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MEDINA COLLEGE J
Maningcol, Ozamiz City
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Junior High School R

Department H
Introduction to Scientific Investigation I
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EXEQUIEL M. RAMIENTOS JR, LPT L
MEDINA COLLEGE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL
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MODULE1

The Components of a Scientific Investigation

What Is This Module About?

This module introduced to you the concept on the components of a scientific
investigation and the scientific ways of acquiring knowledge and solving problems. Scientific
method is important not only for scientist but also for every person since it will serve as our guide
to come up with an appropriate solution to the problem. There is one lesson prepared for you in
this module as follows:

Lesson 1: The Components of Scientific Investigation

What Will You Learn From This Module?

After reading this module, you should be able to:
1. Identify and describe the components of a scientific investigation

How to learn from this module

In order to achieve the objectives of this module successfully, you have to

remember the following:

1. Read and follow the instructions carefully.

2. Answer the pretest.

3. Take down notes and record points for clarification.

4. Take the posttest and check your answers against the key at the

end of the module.

5. Try to obtain at least 85% level of proficiency in the tests.

EXEQUIEL M. RAMIENTOS JR, LPT

MEDINA COLLEGE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL
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Let’s See What You Already Know

Before you start studying this module, take the following test first to find out
how much you already know about the topics to be discussed.

Directions: Choose the correct answer from the words inside the box and write your answer
in the blank space provided before the number .

a. Hypothesis d. Dependent Variable g. Data j.Independent Variable m.Record

b. Control e.Experiment h.Communicate k.Interpret n.Question
c. Investigation f.Conclusion i. Observation l.Variable o.Procedure

___1.A conclusion based from evidence and reasoning

____2. A formal inquiry or systematic study
____3.A judgment based on the results of an experiment
____4.A sequence of steps involved in performing experiment
____5.A temporary solution to a problem
____6.Any information that is gathered with the use of senses
____7.can change or influence the result of the experiment
____8.observations & measurements recorded
____9. Organized process to test a hypothesis
____10.Sharing the results to get helpful feedback
____11.The inquiry or problem relating to a topic
____12.The factor that is manipulated during an experiment
___13.To interpret or give meaning
___14. To write accurate information about what occurs during experiment
___15.Used to show that the result of an experiment is really due

EXEQUIEL M. RAMIENTOS JR, LPT

MEDINA COLLEGE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL
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LESSON 1

Let’s Learn
TECHNICAL TERMS :

Scientific Method : a method of doing research that includes the steps of identifying problem ,
gathering data , forming a hypothesis , testing a hypothesis and drawing a conclusion
Question : the inquiry or problem relating to a topic that can be answered by conducting an
experiment
Experiment : a test or trial performed in order to discover something
Hypothesis: an educated guess or reasonable assumption
Procedure: a sequence of steps involved in performing an experiment
Observe: to notice what occurs during an experiment
Record : to write accurate information about what occurs during an experiment
Interpret : to explain or give meaning to
Conclusion : the result or outcome of something
Variable : something that can change or influence the results of an experiment
Ethical : following the rules of being fair and honest
Fair Test :making sure that in an experiment, one factor or condition(the independent variable)
affects another (Dependent Variable) by keeping all other conditions constant or the same.
Controlled Variables: factors that are kept the same in the experiment

EXEQUIEL M. RAMIENTOS JR, LPT

MEDINA COLLEGE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL
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What is Scientific Investigation?

Scientific investigation refers to the way in which scientists and researchers use a systematic
approach to answer questions about the world around us . Scientific investigation method is a systematic
way of gaining scientific knowledge. It trains us to think critically and creatively and also trains us to be
more observant and more analytical.
Investigation is the heart of science. It is the way scientists do research. Scientific investigation is
a way to find answers to a question that will produce evidences that help you answer questions and solve
problems. When the evidence cannot provide answers or solutions then it may lead to new questions or
problems for investigation. As more knowledge are discovered, science advances.

Researchers investigate the world in so many ways. In different fields of science, they may use
different methods and be guided by different theories and hypotheses but most of them generally follow
the steps in a Scientific Investigation.

Components of Scientific Investigation

1.Formulate a specific question or problem to a testable form

For example :

 if you want to know the effects of fertilizer on the growth of plant, your possible problem
question is :

2. Formulate Hypothesis

 Hypothesis is the statement that gives a tentative answer or solution to the question , it is the
expected outcome in an experiment

For example :

We can use the IF-THEN statement for your hypothesis

3. Select and Justify a procedure to be used in answering the specific questions

EXEQUIEL M. RAMIENTOS JR, LPT

MEDINA COLLEGE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL
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 In this step you will formulate procedures for your actual experiment

For example:

4.Identify the dependent and independent variables in the investigation

For example : Does a fertilizer make a plant grow bigger?

Independent Variable (fertilizer) Dependent Variable (plant growth)

The Fertilizer is the Independent Variable because it is the variable that stands alone and cannot be
affected by the other variable and the Plant Growth is the independent variable because it is the variable
that depends on independent variable.

5.Carry out the procedures that includes a fair test.

 This is the step in which you will perform the experiment including the Fair test.
Fair test: making sure that in an experiment, one factor or condition(the independent variable) affects
another (Dependent Variable) by keeping all other conditions constant or the same.
 In Fair test you are going to identify controlled variables by making Experimental design which
consist of controlled set-up and Experimental Set-up, the controlled variables or the same
variables in both set-up are species of plant with the same size, health ,age, type of soil , pot and
amount of water at the same schedule of watering. These are important because they ensure that
the fertilizer is the only variable that can affect the plant growth.

