Step 1 - State the Problem
Step 2 - Research, and Hypothesize or Predict
Step 3 - Plan Experiment and Gather Data
Step 4 - Analyze the Data and Make a Conclusion

STEP 1 - STATE THE PROBLEM

Begin by stating the problem. This could be in the form of a critical question e.g.

• How does human energy consumption affect the environment, and how can we cut down the amount of energy we use?

You could also include the subsidiary questions e.g.

• Do students/school staff/parents/guardians think they use a lot of energy?
• Do they feel that using energy hurts the environment?
• What environmentally-friendly energy resources do they know of?
• Would they change their behavior to conserve energy?
• What are some methods they know of for saving energy?

As an alternative, students can be asked to develop their own criticaql and/or subsidiary questions which they could use to design a survey.

STEP 2 - RESEARCH AND HYPOTHESIZE

Research

Leaners should gather as much information as they can about the question before making the hypothesis. This may be in the form of research, observation, interviews etc. Good research requires critical thinking, for example, learners must make sure the source of their information is reliable.

You should provide the learners with reference links in this section.

Hypothesis or Prediction

A hypothesis is a possible explanation for the question or problem that can be tested with an experiment. Research is necessary before a scientist can come up with a good hypothesis; otherwise, a hypothesis would just be a wild guess.

You have the option of stating an example hypothesis here, but the nature of scientific enquiry would encourage the learners forming their own hypothesis. Read about the hypothesis

STEP 3 - PLAN "EXPERIMENT" AND/OR GATHER DATA

The experimentation process is necessary because it allows learners to test the validity of their assumptions. It is often important to perform the experiment a number of times, changing some of the variables as they go along. This allows them to isolate and examine how particular variables impact different aspects of the experiment. Experiments should ideally be performed by many different people in order to verify the results and to truly test the validity of the hypothesis. It is also common practice to have a control in the experiment i.e. a sample that is not exposed to the variables. If the learners were feeding plants various substances, they would have one plant that does not get fed anything but water.

Provide the learner with a step-by-step guideline on how to proceed with the experiment. You should give detailed instructions and you could use leading questions to assist their thinking. Provide the resources that you think are necessary if the learners do not have adequate skills to perform any step.

STEP 4 - ANALYZE DATA AND MAKE A CONCLUSION

Learners should be prompted to carefully look at the results of the experiment, analyze the data and draw a conclusion about whether the hypothesis was proven. They should look for alternative explanations. It is necessary to look at all aspects of the experiment. What worked? What didn’t? Why not? It is important not to rule out data that does not support the hypothesis. All data should be reviewed in the formulation of a strong, fact-based conclusion. This conclusion can support or deny the hypothesis.

Provide the learners with some leading questions to ensure that they have look at all possibilities of the question and know the strengths and weaknesses of the data as evidence.

The learners must present a report on their findings and conclusion. Give details about the requirements of the report and provide an assessment rubric. Decide on the format and criteria for the report. activity