Introduction of statistical approach for basic inquiry-based study of science: The cells length of the outer layers of an onion is larger than its inner layers, but how about the length of the respective cell nuclei?

<p>We should analyze the obtained results objectively in an inquiry-based study. In the study itself, our students usually gather data with variation from an experiment. It is important to analyze the data scientifically, whereas, some students interpret these sets of data subjectively or conveniently only calculating a mean from small set of data without using a statistical method. These inquiry-based studies aren’t scientific, but we should introduce statistical methods to the class and students would therefore construct evidence-based arguments and explanations. In order to give students an experience of statistical method, scaly leaves of onion were used as materials to gather data measured the length of the long sides of the cells and the diameter of the nucleus in the inner and outer layers under a microscope. These data were analyzed by students using the t-test, a basic explanation for the t-test was also performed in the class. Most students found no significant difference between the diameter of the inner layer nucleus and the diameter of the outer layer nucleus, but found a significant difference in cell side length. While some students observed different results, the students discussed those results and could have become aware of the importance of statistical method as an objective evaluation. Through the practice of this study, it was suggested that the students became interested in statistical tests.</p>