How are scientific inquiry skills assessed in the PECK Science section?

The assessment of scientific inquiry skills in the PECK Science section focuses on hypothesis testing because it embodies a fundamental aspect of the scientific method. Hypothesis testing encourages students to formulate a clear and testable statement based on observations, which they then explore through experimentation and data collection. This process allows students to engage actively with scientific concepts, applying critical thinking and analytical skills to draw conclusions based on their findings.

Hypothesis testing emphasizes the importance of investigation and evidence acquisition, which are core components of scientific inquiry. It requires students to not only predict outcomes but also to design experiments, gather data, and analyze results to support or refute their original hypothesis.

While conducting literature reviews and calculating means can be beneficial skills within scientific research, they do not encapsulate the full inquiry process as effectively as hypothesis testing does. Memorizing definitions may support understanding of terminology but does not engage students in the practical application of scientific skills. Thus, hypothesis testing serves as the most comprehensive method of assessing scientific inquiry skills in this context.