SCIENCE

7
First Quarter – Module 1B
SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION:
Identifying Problems and
Making Observations

Department of Education ● Republic of the Philippines

Science – Grade 7
Alternative Delivery Mode
First Quarter – Module 2: Identifying Problems and Making Observations
First Edition, 2020
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Published by the Department of Education

Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones
Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio

Development Team of the Module

Author/s: Rizza Mae L. Serino
Reviewers: Marisol P. Moreno Norlyn Q. Lobido Myraflor E. Besire
Evaluators: Marissa M. Olarte Carmen S. Madrio Marissa R. Bueno
Ferdinand Bonito L.Taclob Jr. Decy Joy V. Jabonilla
Illustrator and Layout Artist: Rudnie S. Rosala Spark Erl E. Balicog

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Chairperson: Dr. Arturo B. Bayocot, CESO III
Regional Director

Co-Chairpersons: Dr. Victor G. De Gracia Jr. CESO V

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Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

Mala Epra B. Magnaong

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Members: Neil A. Improgo, EPS-LRMS

Bienvenido U. Tagolimot, Jr., EPS-ADM
Samuel C. Silacan, EdD, CID Chief
Maritess A. Caguindangan, EPS - Science
Rone Ray M. Portacion, EdD, EPS – LRMS
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 7
Science
First Quarter – Module 1B
SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION:
Identifying Problems an Making
Observations
 Introductory Message
For the Learner
Welcome to an enjoyable learning adventure through Alternative
Delivery Mode (ADM) Module as we capture another journey to the world of
Science 7.

Have you ever wondered how scientists discover their scientific

breakthroughs? Will it be possible for a Grade 7 learner like you to do science
the way your favorite scientist did? No need to worry, boys and girls! In this
module, we will learn to do exciting and fun-filled investigation through the
scientific method.

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful
opportunities for guided and independent learning at your own pace and time.
You will be enabled to process the contents of the learning resource while
being an active learner.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

What I Need to Know This will give you an idea of the skills or
competencies you are expected to learn in
the module.

What I Know This part includes an activity that aims to

check what you already know about the
lesson to take. If you get all the answers
correct (100%), you may decide to skip this
module.

What’s In This is a brief drill or review to help you link

the current lesson with the previous one.

What’s New In this portion, the new lesson will be

introduced to you in various ways in a form of
story, song, poem, problem opener, activity or
situation.

What is It This section provides a brief discussion of the

lesson. This aims to help you discover and
understand new concepts and skills.

What’s More This comprises activities for independent

practice to solidify your understanding and
skills of the topic. You may check the answers
to the exercises using the Answer Key at the
end of the module.
 What I Have Learned This includes questions or blank
sentence/paragraph to be filled in to process
what you learned from the lesson.

What I Can Do This section provides an activity which will

help you transfer your new knowledge or skill
into real life situations or concerns.

Assessment This is a task which aims to evaluate your

level of mastery in achieving the learning
competency.

Additional Activities In this portion, another activity will be given to

you to enrich your knowledge or skill of the
lesson learned. This also tends retention of
learned concepts.

Answer Key This contains answers to all activities in the

module.

The following are some reminders in using this module:

1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part
of the module. Use your Science activity notebook in answering the
exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other
activities included in the module.
3. Read the instructions carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and is checking your
answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with
it.

