Science Investigation Skills: Pondwater Investigation
We are going to design, implement and report on an investigation. We will also practice our microscopy skills in the process!
Step 1: Define your research Question
You have been provided with pondwater that is full of microscopic life. You have learned about energy inputs, and pollution in unit 1. What could you investigate?
Step 2: Write your hypothesis and define your variables.
You have a question or aim, now you need to define what you are testing. First decide on your independent, dependent and controlled variables, then write your hypothesis. Remember, the hypothesis will include both variables and a measurable change.
Step 3: Decide upon how you will conduct this investigation. Write materials and methods. Consider safety and ethics.
How will you set up this experiment? Make sure your are controlling the extraneous variables. What is your control group? Make comments on the risks associated with this experiment and whether the experiment is ethical.
Step 4: Decide upon how you will record your data.
Set up tables for data input and define the intervals for data collection (hourly, weekly, forntightly? etc)
Step 5: Set up the experiement and begin the data collection.
Consider the location of your pondwater. Ensure it will not be disturbed unessessarily. Ensure the controlled variables are being managed.
Step 6: Display your data using graphs and or diagrams and discuss your results.
Represent your data in a format which is both scientifically correct (e.g. graph type) and easy to interpret (e.g. axis scales are sensible, line of best fit included if necessary).
Step 7: Evaluate the experiment. Were there errors? What further research or improvements are needed?
Be harsh but matter-of-fact. It is okay to admit shortcomings in your experiment.
You have been provided with pondwater that is full of microscopic life. You have learned about energy inputs, and pollution in unit 1. What could you investigate?
Step 2: Write your hypothesis and define your variables.
You have a question or aim, now you need to define what you are testing. First decide on your independent, dependent and controlled variables, then write your hypothesis. Remember, the hypothesis will include both variables and a measurable change.
Step 3: Decide upon how you will conduct this investigation. Write materials and methods. Consider safety and ethics.
How will you set up this experiment? Make sure your are controlling the extraneous variables. What is your control group? Make comments on the risks associated with this experiment and whether the experiment is ethical.
Step 4: Decide upon how you will record your data.
Set up tables for data input and define the intervals for data collection (hourly, weekly, forntightly? etc)
Step 5: Set up the experiement and begin the data collection.
Consider the location of your pondwater. Ensure it will not be disturbed unessessarily. Ensure the controlled variables are being managed.
Step 6: Display your data using graphs and or diagrams and discuss your results.
Represent your data in a format which is both scientifically correct (e.g. graph type) and easy to interpret (e.g. axis scales are sensible, line of best fit included if necessary).
Step 7: Evaluate the experiment. Were there errors? What further research or improvements are needed?
Be harsh but matter-of-fact. It is okay to admit shortcomings in your experiment.