7

SCIENCE
First Quarter – Module 1
Steps in Scientific Investigation

Department of Education ● Republic of the Philippines

 What I Know

Directions: In the following multiple-choice items, choose the letter of the correct
answer and write it in your Science activity notebook.

1. When your mother sent you to the market to buy fruits and vegetables, how did you
choose the quality of fruits and vegetables?
A. Ask the vendor to choose it for you.
B. Take any kind and pay right away.
C. Examine the skin of fruits and check dark spots.
D. Ask other costumer to choose the vegetables and fruits for you.
2. Which of the following steps in scientific investigation requires asking a question?
A. Gathering Data C. Forming Hypothesis
B. Identifying Problem D. Making Observations
3. When a researcher listens to the sounds of the whale, he/she is ________.
A. interpreting data C. making observations
B. drawing conclusions D. making a hypothesis
4. Which question has measurable observation?
A. Who made the first microscope?
B. How do giraffes adapt to their environment?
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?
5. In order to come up with the best hypothesis, it must be _________.
A. experimental C. observable
B. proven correct D. testable
6. A possible answer to a question or problem is called ___________.
A. hypothesis C. quantitative
B. observation D. inference

7. Which of the following is the best hypotheses?

A. If a tennis ball is frozen, it won't bounce as high as to the one that is not
frozen.
B. If a tennis ball is frozen, then it will not bounce as high as expected.
C. If a tennis ball is heated, it will bounce high.
D. Frozen tennis ball will not bounce high.

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8. The students in a Science class placed ice cubes in a cup. They were studying on
how long it would take for the ice to melt. Which of the following variables would
most likely NOT affect the time it takes for the ice to melt?
A. Temperature of the room C. Size of the ice cube
B. Number of students D. Size of cup

For items 9 to 11, refer to the situation below:

Sam wished to investigate how fertilizer run-off affects the growth of algae in
freshwater lakes and streams. He set his experiment this way. He placed 900 ml of
water into each of five 1000 mL glass beakers. To each beaker, he added 5 ml of
water from an aquarium which contains a large concentration of algae. The beakers
were placed under a grow light which was timed to provide 12 hours of light each day.
Liquid fertilizer was added to the beakers in the following amounts:
Beaker A - 8 ml fertilizer
Beaker B - 6 ml fertilizer
Beaker C - 4 ml fertilizer
Beaker D - 2 ml fertilizer
Beaker E - no fertilizer
Each week a random sample from each of the beakers was examined under a
microscope to get a count of the number of algal cells present.

9. Which of the following is the control group for this experiment?

A. Beakers A & B C. Beaker D
B. Beakers B & C D. Beaker E

10. What is the dependent variable?

A. Amount of water
B. Amount of liquid fertilizer used
C. The size of the beaker/container
D. The number of algal cells present
11. Which variable is manipulated by the researcher in the experiment?
A. Amount of liquid fertilizer
B. The size of the beaker
C. Amount of water
D. Amount of light

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12. What is the purpose of a data analysis?
A. Interpret result in the experiment
B. Communicate data
C. Test a hypothesis
D. Control variables

13. Which of the following best describes the data gathered in a scientific
investigation?
A. Ideas you think are true
B. Manipulated Variable
C. Facts or information
D. Numbers

14. Which describes the purpose of a conclusion in the scientific investigation?

A. It gives sources of information to help the investigation.
B. It states an expected outcome of the investigation.
C. It states whether the data support the hypothesis.
D. It explains the reason for doing the investigation.

15. Which type of data gathered in an experiment is considered to be an exact

presentation in numeric form?
A. Verbal data
B. Qualitative data
C. Descriptive data
D. Quantitative data

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 Lesson
Introduction to Scientific
1 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 investigation is a systematic process that involves measurable
observations to formulate, test or modify, and prove a hypothesis.

What’s In

Activity 1: Arrange Me!

Directions: Below are steps in scientific investigation. Arrange the following steps in
the proper order using the letters A to G (A being the first step and G as
the last step). Write your answers in your Science activity notebook.

____________ 1. Identify the problem

____________ 2. Observe and record
______________ 3. Find out the problem
____________ 4. Arrive at a final answer
____________ 5. Communicate the result
____________ 6. Test the intelligent guess
____________ 7. Make a temporary solution or answer

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 What’s New

Activity 2: Vocabulary Match!

Directions: Match the words in the box to their descriptions below. Write the letter of
your answer in your Science activity notebook.