If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not
hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you are
not alone.
We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning
and gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

What I Need to Know ……………………………………………………..... 1

What I Know ……………………………………………………….. 2
Lesson 1
What’s In ……………………………………………………….. 4
What’s New ……………………………………………………….. 4
What is It ……………………………………………………….. 5
Identifying Problems ………………………………………….. 5
What’s More ……………………………………………………….. 6
Lesson 2
What’s In ……………………………………………………….. 7
What’s New ………………………………………………………. 7
What is It ……………………………………………………….. 8
Making Observations …………………………………………. 8
Qualitative Observations ..................................................... 9
Quantitative Observations ................................................... 9
What’s More ……………………………………………………... 10
What I Have Learned ……………………………………………………… 11
What Can I Do ……………………………………………………….. 12
Assessment ……………………………………………………….. 13
Additional Activities ……………………………………………………….. 15
Answer Key ……………………………………………………….. 16
References ……………………………………………………….. 17
Science 7 Remelie D. Salazar
Science Teacher
 What I Need to Know

Science assumes that we can learn about the natural world by

gathering evidence through our senses and extensions of our senses.
Scientists anchor their frame of mind on curiosity. They do not usually accept
an explanation without evidence or proof. To prove their point, they usually
consider steps especially, identifying problems and making observations.

The process of science begins with an identification of problems and

making observations. An observation is any information that is gathered with
the senses. People often have questions about things they see, hear, or
observe in other ways.

After going through this module, you are expected to describe the
components of a scientific investigation (S7MT-Ia-1).

Specifically, you are also expected to:

1. identify and describe scientific problems and make observations

through the given scenarios/ situations;
2. construct a problem based on the given scenarios/ situations; and
3. develop the value of being a keen observer.

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help
you master the first two steps in Scientific Method: Identifying Problems and
Making Observations. The scope of this module permits you to use different
learning situations. You have to extend your patience in understanding and
analyzing what you are reading. Follow the directions in the activities and
answer the given test and exercises properly.

1
 What I Know

Directions: Identify whether the following situations are Identifying Problem

or Making Observation. Write IP if the situation given identifies problem and
MO if the situation given is an observation. Write your answers in your
Science activity notebook.

_______ 1. Dana wanted to find out how grown plants with fertilizer are
different from natural grown plants.
_______ 2. Teachers like when their students participate in classroom
discussions.
_______ 3. Girls wearing Sunday dresses look beautiful and cool.
_______ 4. Jose saw bats catching insects after dark. He asked, “Why bats
can see in the dark?”
_______ 5. People who live in the farm like dogs.
For items 6-15, read each question carefully. Choose the letter of your
answer and write it in your Science activity notebook.
6. Your mother sent you to the market to buy fruits and vegetables. How did
you choose the quality of fruits and vegetables?
A) Asked the vendor to choose it for you.
B) Just took any kind and paid right away.
C) Examined the skin of fruit free of insect bites and dark spots.
D) Asked other costumer to choose the vegetables and fruits for you.
7. A step in scientific method that may begin with what, when, who, which,
why, where or how.
A) Gathering Data C) Forming Hypothesis
B) Identifying Problem D) Making Observations
8. It is any information that is gathered using the senses.
A) Data C) Observation
B) Situation D) Communicate
2
9. What is the first step in scientific method?
A) Gathering Data C) Forming Hypothesis
B) Identifying Problem D) Making Observations
10. Where does scientific knowledge comes from?
A) Textbooks C) Experimentation
B) Observation D) Guess
11. What step in scientific method is used when a researcher listens to the
sounds of the whale?
A) Interpreting data C) Making observations
B) Drawing conclusions D) Making a hypothesis
12. Which question has measurable observation?
A) Who made the first microscope?
B) How many giraffes live in Africa?
C) How long ago did dinosaurs live on the Earth?
D) Does the amount of salt in water affect the temperature at which it
boils?
13. How do you call the process of obtaining information by using the senses?
A) Inquiry C) Observation
B) Conclusion D) Scientific method
14. A series of steps designed to help you solve problems and answer
questions.
A) Hypothesis C) Observation
B) Experiment D) Scientific method
15. Which of the following statements would be true of the scientific method?
A) People structure their lives on the principle of scientific method.
B) Scientists report the experimental results, but not the experimental
design.
C) The scientific method is a continuous process by which people learn
about his world.
D) When the results of the experiment do not fit the hypothesis, a
scientist may discard the results and stop the experiment.
3
Lesson
Identifying Problems
1

What’s In

Scientific Investigation is the way in which scientists and researchers

use a systematic approach to answer questions about the world around us.
It is a way to find the answer to a question using the scientific method.

