An investigation is a careful, systematic effort to discover the truth about something by gathering and examining evidence. When a detective investigates a crime, she collects clues, interviews witnesses, and pieces together what really happened. When a scientist investigates why plants grow better in certain soils, he designs experiments and analyzes data to find the answer.

Think of an investigator as someone following footprints to see where they lead. Every investigation starts with questions: What happened? Why did it happen? Who was involved? The investigator then searches for facts that answer those questions.

Investigations happen everywhere. A teacher might investigate why students performed poorly on a test, discovering the questions were confusing. A journalist investigates stories by checking facts and interviewing sources. Your parents might investigate mysterious sounds in the attic, finding that squirrels have moved in. Even you conduct investigations when you try to figure out who ate the last cookie or why your science experiment didn't work as expected.

Good investigations require patience, attention to detail, and an open mind. Investigators can't just assume they know the answer: they must follow the evidence wherever it leads, even if it surprises them.