The "Powers" of the Equinox? Conducting a Scientific Investigation (Back to Lesson) National Science Education Standards Science as Inquiry Use data to conduct a reasonable explanation. (K-4) Develop descriptions, explanations, predictions, and models using evidence. (5-8) Science investigations involve asking and answering a question and comparing that to what scientists already know about the world. (K-4) Scientists use different kinds of investigations depending on the questions they are trying to answer. Types of investigations include describing objects, events, and organisms; classifying them; and doing a fair test (experimenting). (K-4) Different kinds of questions suggest different kinds of scientific investigations. (5-8) Earth and Space Science The sun is the major source of energy for phenomena on the earth's surface, such as growth of plants, winds, ocean currents, and the water cycle. Seasons result from variations in the amount of sun's energy hitting the surface, due to the tilt of the earth's rotation on its axis and the length of the day. (5-8)   This Season Teachers Kids Orientation Registration Search Copyright 1997-2009 Journey North. All Rights Reserved. Questions or comments? Contact us.