Before you proceed to the next lesson, I want you to look around your
backyard and identify problems or questions that you ever think of regarding
the environment. Write your answers in your Science activity notebook.

What’s New

Activity 1.1: State the Problem

Directions: Observe the picture presented. Give a short description on what
you have seen in the picture.
Write your answer in your
Science activity notebook.

Guide Question:
Photo Credits: Rizza Mae
L. Serino

1. What is the problem that you

can identify from the picture?
4
 What is It

Step 1. Identifying the Problem

In identifying the problem in a situation, it

must begin with a question that is based on an
observation and may begin with what, when,
who, which, why, where or how. The problem
to solve must be something which is measurable
and observable. It may be an open – ended
question that can be answered through an
experiment.

Example of a Problem Statement:

“Why everybody should wear mask during this CoVID – 19 pandemic?"

In order to come up with a problem, one must observe and be curious

about the environment. For example, your friend Carmel has observed that
most of the people in their area are wearing mask. She also observed that
people wearing mask are less prone to the virus than those who are not
wearing mask. Carmel then wonders whether wearing a mask is important in
protecting oneself against the CoVId – 19 virus that is spreading in their
community. Based on the example given, Carmel can now formulate a
problem based on her observations.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an

infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory
TAKE syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which is
known to target a person’s respiratory system. Such
NOTE virus can be transmitted through air and can enter into
your mouth, nose and eyes. Hence, wearing mask is
important to keep us away from the virus.

5
 What’s More

Activity 1.2: Give Me the Problem

Given the following scenarios, give at least 3 or more problems in each
scenario. Write your answers in your Science activity notebook.

Scenarios:

1. Your car won’t start.

2. You received a failing grade in your test.

3. You have a sore throat.

4. Your plants did not grow.

Great Job! Congratulations! You have successfully finished Lesson 1.

You can now proceed to Lesson 2. I hope you learn something from this
lesson.

6
Lesson
Making Observations
2

What’s In

In the first lesson, you were introduced to the first step in Scientific
Method which is Identifying Problems or asking questions about what you
have observed. This time, you are going to proceed to the second step of the
scientific method.

Before you proceed, examine first the following situations to be able to

identify the problem. I want you to make or gather at least two observations
per problem and write your answers in your Science activity notebook.

Situations:

 You have a sore throat.

 Your plants did not grow.

7
 What’s New

Activity 2.1: Spot the Difference

Directions: Using the pictures below, spot five or more differences you can
see. Write your answers in your Science activity notebook.

a.
Source:https://www.pinterest.ie/pin/534098837052256321/?
amp_client_id=CLIENT_ID(_)&mweb_unauth_id=%7B%7Bdefault.session%7D%7D

b.
Source: https://www.onehundredtoys.com/pages/spot-the-difference-download

8
 What is It

Step 2. Making Observations

After identifying the problem, the second step in scientific
method is to make observations or gather information about the
problem being identified. An observation is any information that
is gathered with the senses. People often have questions about
things they see, hear, or observe in other ways.

In this step, the investigator will find ways to gather

information and make observations regarding the problem in order to avoid
repeating mistakes from the past. You can use the library, internet and media
or recall any past experiences about the problem you are going to solve and
observe.

For example,

Source: https://www.onehundredtoys.com/pages/spot-the-difference-download
 9

When you look directly in the picture you can see the similarities and
differences based on your answers in Activity 2.1. This process is making
observation by using your sense of sight. Making observations and gathering
information are necessary steps in scientific investigation in order to avoid
making mistakes.

Your observations can be classified into two: qualitative or quantitative

observations.

