Module 3 Week 3

Learning Competency:
Conduct an actual experiment
SSP-RS9-CAE1-Ib-f-2
r

Ready to Launch!

This self-learning module will introduce you to the steps in

conducting an actual experiment. A researcher involved in conducting a
research project generally goes through the steps of the scientific method,
from making sure that the hypothesis is valid and testable to using
controls and statistical tests.
Research, like Science, revolves around experiments, and learning
the best way of experimenting is crucial to obtaining useful and valid
results. Whilst all scientists use reasoning, operationalization, and the
steps of the scientific process, it is not always a conscious process.
Experience and practice mean that many scientists follow an instinctive
process of experimenting, the 'streamlined' scientific process. Following
the basic steps will usually generate valid results, but where experiments
are complex and expensive, it is always advisable to follow the rigorous
scientific protocols.
When conducting research, scientists use the scientific method to
collect measurable, empirical evidence in an experiment related to a
hypothesis with the goal in mind of supporting or contradicting a theory.
Research, relative to Science, should also be taught in a logical and
systematic approach discovering how and why things happen as they
occur. With the purpose/question in mind, doing a background check of
the research project, formulation of hypothesis, recording of data, and
coming up with a conclusion, all these steps ensure that the researcher is
on the right track. With the aid of this self-learning module, a novice
researcher like you would further explore the world of Research.

Aim at the Target!

This self-learning module generally aims to:

o Conduct an actual experiment (SSP-RS7SA-Ia-c-1)
 Furthermore, it specifically aims to:
 Familiarize the key concepts, methodologies, and
terminologies in designing and conducting an experiment.
Try This!

Like Science, Research needs to be logically and systematically

conducted to come up with valid and reliable results. Try to answer this
activity to refresh you on the basic concepts of scientific research. Use a
separate sheet for your answer.
Directions:
Read the following statements & match the statement letter(s) to
the questions below.
Some questions will have more than one answer.

Statements:
A. A scientist wants to find out why ocean water freezes at a lower
temperature than fresh water.
B. The scientist goes to the library and reads a number of articles
about the physical properties of solutions.
C. In the library, the scientist also reads about the composition of
ocean water.
D. The scientist travels to a nearby beach and observes the conditions
there while taking notes on the taste of the ocean water as well as
waves, wind, air pressure, temperature, and humidity.
E. After considering all this information, the scientist sits at a desk and
writes, “My guess is that ocean water freezes at a lower
temperature than freshwater because ocean water has salt in it.”
F. The scientist goes back to the laboratory and does the following:
- Fills two beakers with 1 Liter of freshwater
- Dissolves 35g of table salt in one of the beakers
- Places both beakers in a refrigerator whose temperature is
-1°C
- Leaves the beakers in the refrigerator for 24 hours
G. After 24 hours, the scientist examines both beakers and finds the
freshwater to be frozen. The saltwater (ocean water) is still liquid.
H. The scientist writes in a notebook, “It appears as if saltwater (ocean
water) freezes at a lower temperature than fresh water does”
I. The scientist continues, “Therefore, I suggest that the reason ocean
water freezes at a lower temperature is that ocean water contains
dissolved salts while fresh water does not.”
J. Questions:
1. Which statements contain conclusions? __, ___
2. Which statements refer to research? ____,____
3. Which statement contains a hypothesis? ___
4. Which statements contain observations? ___, ___
5. Which statements describe an experiment? ___,_____
6. Which statement supports the hypothesis? ___,_____
7. In which statement the problem is defined? ____
8. Which statement contains data? ___
9. Which is the variable in the experiment? (salt or fresh water)
_______________
10. What is the control in the experiment? (salt or fresh water)
_______________
11. Which statement includes an inference? _____

Keep This in Mind!

To further explain the steps, terminologies, and examples of a Scientific Method, you are
given ample time to watch a video on this topic.

ACTIVITY

Direction: Click the link below and watch the video on Scientific Method.

Scientifi
c
Method

Link on Scientific Method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=BVfI1wat2y8

ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION

Directions: Read the experimental scenario below and identify the
components of the scientific method by completing the graphic organizer
provided. Use a separate sheet for your answer.

