SELF ACCESS LEARNING (SAL) FORM 1

Objective: To understand the steps in scientific investigation

NOTE

1.3 Steps in a Scientific Investigation

1 The steps for acquiring scientific knowledge are summarized below:

i)Identifying the problem
ii)Proposing a hypothesis
iii)Controlling variables:
Ø Manipulated
Ø Responding
Ø Constant

iv)Collecting data
v)Analysing and interpreting data
vi)Reporting
vii)Forming conclusion
viii)Planning an investigation
(experiment)


Procedure:
1. For objective questions each question is followed by four options, A, B, C and D. Choose the correct answer.


OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS

1. The steps given below form the procedure of a pendulum swings experiment.
K – To make a rational conclusion
L – To gather and record accurate data
M – To make accurate observations
N – To analyse and interpret data

Which of the following is the correct order of the steps in the above procedure of a pendulum swings experiment?
A K -> L -> M -> N B N -> M -> L -> K
C L -> M -> K -> N D M -> L -> N -> K


2. Which of the following questions might be a problem statement for a scientific investigation?
A What can be done to persuade people to recycle waste?
B Can plants make food when placed under a fluorescent light?
C How can we change the religious beliefs of others?
D How many odd numbers are there between 1 and 100?


3. J, K, L and M are among the steps involved in a scientific investigation.

J : Forming hypothesis
K : Carrying out experiment
L : Making conclusion
M : Planning experiment

A J, M, K, L B J, M, L, K
C M, J, K, L D M, K , J, L


4. What is fixed variable?
A A variable that is being controlled
B A variable that has a constant value
C A variable that changes periodically
D A variable that is dependent on other variables

STRUCTURED QUESTIONS

1. An experiment is carried out to investigate the relationship between the length of the pendulum and the period of oscillation.

a) State a hypothesis for the investigation.
_________________________________________________________________
[1 mark]
b) State the following variables in the experiment.
(i) Manipulated : _____________________________________________
(ii) Responding : _____________________________________________
(iii) Constant : _____________________________________________
[3 mark]


2. What conclusion can be made from the results?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
[1 mark]



e) State one reason why the experiment is repeated three times for each length of the pendulum.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
[1 mark]