THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

ACTIVITY 1

Introduction

Science is a systematized body of body of knowledge that is based on nature and

facts of life. Studies in science are conducted to understand and discover why and
how things in nature happen. These studies are conducted methodically in such a
way that results are accurate, dependable and verifiable.
Scientific method is a procedure that is used to answer some of the scientific
queries we have. It starts with Observing, knowing the problem and ends with a
coclusion. However you have to remeber that tis process does not end permanenly
by giving conclusions rather it is a continoues quest to verify results. In this
activity you will be guided to the different steps of the scientific process.

Objectives

At the end of this activity, you can:

1. Follow the scientific process

2. Differentiate Scientific observation from inference.
3. Test hypothesis through observation and experimentation
4. Formulate and test hypothesis

Concept/s Explanation

The continous quest for answer and knowledge is the driving force of Science. It aims to
put to order the things around us. To do this scientists came up with a method of procedure known
as the Scientific Method otherwise known as Scientific Inquiry. It is a process that scientists use to
explain and better understand the world around us and provide explanations to certain phenomena.
. The image below shows in summary the steps in the Scientific Method.
.
 Fig. 1 Flowchart of the steps of the Scientific Method with example

Source of image:
https://bodell.mtchs.org/OnlineBio/BIOCD/text/chapter2/concept2.2.htm l

Steps of the Scientific Method

1. Making Observation
Observation is the making use of your senses to describe a particular object or
situation.It can be Quantitative or Qualitative. Quantitative observation is an
observation that is associated with values and therefore numerical example, 1 kilogram
of sand, 100 ml water ect.. It uses instruments such rulers, thermometers, beakers,
balances, ect. While Qualitative observation is making use of your senses( smell, sight,
taste, hearing, touch) to observe results.It is based on some quality or characteristic that
are not numerical example, the sack is heavy, the apple is big, sugar is sweet ect..
Inference is also a statement that states an observation however this is based from past
knowledge or experience and not from direct observation using the senses
2. Identifying the Problem
Identifying the problem that needs to be solved is the second step of the scientific
process. Data regarding or pertinent to the problem can be collected through research.
This becomes the basi for the formulation of the hypothesis

3. Formulating Hypothesis
Hypothesis is a proposed explanation or an educated prediction on certain phenomenon
based on limited evidence as product of research. It is an educated statement that is
testable and considered to be the second step of the scientific process. In formulating a
hypothesis you have to bear in mind that a good hypothesis does the following

a. Exlain the observation

b. Allow prediction of future events
c. Is testable
d. Should be measurable

4. Testing Hypothesis through Experimentation

This is done to confirm or refute the hypothesis.You can test hypothesis by conducting
experiments. An experiment is an activity that is planned and conducted in an artificial
and controlled situation to determine whether observations of the real world agree with
or conflict with the predictions derived from a hypothesis. Experiments are done not
once or twice but repeatedly. This is to done to guard the results from errors brought
about by human or sampling.

In planning the experiment the following are needed;

Control group – This is the standard for comparison with an experimental group
which is identical to the experimental group EXCEPT for the independent variable
being tested
Experimental group - group(s) subjected to the independent variable

Variables are integral part of every experiment and we have 3 types/categories

;Dependent, Independent and Controlled variables. Dependent variables
Independent variable – or also known as the manipulated variable is the condition
or event under study.
 Dependent variable – also known as the responding variable is the condition that
could change under the influence of the independent variable. One that is measured in
the study .

Controlled variables – are conditions which could affect the outcome of the
experiment so they must be held constant between groups.

5. Data Gathering and Organization

Data are facts with which Science work. These are results of experimentations. In this
step of the scientific process, the information /data gathered can be in the form of
Quantitative or Qualitative data. And this can be presented in may forms to include
tables, charts, graphs, photos, drawings and the likes.

6. Analyzing and Interpreting Data

Once the experiment is complete, you are now ready to Analysis and interpret it. The
result of the experiment you conducted will either confirm or refute your hypothesis. If
by chance your result does not agree with your hypothesis modifying your hypothesis
is needed or further experimentation is required. A properly designed and well
executed experiment is vital is important in validating the hypothesis.

In analyzing the data at hand you can asks the following questions;These will guide
you into the proper and correct interpretation of the data.

 Do you see any trends or pattern?

 Does the data support or disprove your hypothesis?
 Do you need more information?

7. Conclusion
This is not the final step of the scientific method rather this is the summary of every
component of your study/experiment. It is a short paragraph that discusses the overall
results of an experimental procedure and explains whether the proposed hypothesis at
the beginning of the experiment was correct or not

In formulating your conclusion keep in mind the following;

 Your data should either prove or disprove your hypothesis
 Your conclusion should be a statement that refers to the original hypothesis
  State conclusion based on your data

8. Communicating Results
This step allows scientists to present or communicate the result of their research to the
scientific community. This is done either by publishing it in research journals,
presenting it in scientific conferences or in media. This will provide an avenue for
other scientists and researchers to validate or verify studies conducted by others.

