CYCLE 2: THE NATURE OF SCIENCE IV

Introduction to Scientific Investigation

Scientific investigation is a systematic way of solving problems, answering questions, and

understanding natural phenomena. It is the backbone of scientific discovery, allowing scientists
to gather reliable data and draw valid conclusions.

This lesson explores the essential components of a scientific investigation: from identifying the
problem to interpreting the data.

1. PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

A scientific investigation begins with a problem or a question about something observed. This
problem must be specific, clear, and testable.

✔ Example of a Testable Problem:

• Does the amount of sunlight affect the growth of a mung bean plant?

✘ Example of a Non-Testable Problem:

• Is the sun angry when it shines too bright?

Testable questions often begin with:

• What is the effect of…?

• How does… change when…?
• Which condition causes…?

2. FORMULATION OF HYPOTHESIS

A hypothesis is an educated guess or possible explanation for the problem based on prior
knowledge and observations.

It is usually stated in an "If... then..." format:

• If (independent variable is changed), then (dependent variable will respond).

✔ Example:

• If a plant receives more sunlight, then it will grow taller.

A good hypothesis is:

• Testable
• Measurable
• Based on observations or background knowledge

3. IDENTIFYING VARIABLES

Variables are the factors that can change or affect the outcome of an experiment. Identifying the
right variables is essential to a successful investigation.

• Independent Variable (IV):

The factor that is changed or manipulated by the investigator.
➤ Example: Amount of sunlight
• Dependent Variable (DV):
The factor that is measured or observed.
➤ Example: Height of the plant
• Controlled Variables (Constants):
Factors kept the same throughout the experiment to ensure fair testing.
➤ Example: Same type of plant, same soil, same amount of water

4. TESTING THE HYPOTHESIS

To test a hypothesis, an experiment is designed using proper procedures and tools.

Steps in conducting an experiment:

1. Prepare materials and tools.

2. Set up control and experimental groups.
3. Change only one independent variable.
4. Observe and measure the dependent variable.
5. Record all observations and results.

Important Notes:

• Repeat the experiment to ensure reliability.

• Keep all other variables constant.
5. DATA INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS

After the experiment, the next step is to examine the data collected. This helps determine
whether the hypothesis is supported or not.

Data can be:

• Quantitative: Numerical (e.g., height in cm, time in seconds)

• Qualitative: Descriptive (e.g., color change, texture)

Ways to analyze data:

• Use tables to organize information

• Use graphs or charts to show trends
• Look for patterns or relationships between variables

Conclusion:

• State whether the hypothesis was supported or not

• Explain what the data means
• Suggest possible improvements or further investigations

SUMMARY

A scientific investigation follows these key steps:

1. Identify a Problem – Ask a testable question

2. Form a Hypothesis – Predict the outcome
3. Identify Variables – Know what to change, measure, and control
4. Test the Hypothesis – Conduct an experiment
5. Analyze Data – Make sense of the results

By understanding and applying these steps, anyone can think and work like a scientist.

ASSESSMENT:

Assessment: Multiple Choice (25 Items)

Cycle 2: The Nature of Science IV – Introduction to Scientific Investigation

Choose the letter of the correct answer.
1. What is the first step in a scientific investigation?
A. Testing the hypothesis
B. Forming a conclusion
C. Identifying the problem
D. Analyzing data

2. A good scientific problem must be:

A. Long and broad
B. Personal and emotional
C. Specific and testable
D. Philosophical and abstract

3. Which of the following is a properly written problem statement?

A. Do plants love music?
B. Is blue a better color than red?
C. How does sunlight affect plant growth?
D. Why do I like pizza more than burgers?

4. A hypothesis is best described as:

A. A question that needs an answer
B. A prediction based on observations
C. A guess based on emotions
D. A summary of the experiment

5. What makes a hypothesis valid?

A. It agrees with public opinion
B. It can be tested and is based on evidence
C. It sounds smart
D. It has many complicated words

6. Which of the following is an example of a hypothesis?

A. What happens if I don’t water my plants?
B. I think plants grow faster with music because they like sounds.
C. Music helps plants grow better because sound waves stimulate growth.
D. My favorite plant is a cactus.
7. In a scientific investigation, what are variables?
A. Fixed outcomes of an experiment
B. Constants in the background
C. Factors that can change or affect the result
D. People involved in the study

8. What is the independent variable?

A. The result you measure
B. The factor you keep the same
C. The factor you change on purpose
D. The equipment used

9. What is the dependent variable?

A. The factor that is changed by the scientist
B. The factor that is kept constant
C. The result measured during the experiment
D. The person doing the experiment

10. Which of the following is a controlled variable?

A. The sunlight used in every setup
B. The height of the plant after 5 days
C. The amount of water given to one group
D. The number of plants used

11. In the statement, “If plants are given fertilizer, then they will grow taller,” what is the
independent variable?
A. Type of plant
B. Use of fertilizer
C. Height of the plant
D. Amount of sunlight

12. In the same hypothesis, what is the dependent variable?

A. Plant height
B. Type of soil
C. Type of fertilizer
D. Color of leaves

13. The group in an experiment that is not exposed to the independent variable is called:
A. Experimental group
B. Control group
C. Independent group
D. Measured group

14. Why is it important to have a control group in an experiment?

A. To make the results look good
B. To have a backup plan
C. To compare results fairly
D. To try a second hypothesis

15. Which of the following questions is testable in a science investigation?

A. Why is the sky blue?
B. Which brand of paper towel absorbs more water?
C. Is honesty always the best policy?
D. What makes music beautiful?

