DESIGNING A
SCIENTIFIC
INVESTIGATIO
N
UNLOCKING CONTENT VOCABULARY
1. Scientific Investigation
A step-by-step process scientists use to
answer questions about the world.
(Consider showing a diagram representing
the steps: Aim/Problem, Materials,
Method, Results, Conclusion).
2. AIM/PROBLEM
The question you want to answer through your
experiment.
3. Materials & Equipment
The tools and supplies you need to conduct your
experiment.
4. METHOD/PROCEDURE
The detailed plan outlining exactly what you will do, step-
by-step, to test your question (like a recipe for an
experiment!).
5. Data
The information you collect during your experiment
(observations, measurements).
6. RESULTS
The findings of your experiment, presented
using tables, charts, or graphs.
7. Conclusion
Your explanation of what your results mean and
how they answer your initial question.
STEPS OF A
SCIENTIFIC
INVESTIGATION
"What do you think scientists do when
they want to learn something new?" or
"How do scientists figure out the
answers to their questions?"
HERE'S A BREAKDOWN OF EACH STEP IN A
SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION WITH A MORE
DETAILED EXPLANATION:
a. Aim or Problem:
● This is the heart of your investigation. It's the question you want to answer
through your experiment.
● A good aim is:
O Clear and Specific: It should be a focused question about what you
want to investigate. Don't try to answer too many things at once.
O Answerable through an Experiment: The question should be
something you can test by collecting data.
O Measurable: You should be able to measure or observe something to
find an answer.
B. MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT:
● This is the list of tools and supplies you need to conduct
your experiment.
● Consider these points:
O Adequacy: You should have everything needed to
carry out your procedures effectively.
O Safety: Choose materials that are safe to use and
handle.
O Availability: Ensure the materials are readily
available or easily obtainable.
C. METHOD OR PROCEDURES:
● This is the detailed step-by-step plan for conducting your
experiment. It outlines exactly what you will do to test your aim.
● A good method should be:
O Clear and Concise: Write specific instructions that are easy
to understand and follow, even by someone else.
O Sequential: List the steps in the order they will be
performed.
O Repeatable: The method should be written in a way that
allows others to repeat your experiment and get similar results.
D. RESULTS INCLUDING DATA:
● This section documents the findings of your experiment. It
includes all the information you collected during the investigation.
● Data can be presented in various ways:
O Observations: Detailed descriptions of what you saw,
smelled, heard, etc., during the experiment.
O Measurements: Quantitative data collected using tools like
rulers, thermometers, or scales.
O Tables and Charts: Organized presentations of your data for
easier analysis.
O Graphs: Visual representations of your data to identify
trends or relationships.
E. CONCLUSIONS:
● This is where you interpret your results and answer your
initial question (aim).
● A good conclusion should be:
O Based on Evidence: It should be derived directly
from the data you collected during the experiment.
O Explanatory: Explain what your findings mean in
relation to your aim.
O Supports or Rejects: State whether your data
supports or rejects your initial hypothesis (if one was
formulated).
