Understandings about scientific inquiry Scientific investigations involve asking and answering a question and comparing the answer with what scientists already know about the world. Scientists use different kinds of investigations depending on the questions they are trying to answer. Simple instruments, such as magnifiers, thermometers, and rulers, provide more information than scientists obtain using only their senses. Good explanations are based on evidence from investigations. Scientists make the results of their investigations public.
Scientists review and ask questions about the results of other scientists' work.
Physical Science Properties of objects and materials Objects have many observable properties, including size, weight, shape, color, temperature, and the ability to react with other substances. Objects are made of one or more materials and can be described by the properties from which they are made. The characteristics of organisms Organisms have basic needs. Each plant or animal has different structures that serve different functions in growth, survival, and reproduction. Life cycles of organisms Plants and animals have life cycles that include being born, developing into adults, reproducing, and eventually dying.