Sctentific+Investigation+X

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= So how do you conduct a scientific investigation? =

Well there is a well recognised process that has been proven over many years. If you have an enquiring mind, which you're sure to have if you are looking at this site then follow this process

In your pursuit of science you will at times come to a point where you need to establish if what you have observed, read or been told is in fact true or just a random occurrence. At this point you decide on your hypothesis. "You believe that.... .This is your statement about what you believe is always true but you want to test it for comfirmation. An example might be that: " Water always develops an anti-clockwise flow when going down a plug hole". The question is, can this be proven to be one of the laws of nature?


 * __First step__ is to devise a plan for one or more experiments to test your question or hypotheses.

__Secondly__ you conduct your experiments paying attention to be consist in repeated tests and being very observant when collecting and recording your data. The data could be measurements, observations or photographs etc.

__Thirdly__ you examine and collate the data from your experiment to see if it answers the hypothesis. Are the results consistent enough to prove your hypothesis?

__Forthly__ you write down your conclusions or you may decide that the experiment didn't really answer the question or that the results were too variable and that you need to do more investigations. So you go around the loop again by deciding on more or different tests in order to get a clearer picture. || ||

**Your brief for the 2010 Scientific Investigation challenge is:** Testing an idea – open category ie does not have to be around the focus area. Must be a fair test with one variable altered, and repeated to give reliable results. Full experimental write up (plus illustrations / equipment) It is essential that you keep a log book from the begining of the investigation. Your log book which the judges will examine needs to record: Your ideas, what you wanted to investigate and the hypothesis that defined your tests Your planning and prepartions Your observations The data you collected Your analysis of the results and conclusions as to whether your results support your hypothesis.

Displaying your project - It is important to be able to communicate your work as clearly and accurately as possible. The display board needs the following : Title, Aim, Hypothesis, Results, Conclusion. Your Log book must be submitted with the project. (Do not mount the log book onto your display until has been seen by your science teacher)

Visual impact is important so include some photos if you have any, and use bold lettering and colour.

Some examples from previous years are shown here :