VOCABULARY

A. Scientific Method C. Observe E. Experiment

B. Questions D. Interpret F. Conclusion

1. To explain or give meaning

2. Notice what occurs during an experiment.
3. The inquiry or problem relating to a topic that can be answered by conducting an
experiment.
4. A test or trial performed in order to prove the temporary answer of the identified
problem.
5. A method of doing investigation that includes the steps such as identifying a
problem, gathering data, forming and testing a hypothesis, and drawing a
conclusion.

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 What is It

Steps in Scientific Investigation

Scientists are, by nature, keen observers. They can easily perceive areas
where problems exist. Having identified the problem, scientists undertake a carefully
planned investigation following a systematic and logical approach in steps in scientific
investigation as shown in Figure 1 below.

Figure 1. Steps in Scientific Investigation

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1. Identifying Problems

 The problem comes when a researcher is curious or

interested about something he/she has observed in the
environment.

2. Making Observations
 The scientist will research and make observations
regarding the problem.

3. Forming a Hypothesis
 Hypothesis is an educated guess or a tentative solution
to the identified problem.

4. Testing the Hypothesis/Experimentation

 Some hypotheses may be tested simply by further
observations or take an elaborated and tedious
experimental process which involves identifying and
controlling variables.

5. Organizing and Analyzing Data

 Data are organized (using tables, graphs, models,
figures, text) and analyzed based on observed
patterns and relationships among the data gathered.

6. Drawing Conclusions
 Making generalization/ drawing inferences is based on the
gathered data that support the hypothesis.

2. Communicating Results
 Scientific information / findings of the research or
investigation is communicated clearly.

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 What’s More

Activity 3: Fill Me!

Directions: Complete the paragraphs below by filling in the blanks with the
appropriate words from the vocabulary list in the box. Write your answers
in your Science activity notebook.

Scientific Procedure Record

Question Variable Hypothesis
Conclusion Experiment Observe
Interpret

(1)
The _________ investigation is one way that people think about and solve
questions or problems. When you begin your experiment, it is important to state a
(2)
problem or _________ (3)
that you would like to find an answer to. A (n) _________ is a
possible explanation about something.

(4)
To conduct a (n) _________ is a good way to discover something new about
(5)
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
(6)
deliberately change one thing, you are introducing a (n) _________. It is critical to
(7)
watch or _________ what is happening with every step of your experiment. After you
(8)
conduct your experiment, a valuable step is to write down or _________ what
(9)
happened. When you explain what happened in your experiment, you _________ the
(10)
results. After an experiment, it is important to write down your _________ or summary
of what you learned.

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 Lesson
Identifying Problems and
2 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.

What’s In

Activity 1. Let’s Observe!

Directions: Identify at least two (2) problems/questions that you can think of regarding
the environment. Write your answers in your Science activity notebook.

Example: “Why does the sky appear blue during sunny days?

What’s New
Activity 2: State the Problem
Directions: Using the picture below, answer the question below. Write your answers
in your Science activity notebook.

Question:

1.What problem can you identify in the

picture based on your observations?

_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
Figure 2. An Incident in Ozamiz City
Photo Credits: Rizza Mae L. Serino

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 What is It

Step 1. Identifying the Problem

 Identifying the problem in a situation begins with a question based

on an observation (what, when, who, which, why, where or how).
 The problem to solve must be something which is measurable and
observable that can be answered through an experiment.

Example of a Problem Statement:

“Why should everybody 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.

Step 2. Making Observations

 An observation is any information that is gathered using the
senses (sight, smell, touch and hearing).
 Qualitative observations do not involve measurements of
numbers but instead characteristics.
(Example: The grass is green.)
 Quantitative observations are measured values made using instruments such as
rulers, balances, graduated cylinders, beakers, thermometers, etc.
(Example: The object had a volume of 4.9 liters.)
 This process is making observations using your sense of sight. Making
observations and gathering information are necessary steps in scientific
investigation in order to avoid making mistakes.

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 What’s More

Activity 3A: What’s the Problem?

Directions: Identify at least two (2) problems in any of the situations below. Write your
answers in your Science activity notebook.

Situations Possible Problems

1. Increasing number of used

disposable masks at home.
2. You have a sore throat.

Activity 3B: Qualitative vs Quantitative Observations

Directions: Read the following examples of observations and then decide if it is
Qualitative or Quantitative. Write QL for qualitative and QN for
quantitative observations in your Science activity notebook.

