The Scientific Investigation Method

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Science is the systematic study of nature that helps us to understand natural phenomena and how it affects the environment and living things. Science discoveries help us to understand and appreciate our environment and improve the quality of life. There is a need for a rational and systematic method to investigate and study certain natural phenomena or scientific developments. In order to avoid failure, scientist should have an aim and acceptable guidelines to carry out researches or experiments so that the results are acceptable, reliable and convincing.

Steps in the Scientific Investigation Method

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Observing Phenomena

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Most scientific investigations begin with observations. The phenomenon should be observed carefully and all facts related to it should be written down clearly.

Identifying Problems

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The final task in a scientific investigation is to identify the problem that is to be investigated. We must determine what we want to find out and why the investigation needs to be carried out. The problem is normally identified through observations and is based on certain facts. Problems are usually expressed in statement based on certain situations.

For example:

• Situation: A plant grows under sunlight.
• Problem statement: How is the growth of the plant affected by sunlight?
• Situation: A ball is rolling down a slope.
• Problem statement: How of the plant is the growth of the plant affected sunlight?

Identifying Variables