Lesson 2

SCIENTIFIC
INVESTIGATION
Prepared by: Ms. Bagay
Science Teacher
Objectives:

define Scientific Investigation

describe the components of a

scientific investigation
 Lesson 2: SCIENTIFIC
INVESTIGATION
2.1 The Research Problem
2.2 Research Hypothesis
2.3 Fair Testing
2.4 Presentation of Data
2.5 Stating the Conclusion
2.6 Ways of Presenting the Result of the Experiment
When we try to solve a problem on
a systematic basis in order to
contribute to the world's stock of
knowledge, we are doing what?
Research!
meant to answer questions or problems
that necessitate or demand solutions.
is systematic, because it follows a step-
by-step process to to lessen the chance of
making mistakes.
method which allows us to answer
scientific questions with evidence as we
probe the various problems we
experience.
it is planned.
01.
 Scientific Method
 considered as a problem-solving method.
 also useful in decision-making process.
 relies on observation and repeatable tests to
reveal the truth.
Figure 2.1. Steps in Scientific Method

Steps in Scientific Method: Figure 2.2 Shows

the Cycle of the
1. Make an observation and inference. Scientific Method
2. Identify problems.
3. Formulate a hypothesis or a tentative answer to the questions you have formulated.
4. Test the hypothesis by conducting a fair test or experiment.
5. Analyze the data gathered as a result of experimentation.
6. Draw conclusions based on the evidences presented and analysis of data;accept or reject the
hypothesis or modify the hypothesis, if necessary.
7. Reproduce the experiment to communicate the result for the benefit of other people. Reproduction
of work is also important for future researchers.
 1.The Research Problem
a question the researcher wants to answer at the end of the research process.
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written in interrogative form.

Considerations in Choosing a Research Problem:

1. Our Interest and abilities.
2. Availability of the materials needed for the investigation.
3. Needs of the community. ADD TITLE HERE

4. The topic is within the level of our knowledge and experience.

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5. Time required to finish the project and the safety measures don't knowto
howbe undertaken
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during investigation.
 Example:

An Excerpt from “A Garbage Success Story” Figure 2.3 Clean Drive for
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by Rosalyn Frances-Marcelo Sanitation

The garbage success story of Barangay Holy Spirit in Quezon City emerged
from the recognized need to revitalize the community and protect its citizens from
illnesses and health problems. In the past, the lack of concern of the residents was
evident in the prevailing unsanitary conditions in the barangay. The streets were
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littered with uncollected garbage, along with flies, mosquitoes and other disease-
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 In the example, Barangay Holy Spirit in Quezon City
became a model for community-based solid waste
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management. This is the result of the careful observation and
awareness of the community due to the spread of illnesses
and health problem caused by improper of waste. Therefore,
we can conclude that the problem in the situation is improper
waste disposal. After we have identified the problem, the
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step is to formulate a research problem.

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01.
Variables
ADD TITLE A variable is a characteristic that can be measured or changed and
has exclusive properties / properties being investigated.

3 Variables to Consider / Types of Variables:

 Independent Variable - variable that can be changed.
- also called as “manipulated variable” or the “presumed cause”.
- it affects the other variables.
 Dependent Variable - the result of manipulating the independent variable.
- also called the “responding variable” or the “presumed effect”.
- its values are dependent on the independent variable.
 Controlled Variable - variable that is kept the same or constant.
- failure to isolate this may ruin the experiment.
- is imperative that we keep everything constant, except for the independent variable, so as to
account any change in the dependent variable in relation to the independent variable.
Example #1.
Does heating water allow more sugar to be dissolved?
1. Independent variable:
• Temperature
2. Dependent variable:
• Solubility of sugar
3. Controlled variable:
• Amount of water, amount of sugar, and the container used in the
experiment
 2.Research Hypothesis
a tentative answer or an educated guess to answer the research problem that we
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have formulated.

Types of Hypothesis:
1. Null Hypothesis - states that there is no significant difference or relationship
between the results of two conditions being tested.
Example: ADD TITLE HERE

There is no significant difference between the effects of horse manure and

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urea on average height per plant and the time when the plants produce
don't know flowers.
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 Types of Hypothesis:

2. ADD
Alternative
TITLE HERE Hypothesis - states that there is a significant difference or

relationship between the results of two conditions being tested.

Example 1:
There is a significant difference between the effects of horse manure and
urea on average height per plant and the time when the plants produce flowers.
Example 2:
If there is a difference between the effects of horse manure ADDandTITLEurea,
HERE then
the growth of the plants will differ significantly in forterms
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 3. Fair Testing
a series of experiments conducted by changing one factor at a time while keeping
all theADD
other factors the same.
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in doing a fair test, we must be able to control the other variable, compare the
results, and avoid bias.
Conducting a Fair Test:
A. Compare the results - it is important that we compare our result with
another to make our observation more accurate and precise.
B. Control the variables - we need to control our variables. ADD TITLE HERE
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- we have to keep everything the same, except for the variable that
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we are interested in. don't know how to cherish others.