Experimental Scenario
A student investigated the effect of aged-grass compost (fertilizer made
from decaying plant material) on the growth of bean plants. She thought
that the compost would provide extra nutrients and make plants grow
faster. Thirty bean seeds were divided into three groups and planted in
different flats (boxes). All seeds germinated after 12 days and were
allowed to grow for five days. The flats were each given the same amount
of water and the same amount of light. Flat A was then fertilized with 3-
month old compost; Flat B was given 6-month old compost; Flat C was
given no compost. At the end of 14 days the height of each plant was
measured in centimeters (refer to the data given in Table 1).

Table 1. Final Heights of Bean Plants

3-month old 6-month old No compost
Compost compost
7.6 10.1 6.5
5.4 9.5 7.2
8.2 12.1 8.4
9.3 13.0 11.0
8.2 8.5 6.9
6.9 13.1 6.8
7.3 12.4 6.3
9.4 11.6 10.7
10.2 14.8 9.9
12.0 10.8 10.6

After reading the experimental scenario above, fill in the needed

information on the components of the scientific method.

Analysis of the Experimental Scenario

Problem/
Observation:
Question:
Hypothesis:
Procedures
Independent
Dependent
Constant/
Controls
 Control Group
Experimental
Group

Result Data
(show your
graph)

Conclusion

ABSTRACTION AND GENERALIZATION

The Basis of Conducting an Experiment

When designing an experiment, a researcher must follow all of the steps

of the scientific method, from making sure that the hypothesis is valid and
testable, to utilizing controls and statistical tests. Experience and practice
mean that many scientists follow an instinctive process of conducting an
experiment, the 'streamlined' scientific process. Following the basic steps
will usually generate valid results, but where experiments are complex
and expensive, it is always advisable to follow the rigorous scientific
protocols. Conducting an experiment has a number of stages, where the
parameters and structure of the experiment are made clear.

The Six Steps

The number of steps can vary from one description to another (which
mainly happens when data and analysis are separated into separate
steps), however, this is a fairly standard list of the six scientific method
steps that you are expected to know for any science class:

1. Purpose/Question. Ask a question.

2. Research
Conduct background research. Write down your sources so you can
cite your references. In the modern era, a lot of your research may be
conducted online. Scroll to the bottom of articles to check the
references. Even if you cannot access the full text of a published article,
you can usually view the abstract to see the summary of other
experiments. Interview experts on a topic. The more you know about a
subject, the easier it will be to conduct your investigation.

3. Hypothesis
Propose a hypothesis. This is a sort of educated guess about what
you expect. It is a statement used to predict the outcome of an
experiment. Usually, a hypothesis is written in terms of cause and
 effect. Alternatively, it may describe the relationship between the two
phenomena. One type of hypothesis is the null hypothesis or the no-
difference hypothesis. This is an easy type of hypothesis to test
because it assumes changing a variable will have no effect on the
outcome. In reality, you probably expect a change but rejecting a
hypothesis may be more useful than accepting one.

4. Experiment
Design and perform an experiment to test your hypothesis. An
experiment has an independent and dependent variable. You change or
control the independent variable and record the effect it has on the
dependent variable. It is important to change only one variable for an
experiment rather than try to combine the effects of variables in an
experiment. For example, if you want to test the effects of light
intensity and fertilizer concentration on the growth rate of a plant, you
are looking at two separate experiments.

5. Data/Analysis
Record observations and analyze the meaning of the data. Often,
you will prepare a table or graph of the data. Do not throw out data
points you think are bad or that don't support your predictions. Some of
the most incredible discoveries in science were made because the data
looked wrong. Once you have the data, you may need to perform
mathematical analysis to support or refute your hypothesis.

6. Conclusion
Conclude whether to accept or reject your hypothesis. There is no
right or wrong outcome for an experiment, so either result is fine.
Accepting a hypothesis does not necessarily mean it is correct!
Sometimes repeating an experiment may give a different result. In
other cases, a hypothesis may predict an outcome, yet you might draw
an incorrect conclusion. Communicate your results. The results may be
compiled into a lab report or formally submitted as a paper. Whether
you accept or reject the hypothesis, you likely learned something about
the subject and may wish to revise the original hypothesis or form a
new one for a future experiment.

APPLICATION

Ever heard the popular saying “health is wealth”? This gives a large
meaning to our life, as health is considered the most valuable and
precious for every individual. Good health means not only the absence of
disease in the body but a complete physical, mental, social, as well as the
spiritual well-being of an individual.

