A simplified scientific method has been compiled in the form of a worksheet and placed on page 6 of the Learner’s Book. This worksheet may be photocopied and given to learners to fill in while doing experiments or before experiments to familiarise them with the method they must follow when conducting investigations. This simplified method includes the following:


Aim


The aim of the experiment asks learners why they are conducting the experiment. This gives them direction for making observations. You can ask learners the following questions to help them write down the aim:  Why are you doing this experiment?  What will this experiment help you to understand?


Hypothesis


Learners are introduced to hypotheses in the intermediate phase. Initially, these appear as statements or predictions. Towards the end of the phase, the learners will write down their own hypotheses. You can ask the learners the following questions to help them to do this:  What do you think the results of this experiment will be?  What must you look for when doing this experiment?


Materials


Materials indicates what apparatus and materials the learners need to conduct the experiment. You can ask them the following questions:  What do you need to conduct the experiment?  If you do not have all the materials you need, what else can you use instead?  Where can you get these materials?


Method


This gives the learners a step-by-step process to follow to arrive at a given conclusion. Ask the learners:  How will you conduct the experiment?  How will you set up your materials?  What will you do first?


30


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50