MS Physical Science 1.2: Types of Investigations

• ​Looking at objects, events, and systems and collecting data about them.​

• ​Tools such as magnifying lenses and cameras help you reveal and collect the details

• ​Looking for ways that two or more objects, events, or processes are alike and different.

• ​Involves using data to form conclusions.

• ​Looking for patterns in data by using an experiment.

• ​Most common type of investigation.

• ​Similar to a guess, but must be something that can be tested.

• ​Often an "if-then" statement.

• Manipulated: What you are changing.

• Responding: what you are measuring.

• Constant (sometimes called Controlled): what is staying the same.​

• ​Serves as a baseline for comparison.

• ​Usually does not experience the manipulated variable (what is changing).

• ​Experiments should include several different sets of conditions (or subjects).

• ​Each set of condition would be a Trial.

• ​Experiments should be repeated several times to make sure results are valid.

• ​Repeating an entire experiment would be a Replication.

​Uh oh...you've dripped ketchup all over your favorite white cotton shirt.

​

Your mom tells you an old-fashioned trick: Pouring white vinegar on a stain will work better than laundry detergent to remove it.

Is that true? You'll need to design a controlled experiment to find out!