In this chapter, we share how different parts of investigations can be designed so that they work together and help students answer questions. In particular, we describe several ways to design effective investigations using examples from elementary classrooms through high school. Planning and carrying out investigations is a practice that is integrated with other sense-making activities to help us explain the natural world. A list of materials, teacher background information, standards, assessment, and references are provided. This book selection also includes the Table of Contents, About the Editors, Contributors, Acknowledgments, and Index.