Final answer:
Scientists studying the water in drinking fountains are likely conducting an investigation, which includes observations and may also involve a controlled experiment as part of the scientific method.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best explanation for the scientists' plans in their study of the water in the school's drinking fountains is that they are conducting an investigation. This investigation involves making observations and could also involve a controlled experiment if they are testing a specific hypothesis by comparing the fountains' water under controlled conditions. The scientific method entails an iterative process of observing, hypothesizing, experimenting, and concluding, and the scientists are likely engaging in several of these steps.