C. Avoid bias - we tend to become biased about our observations and

judgments this is because each person has his/her own perception of things.
 Example A:
Applied with Applied with
In determining which between the Organic Commercial
Fertilizer Fertilizer
commercial
ADD TITLE HEREfertilizer and organic
fertilizer is more effective, we may have
two sets of plants. Plant A is applied
with organic fertilizer, while Plant B is
applied with commercial fertilizer. (See
Figure 2. 4.) In experiments, whatever
we are comparing our test results with ADD TITLE HERE
is sometimes called the control group No one indebted for others,while many people don't know how to
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Figure 2.4 Comparing Results

 Example B:
Second example, if we want to
determine
ADD TITLE the
HEREeffect of sunlight on the

growth of plants, we might want to use

two plants. Plant A is kept under the
sunlight, while Plant B is kept inside a
box. (See Figure 2.5.) However, we
have to keep in mind that the plant
must be the same kind, has the same ADD TITLE HERE
height, has the same type of soil, and No one indebted for others,while many people don't know how to
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the same amount of water. These are don't know how to cherish others.

the variables that we should keep the

same before doing the fair test. Figure 2.5 Controlling the Variables
 Suggestions to Avoid Bias in Conducting a Survey:

a) ADD
questions given to the respondents must be neutral and should not lead
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them to provide the expected answer of the researcher;
b) questions should not be written in a way that forces the respondent into an
answer that doesn't accurately reflect their opinion or situation;
c) questions should always be written in a way that only one thing is being
measured; and
d) questions should be clear, concise, and uncomplicatedADD and should not
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contain acronyms or technical terms that may
No one confuse
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 Writing the Experimental Procedure
Experiment - a scientific procedure undertaken to make a discovery, test a
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hypothesis, or demonstrate a known fact.

Considerations:
1. Write a step-by-step experimental procedure. It must be detailed and complete to avoid
confusion when somebody else tries to perform the experiment.
2. Verify that the results are consistent and not just an accident. Conduct aADD trialTITLE
and error
HERE
method to verfy the credibility of the results. At least threefortimes
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3. If the experiment involves testing or surveying, test or survey
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to ensure that the results are consistent.
Example:

Problem:
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Does urea affect the growth of plants positively?
Hypothesis:
If urea has an effect on the growth of plants, then the plants will grow at a faster rate.
Procedures:
1. Set up two plants of the same kind, height, pot, sunlight, and water condition.
2. Apply urea to Plant A.
3. Observe what will happen to both plants.
With Without
4. Record your observations.
Urea UreaTITLE HERE
ADD

Figure 2.6 Fair Testing

4. Presentation of Data
“A picture is worth a thousand words.”
ADD TITLE HERE - This adage is certainly true when it comes to presenting data.
Experimental data are best summarized using figures so that the viewers can easily assess what
was done in the experiment, understand the objective, and get the information they need from the
experiment. The kinds of figures used to present the date will depend on the types of information
conveyed.
Examples:

1. Schematics, Illustrations, and Flow Charts – these tools will help effectively convey how
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the experiment was conducted.
2. Tables – are useful for conveying a useful information and details. They help the presenter
summarize the statistical data in a well-organized manner.
3. Graphs – are visual representations of data. They are more visually appealing than tables
because they illustrate the connection of two or more things.
Types: pictograph, pie graph, line graph, and bar graph (most commonly used graph)
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Figure 2.7 A Sample Schematic Diagram

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Figure 2.7 A Sample Flow Chart

Figure 2.7 A Sample Illustration

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Figure 2.9 Examples of Graphs

Figure 2.8 An Example of a Table

5. Stating the Conclusion
Conclusion – answers the question that we have identified at the
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beginning of the experiment.
- also supports or rejects our original hypothesis.
- should be clear, precise, and straight to the point.
- must be result-oriented and should answer the ff. questions:

1. Is our hypothesis approved or disapproved? Accepted or rejected?

2. Are there anything in the experiment that we wouldADD TITLE HERE
change and need
to test the hypothesis again?
3. What did we learn from the experiment?
4. How could this information be useful to other people?
 Other things to consider:

Abstract – a one-page summary of our project.

ADD TITLE HERE - includes our research question, purpose, hypothesis, and
procedures. Also the result and information that hwe have obtained from
our experiment.
- aims to give our reader an overview of our study before they
start reading and examining our paper.

Acknowledgment – part of the presentation where ADDthe researchers

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recognize the support of the people who helped in the progress of the
research.
- can be a form of narrative paragraph listing the people
they want to recognize and the kind of support that they extended to the
researchers.
6. Ways of Presenting the Result of the Experiment
In a Science fair competition, participants are required to present
their work in different formats. Some present their work through
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sideshow presentations and written research papers, while others
use display boards. (See Figure 2.10) This format summarizes your
research into a single, striking, and informative display.

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Figure 2.10 A Common Layout of a Display Board

Let’s Check!
Put a check ( ) in the appropriate column to see how far you have gone
in attaining the objectives of the lesson. Be honest in accomplishing the
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table below. (You may get a 1 whole sheet of paper/intermediate pad to do
this.)
Statement Excellent Very Good Good Poor
I can easily identify problems in our community.
I can formulate the research question with the
different research variables such as independent,
dependent and controlled variables. ADD TITLE HERE

I can formulate a hypothesis.

I can conduct a fair test with identified variables and
correct procedures.
i can draw a conclusion based on the results of the
experiment.
Let’s Try!
In a 1 whole sheet of paper:
State
ADD TITLE HEREthe Steps of Scientific Method and kindly
describe each.(You may give an example if necessary
for you.)

God bless and Good luck!!! ADD TITLE HERE