Osbourn Park High – Methods in Scientific Inquiry

Mar 2026 · 2nd Semester

This elective course immerses students in the practices of scientific inquiry and engineering design through hands-on, student-driven, interdisciplinary research. Students will be encouraged to present their learning at the PWCS Regional Science Fair and the Virginia Junior Academy of Sciences. Students will learn to ask testable questions, define problems, and design-controlled investigations using modern technology tools and techniques. Emphasis is placed on planning and conducting experiments ethically and safely, analyzing and interpreting data using statistical methods, and constructing evidence-based explanations. Students will develop and use models, evaluate competing hypotheses, and communicate findings through lab reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed formats. The course fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and scientific literacy, preparing students for advanced study and careers in STEM fields.