1. The average temperature of the Earth increased by 0.79oC last April 2021.
2. The sandpaper is rough.

3. The red ball had the smallest mass.

4. It tastes sweet and sour.

5. The gumamela leaf is 9 cm long.

6. It is yellowish in color.

7. Light travels faster than sound.

8. The speed of light is 299,792,458 meters per second.

9. When sugar is added to sulfuric acid, its color changes to black.

10.The length of the rod is 2.5 feet.

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 Lesson
Formulating and Testing
3 Hypothesis

After having thoroughly researched your question, you should have some
tentative answers about how things work. A hypothesis is an educated guess of what
you think will happen or what you will find out. Scientists generally begin an
investigation by forming a hypothesis. The hypothesis may not be correct, but it puts
the scientists’ understanding of the system being studied into a form that can be tested
through an experiment.

What’s In

Activity 1: Try this Out!

Directions: Follow the procedure described in the activity below, and write your
answers in your Science activity notebook.

Procedure:

1. Look around you and find some grasses growing under a big rock that
are turning yellowish.
2. Compare them to the rest which are growing outside and which are
exposed to sunlight and are still green.
3. Identify the problem.
4. Formulate two possible answers/hypotheses on the differences in color
of the grasses.

1. State the Problem: __________________________________________

2. Formulate the Hypotheses:
(a) ______________________________________________________
(b) ______________________________________________________

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 What’s New

Activity 2: If…, then…

Directions: Write a testable hypothesis in “If…then…” format for each of the following
problems. Write your answers in your Science activity notebook.
Example:
Problem: What effect does someone high-fiving have on running speed?
Hypothesis: If a person high-fives, then he/she will run faster.

1. Problem: What effect does calamansi extract have on stained clothes?

Hypothesis: __________________________________________
2. Problem: What effect does light have on plant growth?
Hypothesis: ______________________________________________

What is It

Step 3. Formulating Hypothesis

 A good format for a hypothesis would be, “If we do _____, then _____ will happen.”
 Hypothesis should be measurable so it can help you solve the problem identified.

Importance of a Testable Hypothesis

To design and perform an experiment using the scientific investigation, you
need to make sure that your hypothesis is testable. To be considered testable, some
essential criteria must be met:
1. There must be a possibility to prove that the hypothesis is true.
2. There must be a possibility to prove that the hypothesis is false.
3. The results of the hypothesis must be reproducible.
Without these criteria, the hypothesis and the results are not clear. As a result,
the experiment will not prove or disprove anything significant.

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How to Formulate an Effective Hypothesis
A testable hypothesis is not a simple statement. It is a statement that needs
to offer a clear introduction to a scientific experiment, its intentions, and the possible
outcomes. However, there are some important things to consider when building an
effective hypothesis.
1. State the problem that you are trying to solve.
o Make sure that the hypothesis clearly defines the topic and the focus of the
experiment.
2. Try to write the hypothesis as an if-then statement.
o Follow this template: If a specific action is taken, then a certain outcome is
expected.
Examples:
- If a ball is dropped, then it will fall toward the ground.
- If garlic repels fleas, then a dog that is given garlic everyday will not get
fleas.
3. Define the variables.
o A variable is a factor that can take on different values. There must be at least
two variables in an experiment. They are called the manipulated variable and
the responding variable.
o In scientific experiments, a hypothesis proposes and examines the relationship
between an independent variable and a dependent variable.
o The effect on the dependent variable (the idea being tested) depends on or is
determined by what happens when you change the independent variable (the
factor being changed).
o The manipulated variable (also called the "independent variable") is a factor
that is changed by the researcher. This is something that is being manipulated
by the person doing the experiment.
Example: The cleaning liquid (soft drink or vinegar) used in the previous activity
o The responding variable (also called the "dependent variable") is a factor
that the researcher predicts will change if the manipulated variable changes. It
is the thing being measured.
Example: The color change of the 25-centavo coin when applied with the
cleaning liquids (softdrink/vinegar)

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 o There are also variables that are held constant so it won’t influence the outcome
of an experiment. These are variables that are kept the same or the unchanged
variable in the experiment and are called controlled variables.
Examples: The shape and size of the drinking glasses
The kind of coin used
The amount of cleaning liquid used

Step 4. Testing Hypothesis

Hypothesis Testing is used to determine whether

the hypothesis assumed for the sample of data stands true for the
entire population or not. This can be done by doing experiments.
- An experiment is a controlled scientific study of specific
variables.
- Designing experiment means creating a set of procedures to test a
hypothesis.

