Scientific+Investigation

= = = 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:** In line with the theme, test an idea that has a connection to precious resources. " One man's trash is another man's treasure" a common saying that could refer to the resource you chose to investigate. What ideas are you going to test? Define it in your hypothesis then plan out your test and follow the cycle diagram above.

//What the judges will be looking for://

**ü** A defined hypothesis **ü** A written up experiment showing the planning and setup (include diagrams and illustrations of equipment etc.) **ü** An explanation of your observations. (Be careful when testing to only make changes one at a time or the results may be meaningless) **ü** Tabulation of your collected data if applicable **ü** Your analysis of the results and conclusions as to whether your investigation supports your hypothesis or otherwise.

Your log book of the investigation must be included in you enter but do not attach it to a display until your teacher has seen it.

//Your investigation will be assessed// //against others at the same level as you at school//