What makes a good research question?

1. A good scientific question is one that can be answered through scientific research. "Is Stone Creek polluted?" is a good question because you can predict an answer and then test your prediction by testing the creek's water to discover whether or not it's polluted. "Why is quicksand so dangerous?" is not a good question to investigate. Unless there is quicksand nearby (and let's hope there isn't!), there is no way to observe it. It would also be difficult to set up a procedure to gather data about the quicksand. "How do Hurricanes Affect Florida's Wildlife?" is an interesting question, but one that is very broad. Although you can predict an answer, you would not be able to gather enough data in the short amount of time you are likely to have for this project. You might be able to narrow that question down to one hurricane, one species of animal, in one location (near you) and then be able to gather enough data.

2. A good scientific question builds on what you already know and on what you can find out. You may already know a little about your topic. Doing background research will provide you with additional information. This information can be used to help craft a really good question. It can also help you plan how you will conduct your investigation. You may know, for example, that a local stream is being polluted. You may think that the pollution comes from by runoff of a nearby roadway. You then learn that a factory upstream is discharging water into the stream. This information may change your prediction and how you will investigate it.

3. A good scientific question can be tested by experimenting, observing, measuring, or by obtaining data from running a scientific model. Whether you collect data by recording data in the natural environment, conduct an experiment, or make and run a scientific model, you must be able to analyze the data you collect. Make sure you have the equipment you need and carefully record you data. If you chose to gather your data out in the natural environment make sure you have the ability to visit your site multiple times.

4. A good scientific question, when answered, leads to other good questions. If you chose a good question to investigate, other good questions will come up during your research. Discovering that a stream is polluted may lead to new questions, such as, "What is causing the pollution?," or "What can be done to bring back the health of the stream?" When you discuss your findings be sure to include the new questions and how you would follow up with them.