What’s More

Activity 3: Get Started!

Directions: In this activity, identify the different variables in doing a scientific
investigation. Follow the procedure carefully and provide answers for
items A and B below based on your observations. Write all the answers
in your Science activity notebook.
Materials:
- two (2) drinking glasses with the same size and shape
- two (2) 25-centavo coins
- any soft drinks and vinegar

Problem: “Which will clean a 25-centavo coin faster, soft drink or vinegar?”

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Procedure:
1. Make a hypothesis first.
2. Get two (2) drinking glasses of the same size and shape. Half-fill one glass with
soft drink and the other with vinegar.
3. Put a coin in each glass. Observe the color of the coins after every 30 seconds.
4. Record your observations in Table 1.

Table 1. Color of the 25-Centavo Coin Using Cleaning Liquids

Time Interval Color Change of the Coin Color Change of the
(sec) using soft drink Coin using vinegar
30
60
90

A. Given the problem above, what is your possible hypothesis?

Hypothesis: _____________________________________
B. Guide Questions:
1. What are the variables used in the experiment?
2. What variable is changed?
3. What is being tested?
4. What variable remains the same?
5. Which is the dependent variable? the independent variable? and the
controlled variable?
6. Is your hypothesis correct? Why? Why not?

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 Lesson

4 Analyzing Data

Once the experiment is complete, the results can be analyzed. The results
should confirm the hypothesis either true or false. Research experiments are usually
analyzed in order to determine relationships among the data. In the case of a simpler
experiment, one would look at the data and see how the variables affect each other.

What’s In

Activity 1: Look Around You

Directions: Given the result of the experiment below, analyze the data in the table.
Write your answers in your Science activity notebook.

Table 2. Observations on the Santan/Santal Leaves

Characteristics of Santan/Santal Leaves
Plant
Color Shape Texture
A
(Exposed to Green Oblong Glossy
Sunlight)
B Yellowish-
(Not exposed to Oblong Glossy
green
Sunlight)
Guide Questions:

1. What information/data from Table 3 would give the researcher the comparison
between Plant A and B?

2. What variable is manipulated in the experiment?

3. How does the amount of sunlight affect the plant?

4. Is it important for a scientist to record his data immediately? Why or why not?

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 What’s New

Activity 2: Paper Drop!

Directions: Perform the activity ‘Paper Drop!’ and answer the questions that follow.
Write the answers in your Science activity notebook.

Materials: 2 pieces of paper (crumpled and plain), 1 coin, 1 ruler, 1 graphing paper,
and colored pens

Procedure:
1. Drop a piece of crumpled paper into a target 30 times.
2. Put a coin target on the floor and drop the papers toward the target.
3. For each drop, measure the distance between the coin the landing area of
the paper using a ruler.
4. Drop the crumpled piece and the plain piece alternately until you have dropped
each for 10 times.
5. Record your observations in your Science activity notebook.
6. On a piece of graphing paper, make a plot of your results that helps to show
whether one type of paper lands closer to the target than the other.
7. After plotting the data, write a short statement about what have you observed
in the activity.

Guide Questions:
1. Without collecting any data, which type of paper do you think will tend to land closest
to the target? Explain.
2. After the experiment, which type of paper tends to land closest to the target?
Explain.
3. What is the relationship between the type of paper used and its distance towards
the target?

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 What is It

Step 5. Analyzing Data

 Data analysis is a process of interpreting and giving meaning to the
data collected, organized, and displayed in the form of a table, bar
chart, line graph, or other representation.

 Ways of analyzing data:

1. Using statistics
2. Interpreting graphs
3. Determining relationships between variables
4. Determining possible sources of experimental errors

 Examples of data presentations:

Table 3. 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

Numerical Data in Tabular Form and Graphical Form

Source: https://www.starbooks.com

Figure 4. (a) Numerical Data in Tabular Form (b) Numerical Data in Graphical Form

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 What’s More

Activity 3: Analyzing and Interpreting Data

Directions: Given the record of Seed Germination in Table 4 below, analyze the data
carefully and interpret its relationship. Write your answers in your Science
activity notebook.
A class was divided into six groups. Each group experimented on the length of
soaking periods best suited for the germination of seeds. Each group soaked ten
seeds each for 36 hours, 24 hours, 12 hours, and 6 hours. Ten other seeds were not
soaked. Then all seeds were planted at the same time in different containers. The
number of seeds that germinated in each container was recorded every day.

