Physics Chapter 1 Grade 7

 

Physics                       Chapter 1                                 Grade 7

The Scientific Method

 

Step 1: Make an Observation

When you notice something interesting, you can say an Observation is Made. Scientific Observations trigger curiousity and interest to know more.

 

Step 2: Ask a Question

When an interesting observation is made, you wonder why what you observed happened.

In the scientific method, you decide to find out the answer to this questions through research and experiments.

 

Step 3: Conduct Research

Now you want to understand the topic better.

Maybe this topic was researched by someone before, and the answers are available in a book, video, or scientific article. So you first look for available information on the topic.

 

Step 4: Form a Hypothesis

A ‘hypothesis’ is an educated guess or a possible explanation.

Once you have a hypothesis, you can then design an experiment to test it and see if your prediction is correct or not.

 

Step 5: Plan & Conduct Experient

Conducting an experiment is the most difficult step in the Scientific Method. It is a way to test a hypothesis and gather evidence to support or disprove it. It is also a highly exciting process that students get to experience in school laboratories.

First, you have the hypothesis ready.

1. Next, you need to design the experiment. This means figuring out what materials and equipment you will need, what procedures you will follow, and how you will measure your results.
2. Then you conduct the experiment. This involves following your procedures carefully, making observations, and recording your results.
3. Independent variable – A factor that is changed during a scientific experiment
4. Dependent variable – A factor being tested or measured during an experiment
5. Controlled variable – A factor that is kept the same during a scientific experiment

 

 

 

 

Step 6: Analyze Data

In this stage, data collected during the experiment is anlaysed. The goal is to know whether the data proves the hypothesis or disproves it. This involves:

• Explaining the data gathered from the experiment.
• Observations, information and data are collected from the experiment.
• Use of pictorial representation via charts, graphs, averages, percentages, etc.

 

 

Step 7: Report Conclusions

A report is created at the end of the experiement. It will have data, conclusions, and diagrams. It is presented to an authority on the topic for review

The report should say:

• Is the data and mesaurement correct? What are the possible sources of error?
• Does the data (answer) support the hypothesis? Why or why not?

If the data does not prove or disprove the hypothesis, a new experiemnt needs to be designed and conducted. Sometimes, new factors of the same problem can be researched and studied

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                       Important Questions with Answers

1. Do scientists use the scientific method?

Yes, but not exactly as stated in theory. Scientists use the scientific method’s basic principles, which include observations, experimentation and data analysis, to support or reject explanations and theories. They apply the scientific method, but not always strictly, as it is laid out in the form of organised steps taught in class. Because scientists work in less-than-ideal conditions, they can modify the scientific method by skipping some steps, repeating others, or switching back and forth between them.

2. Choose the wrong option.

Functions performed by the hypothesis are:

a. Hypothesis helps in directing the inquiries in the right direction
b. Hypothesis does not help in verifying the observations
c. It helps in making an observation and experiments possible
d. It becomes the starting point for the investigation

Answer: b. Hypothesis does not help in verifying the observations

Explanation: Hypothesis helps in verifying the observations.

3. A hypothesis cannot be proved or disproved by doing one experiment.

a. True
b. False

Answer: a. True

4. What are the steps of the scientific method?

The scientific method has four main steps,

1. Observation and formulation of a question
2. Data collection and hypothesis
3. Testing the hypothesis
4. Analysis and conclusion

 

 

 

5. Can the scientific method answer all questions?

No, the scientific method has certain limitations. The scientific method can only answer objective questions based on quantitative facts from observable, measurable and repeatable experiments. And it cannot answer subjective questions based on qualitative beliefs or opinions, such as the presence of deities and ghosts or who makes the best doughnut.

6. Why is the scientific method important?

The scientific method provides an objective, standardised approach to conducting experiments and, in doing so, improves their results. By using a standardised method in their investigations, scientists could feel confident that they will stick to the facts and limit the influence of personal, preconceived notions.

7. How can the scientific method be improved?

The scientific methods can increase the validity of an experiment by controlling more variables, enhancing measurement methods, increasing randomisation to reduce sample bias, blinding the investigation, and adding control or placebo groups.

8. What is the aim of scientific methods?

The aim of all scientific methods is the same, that is, to analyse the observation made at the beginning.