Scientific Inquiry (K-8)

All scientific discoveries begin with inquiring minds. The field of study known as Scientific Inquiry encompasses diverse ways in which scientists study the natural world, record information, and communicate knowledge. Both the elementary school science core curriculum and the middle school science core curriculum cover the foundational science vocabulary of scientific inquiry on which other science instruction builds upon. Teaching elementary scientific inquiry reveals that many everyday words have scientific meanings. Read More Read Less

Scientific Inquiry Word Lists

As elementary school scientific inquiry words become more complex (including measurement instruments, units, descriptors, methods, and historic accounts), words are best learned when science definitions are presented in fun online science games and printable science vocabulary worksheets. These are engaging supplements to the rigor of learning science vocabulary in the classroom. Teachers can use these comprehensive science word lists to enhance their lesson plans.

Teaching middle school science involves having students perform science experiments, prepare science fair projects, and answer questions through the scientific method. The science vocabulary lists below are designed to help budding scientists develop their inquiring minds!

The following games are recommended for Scientific Inquiry (K-8) Lists.

Which Final Sound? allows students to practice recognizing the final sound in a word.

Play Which Final Sound? with a kindergarten scientific inquiry list.

Paragraph Writing Practice allows students to create a paragraph using their spelling or vocabulary words.

Play Paragraph Writing Practice with a 4th grade scientific inquiry list.

Vocabulary TestMe provides students with the opportunity to take a vocabulary test independently.

Play Vocabulary TestMe with a 8th grade scientific inquiry list.