scientific method

• 1. Making observation


  Using senses of sight, hearing, touch, taste or smell to gather information about an object or a phenomenon taking place.
• 2. Making an inference

  Using data collection and past experience to make a conclusion and explanation about an event.
• 3. Identifying the problem

  Asking questions based on the inference made.
• 4. Making a hypothesis

  Making a general statement about the relationship between a manipulated variable and a responding variable to explain an event or observation. This statement can be tested to prove its validity.
• 5. Identifying the variables

  Identifying the manipulated variable, responding variable and fixed variable(s) in an experiment to test the hypothesis that is formed.
• 6. Controlling the variables


  In an investigation, a variable is manipulated to observe its relationship with the responding variable. Simultaneously, other variables are fixed.
• 7. Planning an experiment

  Determining the materials and apparatus to be used, procedure of the experiment, method of collecting data and the ways to analyse and interpret the data.
• 8. Collecting data


  Making observations or measurements and recording the data systematically.
• 9. Interpreting data

  Organising and interpreting the data collected. Data can be interpreted through calculations, graphs or charts to find and determine the relationship between the variables.
• 10. Making a conclusion


  Making a statement on the results of the experiment on whether the hypothesis made is accepted or rejected.
• 11. Preparing a report


  Communicating in detail on all aspects of the experiment so that the outcome of the experiment can be shared for the development of chemistry knowledge.