Table 4. Seed Germination and Soaking Time

Soaking Time (in hours) Not
Groups
36 24 12 6 Soaked
1 2 4 6 10 10
2 1 2 6 9 10
3 0 0 5 8 9
4 10 5 5 10 9
5 2 5 7 10 9
6 0 2 8 10 8
Total No. of Seeds
germinated in each 15 18 37 57 55
group
Total No. of Seeds
soaked (ten seeds per 60 60 60 60 60
group)

Guide Questions:
1. Based on the table above, which soaking time shows the highest number of
seeds germinated?
2. Does the soaking time have any effect on the seeds’ germination?
3. Was it easy for you to interpret the data presented in this way? Explain your
answer.

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 Lesson
Drawing Conclusions and
5 Communicating Results

Drawing conclusion is utilizing information that is implied to make meaning

out of what is not clarified. When a conclusion is drawn, the validity of the conclusions
and the research findings will be presented. On the other hand, communicating
results is the sharing of results to others and allowing them to analyze your work for
further enhancement.

What’s In

Activity 1. Jumbled Up

Directions: Given the definition/clues, unscramble the following vocabulary words.

Write your answers in your Science activity notebook.

NIPEEMXETR

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 What’s New

Activity 2: Let Us Conclude!

Directions: Using the same data in Table 4 on page 21, select the most appropriate
conclusion from the statements below. Write your answer in your Science
activity notebook.

1. The longer the soaking time, the lesser the survival of the seeds.
2. The longer the soaking time, the greater the survival of the seeds.
3. The number of seeds that germinate decreases as the soaking time increases.
4. The soaking time affects the germination of the seeds.

What is It

Step 6. Drawing a Conclusion

 A conclusion is a statement about the results of the experiment.

 If the data supports the hypothesis, then the hypothesis may be
the explanation for the problem.
 If the data does not support the hypothesis, then more
observations will be made, a new hypothesis will be formed, and the scientific
investigation will be repeated.
 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.

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 Step 7. Communicating 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.
 Reporting one’s research let other scientists repeat the
investigation to see whether they get the same results.

What’s More

Activity 3: Taking it into Practice

Directions: This activity will allow you to use the steps in scientific investigation.
Prepare the materials and follow the procedures carefully.

Materials: four coins of different sizes (10-peso, 5-peso, 1-peso and a 25- centavo),
and a medicine dropper with water.
Procedure:
1. Lay the coins one by one on a table.
2. Fill the medicine dropper with water.
3. Drop the water in each coin one at a time.
4. Count the number of water drops needed to fill the coins. Stop dropping when
the water spills over the coin.
5. Do the same procedure with the other coins.
6. Record the data on the table provided for.

Table 6. Record of Number of Trials and Water Drops

No. of Water Drops
No. of Trials
10-peso 5-peso 1-peso 25-centavo
1
2
3
Average
Guide Questions:
1. What is the problem in this activity?
2. Formulate your hypothesis. (List down as many as possible)
3. Analyze your results. Which coin holds the greatest number of water drops? Why?
4. What can you conclude about the experiment?

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 What I Have Learned

Directions: Fill in the blanks with the correct words found in the box. Write your
answers in your Science activity notebook.

Conclusion Hypothesis Explanations

Scientific Problem Observation
Experimentation Analysis

(1)
The __________ investigation is one way that people think about and solve
questions or problems. When you begin your experiment, it is important to state a
(2)
_________ that you would like to find an answer to.

The process of science begins with an identification of problems and making

(3)
__________. These are information gathered with your senses. People often have
questions about things they see, hear or observe in other ways.

After having thoroughly researched your question, you should have some
(4)
educated guess about how things work. A __________ is an educated guess of what
you think will happen or what you will find out. The next thing you do is to test your
hypothesis. Some hypotheses may be tested simply by further observation, whereas
(5)
others take an elaborated process through __________. Hypothesis testing is used to
assess the plausibility of a hypothesis by using sample data.
(6)
Once the experiment is complete, data __________ follows which are results
that confirm the hypothesis either true or false. Research experiments are usually
analyzed with statistical software in order to determine relationships among data.

