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The first weeks of school, the students in second of ESO (Science class) have been studying the scientific method.
The scientific method is the process that scientists follow when investigating and exploring the world around us.
STEP 1 (OBSERVATION/ OBJECTIVE)
First we need to make an observation and create a question that can be answered through an experiment (not based on opinion, morals or other subjective things)
Example of Scientific Questions:
How does ___1._Temperature_______ affect ___2_rate of chemical reaction________?
1.Independent Variable
2. Dependent Variable
Students need to learn to identify the different types of variables, the dependent variable is the one you observe and measure (and depends on the independent variable). The independent variable, however, is the one you change in the experiment.
Student should also learn that the control variables are the factors that need to be kept the same in both experiments to maki it a fair test.
STEP 2 (HYPOTHESIS)
The second step is to make a hypothesis. Here the students make a prediction about what they think will be the result of their experiment. The Hypothesis should be based on some solid background theory. The prediction needs to be tested and verified or discarded.
STEP 3 (EXPERIMENT AND RESULTS)
Students carry out their experiment and explain all the step in their procedure. They should record all the results in an organized way in a table, graphic or with a drawing.
STEP 4 (CONCLUSION,DISCUSSION AND REFLEXION)
Students explain their results and mention if their hypothesis was correct or not. They should reflect on the method, what might explain their results, how it could have been improved, etc.
We ended the unit by allowing the students to carry out different types of experiments, designing them on their own but following the steps of the Scientific method.
Some of the research questions were:
Which type of baby diaper are better at keeping water?
Which type of soap is better for cleaning ketchup?
How does temperature affect the dissolving rate of C-vitamine tablets?
Kristin Hildur. Secondary Science Teacher
