Below is the steps of carrying out a systematic investigation in the correct order.
- Identify the problem.
- Make a hypothesis.
- Identify the variables.
- Plan the experiment.
- Determine the apparatus and materials.
- Determine the procedures.
- Carry out the experiment.
- Collect the data.
- Analyze the data.
- Interpret the data.
- Draw conclusions.
Select a reported incident from newspaper. Based on the article, make a hypothesis. Then, plan an experiment to test the hypothesis. The point from (a) to (i) , should be included.
Eg: pollution
a) Problem statement: Location A and B are polluted.
b) Objective: To find out the level of pollution in location A and B.
c) Hypothesis: Location A is more polluted than location B.
d) Variables:
- Manipulated: Area selected.
- Responding: Level of pollution.
- Fixed: The time the papers are exposed.
f) Procedure:
- Stick a filter paper of equal size each on cardboards A and B.
- Place cardboard A at location A (by a road side) and cardboard B at location B (in a garden).
- After two hours, check the filter papers.
h) Discussion:
- The passing cars emit a lot of carbon particles from their exhausts. These carbon particles rest on the white filter paper. Hence, the filter paper turns greyish. The other filter paper at location B has only a few black dots on it. This means that fewer pollutants rest on it. So location B is less polluted.
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Note:
Always remember to be truthful when conducting and reporting investigations. Report only the actual facts and never let your opinions and emotions influence your findings.