1. Scientific Investigation

2. Controlled Scientific Investigation:
Determines the effect of an independent variable in an experiment.

3. 1. Identify a Testable Question
Can be investigated
Test only one variable
Which of these is a testable question?
What makes a better pet, a fish or a dog?
Which ice cream is better, chocolate or strawberry?
Will Miracle Grow fertilizer make plants grow taller?

4. 2. Research Collect information about the topic. Interview
Inference: explanation of an observation based on prior experiences or supported by observations made in the experiment
Interview
Previous scientific investigation
Internet
Books

5. 3. State the Hypothesis
Hypothesis: predicted answer to a question. What may be the possible outcome to the investigation
Can be stated-
Positively, negatively, or cause and effect (if…then)
Example:
The plants are taller with Miracle Grow. (positive)
The plants are shorter with Miracle Grow. (negative)
If Miracle Grow is used, then the plants will grow taller. (if, then)

6. 4. Design an Experiment Test the hypothesis
Plan for independent and dependent variables with repeated trials.
Independent (manipulated) variable: variable being tested. You will only have 1 in an experiment.
Dependent (responding) variable: variable that is measured.
Controlled variable- kept constant and does not affect the outcome of the experiment
List materials needed to conduct the experiment
List the procedures to be followed
Plan for recording, organizing, and analyzing data

7. Identifying Variables
4. Design an Experiment
Identifying Variables
Example:
Will Miracle Grow fertilizer make plants grow taller?
Independent (manipulated) variable- fertilizer
Dependent (responding) variable- height of plant
Controlled variables- water, sunlight, same type of container and soil

8. 5. Analyze Data Describe the relationship between the variables.
tables
graphs
Charts
When graphing remember:
DRY: Dependent Responding variable –Y axis
MIX: Manipulated Independent variable- X axis

9. 5. Analyze Data
Observations: gained by identifying and describing properties using the 5 senses or scientific tools and can be classified as…
Qualitative Observations: an observation that contains descriptions
Example: The plants have shiny green leaves.
Quantitative Observations: contain measurements
Example: The plant is 28 centimeters tall.

10. 6. Conclusion
Once the results of an investigation are collected and recorded in appropriate graphs, tables or charts, the data should be analyzed to figure out what the data means. The results of the investigation are then ….
Compared to the hypothesis and a conclusion should include…
1. The relationship between the independent variable and dependent variables based on recorded data and 2. whether the hypothesis was supported or not.
The conclusion is communicated to allow others to evaluate and understand the investigation.