Work/Practice Exercise

I Making Scientific Observation

1. Collect 2-3 variagated Mayana or San Francisco leaves and list down 5 observation on
them.You can use anything like tools/devices to help you make observations. Fill in
Table 1 in your Worksheet.

2. This time, make 5 observations on 3 varieties of mango (ripe and unripe). Again you
can can use anything tools to help you make observations. Fill in Table 2 in your
Worksheet.

3. From the observations made in Table 1 and 2, group together all Quantitative
Observations and Qualitative Observations and write them in table 3.

Hypothesis is a tetative answer or an educated guess to a problem. To verify if the hypothesis is

correct test is done either through observation or experimentation.

Testing Hypothesis through Observation

In this activity you are given an observation and a hypothesis, verify if this hypothesis is
correct or not by following the instruction given.

a. Observation #1: Leaves have various shape, form and size.

Hypothesis#1: Leave from the same plant have the same shape , form and size.
Do This:
Design a way to test this hypothesis ( write it the next sheet below)
.Provide a leaf imprint of the leaves used as proof.
 Question: Does the result prove or disprove your hypothesis? Explain.

b. Observation #2; Mangoes when ripe are yellow and sweet.

Hypothesis #2: Green mangoes are not ripe and sweet.
Do this:
Peel and Taste the following mangoes: Ripe and Unripe Carabao Mangoes, Ripe and Unripe
Indian Mangoes, and Mango Wani. Record observation in Table 4 in your
Worksheet.
Question: Does the result of the taste taste prove or disprove your hypothesis?

Testing Hypothesis through Experimentation

Benedict’s Test is a general test for the presence of simple carbohydrates or sugars like
monosaccharides and disaccharides in samples. A postive test for benedicts will give colors from
yellow to brick red depending upon the amount of sugar present. However this color change can
only be observed after sample with benedict’s solution is heated. In the following activity, you are
to determine the presence or absence of sugar and explain if this result is considred correct or
accurate or not.
Observation #3: Green mangoes taste sour. Yellow mangoes taste sweet.
Hypothesis #3: Only yellow mangoes contain sugar.

In this activity, samples of the green and yellow mango were subjcetd to Benedict’s test. Small
Amount of mango meat of both the green ( testtube #2) and yellow mango ( testtube #3) were
place into 2 separate testtubes. 1-2ml of water and 2 ml of Benedict’s solution were added to both
testtubes. Both tetstubes were heated and the observation were as follows;

Set up Color before heatingc Color after heating

Water with benedict’s solution Light blue solution Brick red solution
(Testtube#1)
Green mango ( Testtube #1) Green mango in light blue Green with light yellow
solution solution

Yellow mango ( Testtube #2) Yellow mango in light blue Brick red to brown solution
solution

Note: Benedict’s solution is a light blue colored solution

Question: Does the result prove or disprove the hypothesis? Explain ( Write your answer in your
Worksheet)
Data Collection, Recording and Analysis and Conclusion
In this activity you will be designing an experiment using mongo seeds. Find out which
group of seeds will grow faster, groups placed inside the room or the groups placed outside. Design
an activity with a 1-2 week time frame. The following are the things you must satisfy in your
experiment.
1. Make your own hypothesis based on the problem presented.
2. Conduct and record all result/data in table form
3. Analyze result and present it in a form of Graph
4. Make a conclusion based on the result
5. Document all activities done. Follow the format of the report given below
Problem:

Hypothesis
Procedure: (inlude here the materials you will be using . presentation should be in a flowchart
form)
Result: ( include here the result in table form and the analysis in graph )
Conclusion:
Question/s:
1. Using the Venn’s Diagram differentiate Scientific Observation from Inference.
2. Based on the activity, can you name some ways that can helo you make accurate scientific
observations?
3. What is the purpose of organizing the data in coming up with accrate resluts?
4. What is the significance of the scientific methos in the study of plants?
5. A gardener complains to the barangay that his neighbor is ruining his vegetable gaden
because of the detergent being used in their laundry business. The detergent used runs into
a stream that flows near his vegetable beds. As a scientist, you want to find out whether
detergents can affect vegetable growth. To do this you will need to set up an experiment,
publish your findings and Answer the questions below;
a. Write your hypothesis (should be in a complete sentence and describe what exactly is
being tested)
b. Describe your control group and your experimental group with regards to what
variables were used in each.
c. Create a data table to show your results. This table should include an average for your
experimental and control group
d. Explain why you need a control group.
 e. Explain why an average is needed to compare your results.
REFERENCES

THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

Activity 1
WORKSHEET

Name:Ephraim Joash A. Gaganting Date Submitted:_______________

Course, Year & Section: BS- Biology, 1st Year College 1A Class Schedule:_______________

I Making Scientific Observation

1.
Table.1. Observations on Mayana/San Francisco Leaf.
Plant Leaf Observations Senses Used in Method of Observation
Observing Based from Previous Based from the
Knowledge Use of
Tools/Devices

Colors of pink and Sight Green and white Camera

green
Variegated
Caladium Leaf Arrangement: Sight Alternate Camera
Alternate
Hairs Present: Sight and touch No hair present Hands
No
Leaf Length: Sight Bigger size leaves Ruler
> 6 inches
heart-shaped  Sight Heart-shaped Camera
 2.) Table2. Observations on Mango Varieties
Variety of Observations Senses Used in Mathod of Observation
Mango Observing Based from Based from
Previous Use of
Knowledge Tools/Device
Ripe Carabao Has a characteristic fragrance and a Sight, smell,
Mango smooth, thin, tough skin. Its flesh is taste, touch,
pale yellow to orange. The flesh is hearing
juicy, sweet, and not really fibrous.
Weighs more than the unripe Carabao
mango (same size). When Bitten,
doesn’t produce sound.
Unripe Has a characteristics of green, Sight, smell,
Carabao slightly rough and thin skin. Its taste, touch,
Mango flesh is light shades of green hearing
(almost white) and not fibrous. The
flesh is sour and weighs less than
ripe mango. (same size). When
bitten produce crunchy sounds
Ripe Indian Has a characteristics of green and Sight, smell,
Mango yellow green, slightly rough and taste, touch,
tough skin. Its flesh is pale yellow hearing
to orange and fibrous. The flesh is
sweet and weighs more than ripe
indian mango. (same size). When
bitten produce less crunchy sounds.
Unripe Indian Has a characteristics of green, Sight, smell,
Mango slightly rough and tough skin. Its taste, touch,
flesh is light shades of green hearing
(almost white) and not fibrous. The
flesh is sour and weighs less than
ripe indian mango. (same size).
When bitten produce crunchy
sounds.
Wani Mango
3.) Table3. Qualitative and Quantitative Observations
Qualitative Observation Quantitative Observation

Testing Hypothesis through Observation

a. Observation #1: Leaves have various shape, form and size.

Hypothesis#1: Leave from the same plant have the same shape , form and size.
Do This:
Design a way to test this hypothesis ( write it the next sheet below) .Provide a leaf
imprint of the leaves used as proof.
Question: Does the result prove or disprove your hypothesis? Explain.
_________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
________

Experiment Design For Hypothesis#1.

 Fig. 1 Imprints of the Variagated Mayan/San Francisco Leaves Table 4.
Mango Taste Experiment Result

Mango Color of Color of the Taste

Variety Exocarp Endocarp
(skin) ( meat)
Sweet Sour Other Taste
Unripe
Carabao
Mango
Ripe
Carabao
Mango
Unripe
Indian
Mango
Ripe Indian
Mango
Wani Mango

Testing Hypothesis through Experimentation

Observation #3: Green mangoes taste sour. Yellow mangoes taste sweet.
Hypothesis #3: Only yellow mangoes contain sugar.

Question: Does the result prove or disprove the hypothesis? Explain

_________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
___________

Data Collection, Recording and Analysis and Conclusion

Problem:
 Hypothesis:

Procedure: (inlude here the materials you will be using . presentation should be in a
lowchart form)

Result: ( include here the result in table form and the analysis in graph )

Conclusion:

Question/s:

1. Using the Venn’s Diagram differentiate Scientific Observation from Inference.

Scientific Observation Inference

- Is the gathering of information are explanations for an ob-

Through the five senses. servation you have made.

-Sight -Taste
-Smell -Touch
-Hearing
 2. Based on the activity, can you name some ways that can helo you make accurate scientific
observations?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
3. What is the purpose of organizing the data in coming up with accrate resluts?
What is the significance of the scientific methos in the study of plants
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________

4. What is the significance of the Scientific method in the study of plants?

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
______

5. A gardener complains to the barangay that his neighbor is ruining his vegetable gaden
because of the detergent being used in their laundry business. The detergent used runs into
a stream that flows near his vegetable beds. As a scientist, you want to find out whether
detergents can affect vegetable growth. To do this you will need to set up an experiment,
publish your findings and answer the questions below; ( Write this in a separate sheet, font
size 11, font type times new roman, follow correct margin)
a. Write your hypothesis (should be in a complete sentence and describe what exactly is
being tested)
b. Describe your control group and your experimental group with regards to what
variables were used in each.
c. Create a data table to show your results. This table should include an average for your
experimental and control group
d. Explain why you need a control group.
e. Explain why an average is needed to compare your results.

REFERENCES