Home Course Notes

Strand A: Scientific Investigation Skills (SIS)


There are four main areas of Scientific Investigation:

1.      Initiating and Planning: 

o    Formulate hypotheses (making predictions about ideas, issues, problems)

o    Analyse the relationships between observable variables

o    Planning investigations to answer questions

o    Test hypotheses  

2.     Performing and Recording:

o    Data research: gather, organize, and record information

o    Conduct inquiries to make observations

o    Collect, organize, and record data.   

3.      Analysing and Interpreting: 

o     Evaluate data (adequacy, accuracy, sources of information)

o     Analyse data in order to draw conclusions  

4.     Communicating:

o     Use appropriate linguistic, numeric, symbolic, and graphic modes of representation,

o     Use a variety of forms, to communicate ideas, procedures, and results.  

Sample Activity - Using Solar (Heat) Energy to Warm Up Your Pool


Links to Other Activities & Resources:

1. The Roto-Copter 

2. Paper Airplanes and other Flying Machines 

3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pNKzzC5BCo  (Video) 

4. Gizmo Interactive Simulations