QUALITATIVE OBSERVATIONS QUANTITATIVE OBSERVATIONS

- observations made that - observations made using

involves the use of your measuring instruments such as
senses (sight, smell, touch and rulers, balances, graduated
hearing) to yield results. cylinders, beakers, and
thermometers.

From the given example above,

Quantitative Observation: There are 7 differences between the two

pictures.

Qualitative Observation: The fox is wearing a hat in first picture while

there is no hat present on the second
picture.
 10

What’s More

Activity 2.2: Observe and Gather More!

Directions: Based from the problems identified in Activity 1.2, I want you to
make observations and gather information for each situation. Write your
answers in your Science notebook.
Situations:

 Your car won’t start.

 You received a failing grade in your test.

What I Have Learned

Fill in the Blanks

Directions: Using what you have learned in this module, I want you to fill in
the blanks with the correct word. Write your answers in your Science
notebook.

______(1)_____ uses their frame of mind on curiosity. They do not

usually accept an explanation without evidence or proof. To prove their point,
they usually consider steps in doing investigation. The first step in scientific
method is _______(2)____ wherein it must begin with a question that is based
on an observation and may begin with what, when, who which, why, where or
how. It should also be a(n) ________(3)______ question that can be
answered through an experiment.
 11

On the other hand, _____(4)______ is the second step in scientific

method. A(n) ______(5)______ is any information that is gathered with the
senses. In this step, the scientist will find out the ______(6)_____ and make
observations regarding the problem. Observations can be qualitative or
quantitative.  (7)  describes properties or occurrences in ways that
do not use measurement. While (8)  are based on measured
quantities (number and unit).

What I Can Do

Activity 3: Check this Out

Directions: Make an interview of at least 3 to 5 family members within your
household. Based from the data you gathered, answer the questions that
follow. Write your answers in your Science notebook.

Check the Age Bracket

What is the most common sickness Total
among family members?
31and
0-10 11-20 21-30
above

a. Colds (Sip-on)
b. Cough (Ubo)
c. Diarrhea (Kalibanga)
d. Fever (Hilanat)
e. Measles (Tipdas)
f. Other/ Please specify
 12

Guide Questions:

1. What is the most common sickness experienced in your family?

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
2. At what particular age bracket of the family members mostly are affected by
the illness?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
3. State the major health problem experienced by any of your family
members?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
4. Make observations on your sick family member and find out the possible
causes.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

Assessment

Now, that you are done accomplishing the module, let us check your
understanding about the lesson presented in this module. Read carefully and
answer the questions given below. Choose the letter of the correct answer
and write your answers in your Science notebook.

____ 1. What step of scientific method is used when a scientist listens to the
sounds that whales make?
A) Interpreting data C) Making observations
B) Drawing conclusions D) Making a hypothesis
_____ 2. Which question is categorized as a high level scientific question?
A) Who made the first microscope?
B) How many giraffes live in Africa?
C) How long ago did dinosaurs live on the Earth?
D) Does the amount of salt in water affect the temperature at which it
boils?
 13

_____ 3. What is the process of obtaining information by using the senses?

A) Scientific method C) Observation
B) Conclusion D) Inquiry
_____ 4. A series of steps designed to help you solve problems and answer
questions.
A) hypothesis C) observation
B) experiment D) scientific method
_____ 5. Which of the following statements would be true of the scientific
method?
A) People structure their lives on the principle of scientific method.
B) Scientists report the experimental results, but not the experimental design.
C) The scientific method is a continuous process by which people learn about
About this world.
D) When the results of the experiment do not fit the hypothesis, a scientist
may discard the results and stop the experiment.
_____ 6. Suppose your mother send you to the market to buy fruits and
vegetables. How will you choose the quality of fruits and vegetables?
A) Ask the vendor to choose it for you.
B) Just get any kind then pay right away.
C) Examine the skin of fruit free of insect bites and dark spots.
D) Ask other costumer to choose the vegetables and fruits for you.
_____ 7. What do you call the step in scientific method that may begin with
what, when, who which, why, where or how?
A) Gathering Data C) Forming Hypothesis
B) Identifying Problem D) Making Observations
_____ 8. It is any information that is gathered using the senses.
A) Data C) Observation
B) Information D) Communicate
_____ 9. The first step in scientific method is __________.
A) Gathering Data C) Forming Hypothesis
 B) Identifying Problem D) Making Observations
14