16. What does it mean to “test a hypothesis”?

A. To guess the answer again
B. To conduct an experiment to prove or disprove the prediction
C. To write an essay about your idea
D. To research online

17. During an experiment, what should you do with the data you collect?
A. Keep it to yourself
B. Throw away data that doesn’t fit
C. Record it accurately and completely
D. Only record the expected results
18. What is the purpose of repeating trials in an experiment?
A. To pass time
B. To get different results each time
C. To increase reliability and accuracy
D. To confuse the participants

19. Data collected in an investigation can be presented using:

A. Paragraphs only
B. Graphs, tables, or charts
C. Stories and poems
D. Dialogues and skits

20. Analyzing data means:

A. Ignoring unexpected results
B. Rearranging steps in the experiment
C. Interpreting patterns and making sense of results
D. Reading out loud

21. A conclusion in a science investigation is based on:

A. Hunches
B. Feelings
C. Observations and collected data
D. What most people believe

22. Which of the following best describes a fair test?

A. Only one variable is changed, and all others are kept the same
B. All variables are changed
C. The result is guessed based on opinion
D. No variables are identified

23. Which step comes before forming a conclusion in a science investigation?

A. Identifying a problem
B. Interpreting data
C. Asking for help
D. Writing a hypothesis
24. In what part of the investigation do you write what happened and what you observed?
A. Problem
B. Hypothesis
C. Data and results
D. Materials

25. Which of these best describes the goal of scientific investigation?

A. To win science contests
B. To support personal beliefs
C. To find reliable answers to questions through evidence
D. To become famous

Answer Key with Explanations

1. C. Identifying the problem

Explanation: The first step in a scientific investigation is recognizing and clearly stating the
problem or question to be answered. This sets the direction for the whole experiment.

2. C. Specific and testable

Explanation: A scientific problem must be clearly defined and testable through observation
or experimentation to ensure it can be investigated scientifically.

3. C. How does sunlight affect plant growth?

Explanation: This is a good scientific problem because it is specific, observable, and
measurable. It can be tested through an experiment.

4. B. A prediction based on observations

Explanation: A hypothesis is an educated guess or prediction made using prior knowledge or
observations. It should be testable.
5. B. It can be tested and is based on evidence
Explanation: A valid hypothesis must be supported by prior knowledge and must be testable
through experimentation.

6. C. Music helps plants grow better because sound waves stimulate growth.
Explanation: This is a hypothesis because it's a testable prediction that explains a possible
cause-and-effect relationship.

7. C. Factors that can change or affect the result

Explanation: Variables are aspects of an experiment that can change. These include
independent, dependent, and controlled variables.

8. C. The factor you change on purpose

Explanation: The independent variable is the one that is deliberately manipulated to observe
its effect on the dependent variable.

9. C. The result measured during the experiment

Explanation: The dependent variable is what you measure in the experiment and what is
affected during the investigation.

10. A. The sunlight used in every setup

Explanation: Controlled variables are kept constant in all setups to ensure that only the
independent variable affects the dependent variable.

11. B. Use of fertilizer

Explanation: The independent variable is the use (or absence) of fertilizer, as it's the factor
being tested.

12. A. Plant height

Explanation: The dependent variable is the plant’s growth (height), as it depends on whether
or not fertilizer is applied.
13. B. Control group
Explanation: The control group is the group where the independent variable is not applied,
allowing for comparison with the experimental group.

14. C. To compare results fairly

Explanation: The control group is essential to determine whether changes in the dependent
variable are due to the independent variable.

15. B. Which brand of paper towel absorbs more water?

Explanation: This question is testable because it is specific, measurable, and can be
investigated through an experiment.

16. B. To conduct an experiment to prove or disprove the prediction

Explanation: Testing a hypothesis involves performing experiments to collect evidence
supporting or rejecting it.

17. C. Record it accurately and completely

Explanation: Data must be recorded truthfully and thoroughly to ensure the integrity and
reliability of the investigation.

18. C. To increase reliability and accuracy

Explanation: Repeating trials helps ensure that the results are consistent and not just due to
random chance.

19. B. Graphs, tables, or charts

Explanation: Visual formats like graphs and tables help organize and interpret data
effectively.
20. C. Interpreting patterns and making sense of results
Explanation: Data analysis involves looking at the results to identify patterns, trends, or
relationships.

21. C. Observations and collected data

Explanation: Conclusions are made based on the evidence gathered during the experiment,
not personal opinions or guesses.

22. A. Only one variable is changed, and all others are kept the same
Explanation: A fair test isolates the independent variable to determine its effect on the
dependent variable, eliminating bias.

23. B. Interpreting data

Explanation: Before forming a conclusion, scientists interpret the data to understand what
the results mean.

24. C. Data and results

Explanation: The data and results section includes all observations, measurements, and
findings from the experiment.

25. C. To find reliable answers to questions through evidence

Explanation: The purpose of scientific investigation is to gather evidence that answers
questions about the natural world in a reliable, logical, and systematic way.