The Scientific Enquiry Cycle
1. Observation & Question (Tirohanga me te Pātai)
Notice something and ask a question about it. Why does that happen? What if...?
2. Research (Rangahau)
Gather information about your question. What is already known?
3. Hypothesis (Whakaaro)
Formulate an educated guess or a testable prediction. "If I do this, then this will happen."
4. Experiment (Whakamātau)
Design and conduct a fair test. Change only the Independent Variable. Keep all other Controlled Variables the same.
5. Analysis (Tātari)
Collect and examine the data from your experiment. What do the results tell you?
6. Conclusion (Whakatau)
Summarise your findings. Was your hypothesis supported? What did you learn?
Connecting to Mātauranga Māori
The scientific method is one way of understanding the world. Mātauranga Māori, the body of knowledge from Māori ancestors, also uses deep observation of the natural world (tirohanga), passing down knowledge through generations (rangahau), and testing ideas through practical application (whakamātau). For example, the creation of the maramataka (Māori lunar calendar) required centuries of careful observation, testing, and analysis to understand the best times for planting and fishing. Both systems value curiosity, evidence, and a desire to understand the world more deeply.
Plan Your Own Experiment!
Let's plan an experiment to answer the question: "Does the type of liquid affect how fast a seed sprouts?"
Hypothesis:
If I water three seeds with plain water, salt water, and sugary water, then...
Independent Variable (the one thing you are changing):
Controlled Variables (the things you will keep the same):
What data will you collect?
📖 Key Statistical Terms
Mode: Most common value
Range: Difference between highest and lowest
Total: Sum of all values
Category: Group of similar items
📚 Enhanced NZ Curriculum Alignment
Science - Nature of Science
Achievement Objective: NoS4-1
Carry out investigations using the scientific method
Key Competencies
- • Thinking critically and scientifically
- • Managing self through investigation process