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The Science process

Planning

Involves the activities students undertake when curiosity is stimulated by their observations of a phenomena. Students ask questions such as ‘what happens when…’; ‘what is the effect of ….’. They attempt to provide answers to their own questions, suggest possible relationships and identify variables that may influence the phenomena.

They attempt to make sense of what they have observed by researching what is known from secondary sources. Students develop a research question, predict possible outcomes and form an hypothesis that defines their scientific investigation. They identify and analyse potential problems with their investigation.

Conducting

Involves students refining and documenting their step-by-step procedure;  collecting resources such as equipment for conducting and measuring their observations. Students decide on the most appropriate way to measure and record their observations. They carry out their experiment, observe, measure and record data, and conduct repeat trials. They identify and manage safety risks.

Processing

Involves students organising and analysing their collected data to identify patterns, trends and relationships between variables; they make calculations, arrange data and construct graphs. Students use their knowledge of science concepts to develop explanations for patterns, trends or relationships in data.

Evaluating

Involves the students reviewing and evaluating their findings in relation to their hypothesis, did the investigation support the hypothesis? Students evaluate the investigation by examining the procedure followed and the methods used to collect data. They may identify further investigations.  Students may communicate their findings in electronic format, a scientific display, or as an oral presentation. Students consider the implications of their findings in the wider context or apply their findings to further investigations