Experiment

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

A student should be able to :

1. Identify variables in a given situation,
2. identify a question suitable for  scientific investigation,
3. form a hypothesis,
4. design and carry out a simple experiment to test the hypothesis,
5. record and present data in a suitable  form,
6. interpret data to draw a conclusion,
7. write a report of the investigation.

1. a)         A scientific investigation begins with observation.  When observing,

we come out some questions.    (i.e : hearing, smelling, touching,

tasting, seeing)

1. b)    Making inference is a early assessment or explanation that is

carried out to answer the question raised. Inference is an early conclusion to what we observed

1. c)    Form a  hypothesis which is the statement of relationship between

the manipulated variable and the responding variable we would

expect.

 

1. d)   Aim has to be stated  so that all the investigating effort  is centred

on the main subject.

1. e)   Identify all the variables ;

i )  Manipulated variable is a quantity we manipulate /

variable which causes other secondary variables to change.

1. ii)   Responding variable is the quantity which is affected by the

manipulated variable and is measured experimentally.

iii)   Fixed variable is the quantity that does not change

throughout the experiment.

1. f) Apparatus / Materials needed to be listed according its specification

example measuring instrument to ensure the success the

experiment.

1. g)    Procedure is the sequence of action or operation in order to carry

out the experiment according to the instructions given.

1. h)   Observation is the listing and tabulation of all data obtained in the

experiment.

1. i)   Analysing of data can be carried out by plotting the graph, followed

by the interpretation  of graph or calculation to obtain the required

value.

1. j) Discussion needs to be stated to find out whether the result obtained support the stated hypothesis. Precautions of the experiment can be suggested to overcome the weakness, to reduce the experimental error or to improve the result of the experiment.

1. k) A conclusion is stated concerning the result of the experiment

(is written in accordance with the aim of the experiment and based on graph).

By comparing with the aim stated, this will determine

whether the hypothesis is accepted or rejected.