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Good work! Now, let’s talk about what you have
learned from these activities. Let us explain
the concept of Scientific Investigation.
A scientific investigation is a plan for asking questions and testing possible
answers in order to advance scientific knowledge. Investigation is at the heart of
science. It is how scientists do research.
Scientists investigate the world in many ways. In different fields of science,
researchers may use different methods and be guided by different theories and
hypotheses. However, most scientists, including physical scientists, usually follow
the general approach. This approach is called the Scientific Method and typically
includes the following steps:
Identify a research question or problem. Stating the problem you want to
solve or the question you want to answer.
Collect information. Gathering information about the problem by observation.
Form a hypothesis. Making a prediction about what will happen with the
experiment. Thinking of a possible answer or solution to the problem.
Experiment. Testing the hypothesis if it is correct or not. The things that are
changing in an experiment are called variables. A variable is any factor, trait, or
condition that can exist in differing amounts or types. An experiment usually has
three kinds of variables: independent (one that is changed), dependent (result
that depends on changes being done), and controlled (things that are remained
constant).
Record and study data. Watching, noticing and writing down the events
happening during an experiment. Presenting the data in a chart, graph or other
visual forms.
Draw conclusions. Explaining whether the experiment worked or not.
Scientists often undertake the steps of an investigation in a different sequence,
or they repeat the same steps many times as they gain more information and develop
new ideas.
Do you now understand the concept of Scientific
Investigation? Are you now familiar with the steps
in Scientific Method? If yes, let’s try another
activity.