_____ 10. All scientific knowledge comes from?

A) Textbooks C) Experimentation
B) Observation D) Guess

For items 11 – 15, Identify each situation as identifying problem or making

observations. Write IP for identifying problem and MO for making
observations.

_______ 11. Dana wanted to find out how grown plants with fertilizer are
different from natural grown plants.
_______ 12. Teachers like when their students participate in classroom
discussions.
_______ 13. Girls wearing Sunday dresses look beautiful and cool.
_______ 14. Jose saw bats catching insects after dark. He asked, “Why bats
can see in the dark?”
_______ 15. People who live in the farm like dogs.
 15

Additional Activities

Activity 4: Research Me!

Below is a situation. How will you go about verifying the evidence to
answer a problem? Write as many hypotheses you can derived based from
the situation in your Science activity notebook.

1. Fishes in a fishpond just one cool morning starts to float. Most of them are
already dead and the local Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
(BFAR) pronounced fishkill in the pond.

Congratulations! You have successfully completed Module 1B. I hope

you learn something for today’s Module.
 Answer Key

16

References

Books
______________________________________________________________

Gutierrez, M. M. "Scientific Investigation." In Science and Technology for

the Modern World, 18 - 25. Diwa Scholastic Press Inc., Social
Expenditure Project, Department of Education, 1999.
Morano, et al. "Scientific Method." In Fundamentals of Biology I, 12 - 15.
Lorimar Publishing, Inc., 2011.

Internet Sources
______________________________________________________________

Biology Dictionary. 2017. https://biologydictionary.net/scientific-method/

(accessed May 25, 2020).
Bryce, S. study.com. 2003. https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-
scientific-investigation-definition-steps-examples.html (accessed May 25,
2020).

Chemistry LibreTexts. 2019.

https://chem.libretexts.org/Courses/University of British Columbia/CHEM
100%3A The Chemical World/1.4%3A The Scientific Method - How
Chemist Think (accessed May 28, 2020).

CK - 12 Foundations. 2014. https://www.ck12.org/book/ck-12-physical-

science-for-middle-school/section/2.1/ (accessed May 26, 2020).

Educational Research Techniques.

https://educationalresearchtechniques.com/2014/12/07/identifying-a-
research-problem/ (accessed June 01, 2020).

Golditch, H. Pinterest.
https://www.pinterest.ie/pin/534098837052256321/?
amp_client_id=CLIENT_ID(_)&mweb_unauth_id=%7B
%7Bdefault.session%7D%7D (accessed June 14, 2020).

Gozon, E. D. "Sceintific Investigation." Cross-Specialization of Grades 7

to 10 Science Teachers on their Non-Major Science Subjects.
Department of Education, Bureau of Learning Delivery, 2018.

Learning Resources Portal. 2016. https://lrmds.deped.gov.ph/detail/7121

(accessed May 24, 2020).

One Hundred Toys. 2019. https://www.onehundredtoys.com/pages/spot-

the-difference-download (accessed May 26, 2020).

Quizlet. https://quizlet.com/51986616/making-observations-and-
inferences-flash-cards/ (accessed June 01, 2020).

STARBOOKS. https://starbooks.com (accessed May 28, 2020).

Workforce Institute. 2014. https://workforceinstitute.org/scientific-method-

isnt-just-scientists/ (accessed May 26, 2020).
For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Region 10

Zone 1, DepEd Building Masterson Avenue, Upper Balulang

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Telefax: (088) 880 7072
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