-randomisation-mt_Hc6BAdlkLf): Before any measurement is taken, the design fixes what can be concluded: what the experimental unit is, what varies with it, and what is held fixed or randomised. The design is written down before the data exist.
- [Pseudoreplication: When n Is Smaller Than It Looks](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/pseudoreplication-when-n-is-smaller-than-it-looks-mt_2gRWB6RTaI): Pseudoreplication treats dependent measurements as independent units. Distinguish technical repeats, biological samples and treatment assignments, then use an analysis that accounts for the grouping in the design.
- [Power and Effect Size, Decided Before the Data](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/power-and-effect-size-decided-before-the-data-mt_zYNmSWAJT8): Plan power for a specified effect, test, variability and sampling design. Calculate sample size under stated assumptions, check sensitivity, and distinguish scientific importance from statistical significance.
- [Researcher Degrees of Freedom and the Pre-registered Analysis Plan](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/researcher-degrees-of-freedom-and-the-pre-registered-analysis-plan-mt_UJgZQ2AADm): Data-dependent choices about exclusions, transformations, outcomes and stopping can invalidate an unadjusted confirmatory test. Specify the primary analysis and stopping procedure in advance, document deviations, and identify exploratory analyses.
- [Reading a Primary Paper: The Claim, the Figure and the Missing Control](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/reading-a-primary-paper-the-claim-the-figure-and-the-missing-control-mt_DZE7z5vu9X): Trace a paper's central claim to its measurements and comparisons. Check controls, sampling and analysis choices, then distinguish observed results from interpretations and wider conclusions.
- [Reproducibility in Practice: Data, Code and What Another Lab Can Rerun](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/reproducibility-in-practice-data-code-and-what-another-lab-can-rerun-mt_QuHuEyasFt): Package data, code, environment information and instructions so another researcher can rerun an analysis. Respect access restrictions, follow repository metadata requirements, and distinguish same-data reproduction from new-data replication.
- [Ethics of Emerging Biotechnology: Editing and Biosecurity](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/ethics-of-emerging-biotechnology-editing-and-biosecurity-mt_U5OY2wvimB): Compare ethical questions raised by somatic and potentially heritable editing. Assess possible benefits and harms of gain-of-function studies, and distinguish human research review, biosafety, dual-use review and synthesis-order screening.