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Science 7 1.2 Tools in Scientific Method

The document describes three types of scientific investigations: descriptive investigations which observe and describe a subject, comparative investigations which compare two or more subjects, and experimental investigations which test hypotheses by manipulating variables. Examples are provided for each type of investigation, such as comparing the melting of ice cubes with and without salt for a comparative investigation. Learners are prompted to practice identifying the best investigation type for different research questions.

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128 views17 pages

Science 7 1.2 Tools in Scientific Method

The document describes three types of scientific investigations: descriptive investigations which observe and describe a subject, comparative investigations which compare two or more subjects, and experimental investigations which test hypotheses by manipulating variables. Examples are provided for each type of investigation, such as comparing the melting of ice cubes with and without salt for a comparative investigation. Learners are prompted to practice identifying the best investigation type for different research questions.

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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Lesson 1.

Tools in Scientific
Investigations
describe the different
Objectives 1 types of scientific
investigations; and
At the end
of the apply the different
lesson, you 2 types of scientific
should be investigations.
able to:
Learn about It!

Scientific Investigation
● It is a scientist’s efficient approach to research and answer a
problem implementing the scientific method.

● Scientists use multiple research methods to study the


natural world. There are three types of scientific
investigation:
− descriptive investigation;
− comparative investigation; and
− experimental investigation.
Learn about It!

1. Descriptive Investigation
● It primarily observes, describes, and measures different
parts of the system.
● It is used when studying an object or situation for the
first time.
● Observations derived from this type can be qualitative or
quantitative and are represented as diagrams
Learn about It!

Example
The descriptive investigation may be
used to identify and describe the
temperature of ice, the shape of ice
(whether it’s tube, cube, or block) or
how fast does an ice melt on a
summer day.

melting of ice cubes


Learn about It!

2. Comparative Investigation
● It shows a relationship between two or more seemingly
related subjects or conditions
● It involves collecting data on different subjects or
different conditions and evaluating them based on
similarities and differences.
Learn about It!

Example
● You want to know “Which will
melt faster, ice with salt or
without salt?”
● You can easily set up an
experiment to measure the
time in which the ice with salt
and the ice without salt will
melt.
Learn about It!

3. Experimental Investigation
● It is used when scientists want to learn more about a
subject.
● It is also used to determine the effects of changing a
certain variable.
● Variables are manipulated, controlled, and measured
using the scientific method.
Learn about It!

Example
You want to know if the length of the string
affects the time it takes a pendulum to
complete a full swing. You can design your
experimental investigation based on the
scientific method.

1. Observation: A shorter pendulum (15.0


cm) seems to swing faster than a longer
pendulum (25.0 cm).
Learn about It!

2. Statement of the problem: How does the length of the


string affect the time it takes for a pendulum to complete a
full swing?

3. Collect preliminary data: The time it takes for a pendulum


to complete a full swing is called a period. Mechanical
energy is conserved in a pendulum motion.

4. Hypothesis: As the length of the string increases, the period


also increases.
Learn about It!

5. Experiment: The length of the string can be varied and its


effect can be checked by measuring the period. The length
of the string is the independent variable, while the period is
the dependent variable.

6. Collect and analyze data: Record observations and present


them in a table. A line graph can be constructed to show
that the period increases with the length of the string.

7. Conclusion: The length of the string is directly proportional


to the period.
Try it!

Determine the scientific investigation that will best


answer or resolve the following problems.
1. You want to know which among ibuprofen, mefenamic
acid, paracetamol, and aspirin is the best in curing a
headache.
2. You are curious whether the temperature of the
environment affects the growth of bacteria.
3. You want to know how many of your classmates passed
the previous exam.
Try it! Solution

Determine the scientific investigation that will best


answer or resolve the following problems.
1. You want to know which among ibuprofen, mefenamic
acid, paracetamol, and aspirin is the best in curing a
headache. comparative
2. You are curious whether the temperature of the
environment affects the growth of bacteria. experimental
3. You want to know how many of your classmates passed
the previous exam. descriptive
Key Points

A scientific investigation is a scientist’s efficient


approach to research and answer a problem
implementing the scientific method.
● A descriptive investigation is used when you are
studying an object or situation for the first time.
1 ● A comparative investigation shows a relationship
between two or more seemingly related subjects or
conditions.
● An experimental investigation is used when
scientists want to learn more about a subject.
Check Your Understanding

What is the best type of scientific investigation to use on


the following questions?
1. Which animal is more active at night, a dog or a cat?
2. How is the road traffic today?
3. How does the angle of the road affect the speed of a car?
4. Do tomatoes grow faster during rainy season or dry
season?
Challenge Yourself

You observe that many residents in your area buy


purified water from a water refilling station. You
hypothesize that purified water is safer to drink
than tap water. Design an experiment to test your
hypothesis.
Bibliography
Mendoza, E. 2003. Chemistry. Quezon City: Phoenix Publishing House, Inc.

Padolina, M.C.D., Simon-Antero, E. and Alumaga, M.J.B. 2010. Conceptual and Functional Chemistry (2nd
ed.). Quezon City: Vibal Publishing House, Inc.

Religioso, T.F. and Vengco, L.G. 2011. You and the Natural World Integrated Science (3rd ed.). Quezon City:
Phoenix Publishing House, Inc.

University of Rochester. “Appendix E: Introduction to the Scientific Method.” Accessed April 2, 2017.
http://teacher.nsrl.rochester.edu/phy_labs/AppendixE/AppendixE.html#Heading6

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