You woke up one morning with red rashes on your skin and wonder
what caused it. As a teenager and health-conscious person, what should
you do?
 Reflect

This section will help you to think carefully and share your thought/s
on a given idea. Furthermore, this will also help assess your learning
progress.

What is the role of the scientific method in the production of medicine,

food products, and cosmetics?

Reinforcement & Enrichment

To further equip you and enhance your knowledge on the scientific

method, try to enjoy and learn by clicking the video link below:

http://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/science/scientific-
inquiry/scientific-methods.htm

Assess Your Learning

Direction: Read and understand the statements in each item. Choose
the letter of the correct answer. Write it on your answer sheet.

1. In an experiment, a factor that can change is a(n) .

a. observation.
b. variable.
c. control.
d. hypothesis.
2. The is used in an experiment to show that the
results of an experiment are actually a result of the condition being
tested.
a. independent variable
b. control
c. hypothesis
 d. dependent variable
3. A(n) is a variable representing the value being
manipulated or changed.
a. hypothesis
b. constant
c. independent variable
d. control group
e. dependent variable
f. meter
4. I am trying to clean my bathroom shower because it has mold on
the bottom. I was told to use Xtraclean to get it up. I use Xtraclean
on half of the bathroom shower and water on the other half. What is
the controlled variable?
a. water
b. Xtraclean
c. shower
d. mold
5. If Sam were completing an experiment to determine if fertilizer
makes a plant grow better than not using fertilizer, which of the
following would be the BEST method?
a. Place one plant in the sun and the other in a closet.
b. Water one plant every day and the other plant every other day.
c. Keep both plants on top of a cabinet.
d. Use a tomato plant and a bean plant.

References & Photo Credits

https://www.nps.gov/flfo/learn/education/upload/unit1lesson5.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVfI1wat2y8&t=109s
https://www.thoughtco.com/steps-of-the-scientific-method-p2-
606045

https://www.africanleadershipacademy.org/blog/health-is-wealth/
#:~:text=Ever%20heard%20the%20popular%20saying,well
%2Dbeing%20of%20an%20individual.
 https://www.helpteaching.com/tests/162094/experiments-controls-
and-variables

https://www.coursehero.com/file/pi7ca7e/Experimental-Scenario-3-
A-student-investigated-the-effect-of-aged-grass-compost/

http://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/science/scientific-
inquiry/scientific-methods.htm

ANSWER KEY
QUARTER 1 MODULE 3 WEEK 3

Try This
1. Which statements contain conclusions? H I
2. Which statements refer to research? B C
3. Which statement contains a hypothesis? E
4. Which statements contain observations? D G
5. Which statements describe an experiment? F
6. Which statement supports the hypothesis? H
7. In which statement the problem is defined? A
8. Which statement contains data? D G
9. Which is the variable in the experiment? (salt Salt water
or fresh water)
10. What is the control in the experiment? (salt Fresh water
or fresh water)
11. Which statement includes an inference? H

Analysis
Analysis of the Experimental Scenario
Problem/ Effect of aged-grass compost on growth of bean plants
Observation:
Question: Will aged-grass make plants grow faster?
Hypothesis: The aged-grass compost will make bean plants grow
faster.
Experiment
1. Thirty bean seeds were divided into three groups and planted in
Procedures different flats (boxes).
2.All seeds germinated after 12 days and were allowed to grow for five
days.
3.The flats were each given the same amount of water and the same
amount of light.
4.Flat A was then fertilized with 3-month old compost; Flat B was given
6-mtnohg old compost; and Flat C was given no compost.
5.At the end of 14 days the height of each plant was measured in
centimeters
Independent Aged-grass compost
Dependent Height of bean plants
Constant/Controls amount of water and light
Control Group Flat C with no compost
Experimental Flat A and Flat B
Group

Result Data
(show your graph)

Conclusion The purpose of this experiment was to determine the

effect of compost on the growth of bean plants. The data
shows beans grew taller in soil with compost and 6-month
compost made bean plants grow taller than the 3-month
 compost. Hypothesis is accepted.

Results/Data (Graph):
Effect of Compost on the Growth of Bean Plants
Final Height of Bean Plant

No compost
3-month Compost
6-month compost

Beans

Reflect
Answers may vary
Assess your Learning
1.b
2.b
3.c
4.a
5.c