Science Grade 7 Handout 1 (for STE and First Section Regular)

Scientific Method

What is Scientific Investigation?

Scientific Investigation is the way in which scientists and
researchers use a systematic process to answer questions about
the world around us. It is a way of finding the answer to a
question using the carefully arranged steps. In other words, the
scientific method is a systematic process that involves
measurable observations to formulate, test or modify and prove a
hypothesis.
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.
Figure 1. Steps in Scientific Investigation

1. Identifying Problems – The first step in scientific investigations is to identify a problem in a

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

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

 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.
 Your observations can be classified into two: qualitative or quantitative observations.

QUALITATIVE OBSERVATIONS QUANTITATIVE OBSERVATIONS

- observations made that involves the - observations made using measuring

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

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 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 the case of a simpler
experiment, one would look at the data and see how they show a
relationship.

 After researchers have collected and organized data from a field study
or an experiment, the data must be analyzed. Analyzing data is the process of
interpreting the meaning of the data we have collected, organized, and displayed in the
form of a table, bar chart, line graph, or other representation.
 Researchers analyze data in many ways, like using statistics, interpreting graphs,
determining relationships between variables, comparing the data to those obtained from
 other studies, and determining possible sources of experimental error. Analyzed data
can be presented in tabular form or graphical form.

Observation Data in Tabular Form

Set-up General Description

A Good growth but leaves are attacked with worms and insects
B Good growth with healthy leaves free from worms and insects
C Stunted growth with shrunk leaves but free from worms and insects
Table 1. Example of Observation Data in Tabular Form

Numerical Data in Tabular Form and Graphical Form

Source: https://www.starbooks.com
(a) Numerical Data in Tabular Form (b) Numerical Data in Graphical Form

 Based on the figures above, we can say that there are two types of data: observation
data and numerical data. Observation data refers to qualitative data in which data are
collected from simple observation and description. On the other hand, numerical data is
what we call the quantitative data. Quantitative data is more exact and is presented
exactly in numbers as to how tall or short the experimental subject is, how cold or how
hot the temperature is.
 Always remember that the process of collecting, organizing, and analyzing data is not
always a simple, in order process; sometimes a preliminary analysis of data may allow
us to look at the data in another way, or even to go back and collect additional data to
test an emerging hypothesis.
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.

 A conclusion is a statement about the results of the experiment. You compare the
results of the experiment with the hypothesis. If the data supports the hypothesis, then
the hypothesis may be the explanation for the problem. If the data do not support the
hypothesis, then more observations will be made, a new hypothesis will be formed, and
the scientific method will be used.

 When a hypothesis has been tested many times under many different conditions and
has been found to explain a group of observations, the hypothesis becomes a theory.
Theories are explanations for some problems based on observations, experimentation
and reasoning. While, if the same results have been obtained for so many times by
different scientists, the summary of these experimental results becomes a law. Laws are
summaries of many experimental results and observations. Laws are not the same with
theories because laws tell only what happens, not why it happens.

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.

 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. Reporting
one’s research let other scientists repeat the investigation to see whether they get the
same results. Getting the same results when an experiment is repeated is
called replication.
 If results can be replicated, it means they are more likely to be corrected. Replication of
investigations is one way that a hypothesis may eventually become a theory.
 Summary Activity. Fill in the Blanks

Directions: Fill in the blanks with the appropriate words from the vocabulary list inside the box.
Copy and write your answers in your Science activity notebook.

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
research: to conduct and investigate into current information about something
The _________________ method is one way that people think about and solve
questions or problems. When you begin your experiment, it is important to state a problem or
_________________ that you would like to find an answer to. It is important to look up or
_________________ up-to-date information about your topic before you conduct any
experiments. A(n) _________________ is a possible explanation about something.

To conduct a(n) _________________ is a good way to discover something new about

science. Be sure to write down each step or _________________ in the correct order before
you start your science experiment. When you conduct an experiment and you deliberately
change one thing, you are introducing a(n) _________________. It is critical to watch or
_________________ what is happening with every step of your experiment. After you conduct
your experiment, a valuable step is to write down or _________________ what happened.
When you explain what happened in your experiment, you _________________ the results.
Sharing true information about the outcome of your experiment is an example of
_________________ behavior. After an experiment, it is important to write down your
_________________ or summary of what you learned.