(7)
The last step of the Scientific Investigation is to state your __________. This
is a generalization which is tentative but is always a work in progress and are open to
examination for further improvement.

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 What I Can Do

Directions: Identify the steps in scientific investigation using the illustration

below. Write the answers in your Science activity notebook.

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 Assessment

Directions: In the following multiple-choice items, choose the letter of the correct
answer and write it in your Science activity notebook.

1. What is the purpose of a data analysis?

A. Interpret result in the experiment C. Test a hypothesis
B. Communicate data D. Control variables

2. Which of the following best describes the data gathered in a scientific investigation?
A. Variable
B. Numbers
C. Facts or information
D. Ideas you think are true
3. Which describes the purpose of a conclusion in the scientific investigation?
A. It gives sources of information to help the investigation.
B. It states an expected outcome of the investigation.
C. It states whether the data supports the hypothesis.
D. It explains the reason for doing the investigation.
4. Which type of data gathered in an experiment is considered to be an exact
presentation in numeric form?
A. Qualitative data C. Verbal data
B. Descriptive observation D. Quantitative data
5. When your mother sent you to the market to buy fruits and vegetables, how did you
choose the quality of fruits and vegetables?
A. Ask the vendor to choose it for you.
B. Take any kind and pay right away.
C. Examine the skin of fruits and check dark spots.
D. Ask other costumer to choose the vegetables and fruits for you.
6. Which of the following steps in scientific investigation requires asking a question?
A. Gathering Data C. Forming Hypothesis
B. Identifying Problem D. Making Observations

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7. When a researcher listens to the sounds of the whale, he/she is ________.
A. interpreting data C. making observations
B. drawing conclusions D. making a hypothesis
8. Which question has measurable observation?
A. Who made the first microscope?
B. How do giraffes adapt to their environment?
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?
9. In order to come up with the best hypothesis, it must be _________.
A. experimental C. observable
B. proven correct D. testable
10. A possible answer to a question or problem is called ___________.
A. hypothesis C. quantitative
B. observation D. inference
11. Which of the following is the best hypotheses?
A. If a tennis ball is frozen, it won't bounce as high as to the one that is not
frozen.
B. If I freeze a tennis ball, then it will not bounce as high as expected.
C. If I heat up a tennis ball it will bounce high.
D. Frozen tennis ball will not bounce high.
12. The students in a Science class placed ice cubes in a cup. They were studying on
how long it would take for the ice to melt. Which of the following variables would
most likely NOT affect the time it takes for the ice to melt?
A. Temperature of the room C. Size of the ice cube
B. Number of students D. Size of cup

27
For items 13 to 15, refer to the situation below:

Sam wished to investigate how fertilizer run-off affects the growth of algae in
freshwater lakes and streams. He set his experiment this way. He placed 900 ml of
water into each of five 1000 ml glass beakers. To each beaker he added 5 ml of water
from an aquarium which contains a large concentration of algae. The beakers were
placed under a grow light which was timed to provide 12 hours of light each day. Liquid
fertilizer was added to the beakers in the following amounts:
Beaker A - 8 ml fertilizer
Beaker B - 6 ml fertilizer
Beaker C - 4 ml fertilizer
Beaker D - 2 ml fertilizer
Beaker E - no fertilizer

Each week a random sample from each of the beakers was examined under a
microscope to get a count of the number of algal cells present.

13. Which of the following is the control group for this experiment?
A. Beakers A & B C. Beaker D
B. Beakers B & C D. Beaker E

14. What is the dependent variable?

A. Amount of water
B. Amount of liquid fertilizer used
C. The size of the beaker/container
D. The number of algal cells present

15. Which variable is manipulated by the researcher in the experiment?

A. Amount of liquid fertilizer
B. The size of the beaker
C. Amount of water
D. Amount of light

28
 Additional Activities

Directions: Using the problem you identified in Lesson 2- Activity2 on page 10, design
a simple scientific investigation following the steps discussed in this
module. A rubric scoring system is given as your guide.

Photo Credits: Rizza Mae L. Serino

Table 7. Rubric Scoring Guide for Scientific Investigations

Answer Key
Congratulations! You have completed Module 1.

29
 References

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Morano, et al. "Scientific Method." In Fundamentals of Biology I, 12-15. Lomar

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

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Salandanan, G. G. "Scientific Investigation." In Science and Technology Laboratory

Manual, 7-9. Phoenix Publishing House, Inc., 1997.

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31
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