Scientific Investigation Practice

Vocabulary terms and core concepts based on the Scientific Investigation curriculum from The Winchester School, covering experimental steps, variables, and procedural standards.

Scientific Investigation

A planned practical activity used to answer a question or test an idea (hypothesis) fairly and safely.

Variable

Something that can change in an investigation.

Independent Variable

The variable you deliberately change; it usually answers the question: What am I changing?

Dependent Variable

The variable you measure or observe, which depends on what you change.

Controlled Variables

Variables that must be kept the same to make it a fair test, such as using the same equipment or location.

Aim

Step $1$ of planning an investigation where you identify what you are trying to find out.

Prediction (Hypothesis)

A sentence that states what you think will happen and explains why using scientific reasoning, often starting with 'I predict that…' or 'If… then… because…'.

Material Required

Step $4$ of an investigation which involves listing everything needed, such as a beaker, thermometer, sugar, stopwatch, and stirring spoon.

Method

Step $5$ which involves writing clear, numbered steps so someone else could repeat the experiment.

Observation and Results

Step $6$ where the researcher decides how results will be recorded, such as using a table of temperature vs time or a line graph.

Safety

A part of the planning process (Step $6$) involving thinking about any risks and how to reduce them, such as handling hot water carefully.

Conclusion

Step $7$ which answers the question: 'What did the experiment show?'

Components of a Good Conclusion

Includes what happened in the experiment, whether the prediction was correct, and a scientific reason using key terms.

$$100\,ml$$

The specific volume of water used in the example experimental method.