NCEA Level 1 Science/Investigating in science

Introduction

Science is knowledge but where does this knowledge come from? Scientist use a method called the scientific method to gather information in order to create theories.

When we perform experiments, we usually follow a plan called the scientific method. This method is not a set of rules nor was it thought up by a person. Over time, the scientific method has evolved by many scientists who wanted to communicate their results to other scientists. The scientific process allows the experiment to be repeated by someone else and the results to be communicated in a similar way.

The scientific method is logically thought out. Experiments follow the same process in which people use to solve their problems and answer questions.

Develop and carry out investigations

Investigations are where we find out the relationship between different variables. Changing one variable in a precise way may (or may not) lead to a change in another variable. The thing that you choose to change is called the independent variable. The variable that changes as a result is called the dependent variable.

For example you might investigate the effect of light intensity on the production of oxygen by a plant. The independent variable is the light intensity and amount of oxygen is the dependent variable.

Evaluate investigative models