Scientific inquiry, as defined by the National Science Education Standards (National Research Council [NRC], 1996), is a method by which students can find answers to questions they may have about the world around them. Students' questions must be motivated by what they already know about the world, and the inquiry process must add to their understanding. When a scientist begins an investigation, both background knowledge about the topic and initial research are important. The scientist might read about what is known regarding a science topic in preparation for the inquiry investigation. During the investigation, observations are made, a question is posed, an experiment designed, and data collected. But the inquiry investigation does not stop with the collection of data. The scientist will then analyze and interpret data, trying out possible explanations and comparing them to what is already known about the topic. The inquiry process is not complete without a thorough analysis and evaluation of the scientist's proposed explanation in light of current scientific understanding. After all this has occurred, communication of the whole process may be made or a revised investigation initiated.