EXEQUIEL M. RAMIENTOS JR, LPT

MEDINA COLLEGE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL
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EXPERIMENT : DOES FERTILIZER MAKE A PLANT GROW BIGGER?

Controlled Variables Independent variable

only in EXPERIMENTAL
 PLANT SET-UP which is the :
 SOIL
 POT  FERTILIZER
 WATER
CONTROLLED SET-UP EXPERIMENTAL SET-UP

 Do repeated trials to increase accuracy and reliability, you should repeat the actual experiment
at least three times.

6.Make observations that are relevant to the specific question

Let us go back to the Question Problem , the question is asking about the Plant growth as the fertilizer
is applied, thus the focus of your observation is the Plant growth .So after applying the independent
variable which is the fertilizer you will now observe the plant growth which is the dependent
variable .The Plant Growth is the dependent variable because dependent variable is what you are
observing.

EXEQUIEL M. RAMIENTOS JR, LPT

MEDINA COLLEGE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL
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7.Make measurements using appropriate devices and units

Choose appropriate device from the measuring devices, since you will measure the length of the growth
of plant , the device that you can use is TAPE MEASURE OR RULER. You will also use the
appropriate unit , in this experiment the appropriate unit is centimeter

8.Record and Report all observations and data

You can make a chart to record the measurement of plant growth in a certain period of time

9.Interpret Patterns from the data gathered

In interpreting data you can use graphical representation such as Bar Graph,Horizontal Bar Graph, Line
Graph and Pie Chart

EXEQUIEL M. RAMIENTOS JR, LPT

MEDINA COLLEGE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL
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10.Infer and explain relationships from the data

EXEQUIEL M. RAMIENTOS JR, LPT

MEDINA COLLEGE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL
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Steps in Scientific Method

Scientists are, by nature, keen observers that is why they can easily perceive areas where
problems exist. Having identified the problem, scientist undertakes a carefully planned
investigation following a systematic and logical approach using steps in scientific method. The
figure below shows the steps in Scientific Investigation.

FORM A HYPOTHESIS
DEFINE/IDENTIFY MAKE TEST HYPOTHESIS &
THE PROBLEM OBSERVATIONS PERFORM EXPERIMENTS

TRY NEW EXPERIMENTS

NO
ORGANIZE AND ANALYZE DATA

YES

FAULTY EXPERIMENTS

COMMUNICATE RESULTS DRAW CONCLUSION

EXEQUIEL M. RAMIENTOS JR, LPT
MEDINA COLLEGE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL
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1. Identifying Problems – The first step in scientific

investigations is to identify a problem in a given situation. The
problem comes when a researcher is curious or interested about
something he/she has observed in the environment.

2. Making Observations - The process of science starts with an

observation within the surrounding of a researcher. In this step,
the scientist will research and make observations regarding the
problem.

3. Forming a Hypothesis - In this step, you will give temporary

solutions to the identified problem.

4. Testing the Hypothesis/ Experiment –The next scientific step

you are going to do is to test your hypothesis . Some hypothesis
may be tested simply by further observations or take an
elaborate and tedious process as in the experiment.

5. Organize and Analyze Data - After performing an experiment

and collecting data , one must analyze the data . Research
experiments usually analyzed data with statistical software in
order to determine the relationships among the data gathered. In
this case of a simpler experiment, one would look at the data and
see how they show a relationship .

6. Draw Conclusions – The next step of scientific investigation is

to form a conclusion. If the data support the hypothesis, then the
hypothesis is correct and may be the explanation for the
phenomena. If the data do not support the hypothesis, then more
observations must be made, a new hypothesis is formed and the
scientific investigation is used all over again.

7. Communicate Results –When a conclusion is drawn , the

research can be presented to others to inform them of the
findings and receive input about the validity of the conclusion
drawn from the research.

EXEQUIEL M. RAMIENTOS JR, LPT

MEDINA COLLEGE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL
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Week 1
Activity 1
Directions: Match the following definition in Column A with the correct terms in Column B. Choose the
letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter in your answer sheet.

Column A Column B
1. To explain or give meaning a. Scientific Method
2. Factor to be considered during an experiment b. Questions
1. Experiment
2. Research
3. Ethical
4. Variable
5. Hypothesis
6. Procedure
7. Observe
8. Record
9. Conclusion
10. Interpret

Week 1
Answer Sheet
Name:___________________________________________________ Date:_______________________

EXEQUIEL M. RAMIENTOS JR, LPT

MEDINA COLLEGE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL
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Activity 2:
Directions: Draw and give the uses of the following tools and equipment. Write your answers on the
answer sheet provided.
1. Peeler
2. Strainer
3. Kettle
4. Ladle
EXEQUIEL M. RAMIENTOS JR, LPT
MEDINA COLLEGE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL
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5. Chiller

Activity 2
Answer Sheet
Name:________________________________________________Date:__________________________

EXEQUIEL M. RAMIENTOS JR, LPT

MEDINA COLLEGE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL
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Week 2
Activity 1
Directions: In a 1 whole illustration board make a bulletin board. Draw, write its uses and choose at least
5 measuring tools, 5 cutting tools, 5 mixing tools and utensils, 5 special use tools and 5 cooking tools and
equipment. You are graded using this rubric below:

Rubric
Criteria Points
Content-------------------------------------------------------------40
EXEQUIEL M. RAMIENTOS JR, LPT
MEDINA COLLEGE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL
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Creativity-----------------------------------------------------------40
Neatness-------------------------------------------------------------10
Time Management-----------------------------------------------10

EXEQUIEL M. RAMIENTOS JR, LPT

MEDINA COLLEGE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL