Investigation vs experiment

​A Scientific Experiment is a test under controlled conditions made to either demonstrate a known truth, examine the validity of a hypothesis, or test something previously untried.

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• ​Involves testing dependent and independent variables

• ​Establishes a cause and effect relationship

• ​Uses the Scientific Method

A Scientific Investigation is the act of investigating; the process of inquiring into or following up; research; study; inquiry, especially patient or thorough inquiry or examination

• ​Clear questions drive the investigation

• ​Does not use the complete Scientific Method

• ​A hypothesis is not necessary

• ​Turn to the first blank page and make a Double Bubble Map! Make sure it is large and takes up as much of the page as possible!

• ​Label the left side "EXPERIMENT" and the right side "INVESTIGATION"

• ​With your shoulder partner, fill this out with facts. Left side is for facts that only go with EXPERIMENT and the Right side is for facts that only go with INVESTIGATION. Any facts that apply to both go in the middle.

​Choose whether you would conduct a Scientific Experiment or a Scientific Investigation to answer the following questions!