The

Investigative Project
and the Role of Scientific Method

Revisiting the Scientific Method

Scientific Method
an orderly and systematic approach a way of answering questions about the world that we live in

Processes in the Scientific Method

Problem Observation Hypothesis Experiment Results Conclusion

Design the Experiment

Develop and follow a procedure. The outcome must be measurable. Determine the variables the factors being tested
independent can be purposely manipulated dependent changes in response to the IV control variable/s that is/are not changed

 control group
IV is kept constant. Variables are identical to the experimental set-up except for IV.

experimental group

Analyzing the Result

Confirm the results by retesting. Modify the result if needed. Construct tables or graphs.

Conclusion
Include a statement that rejects or accepts the hypothesis. Recommend for further study and possible improvement to the procedure.

What is an IP?

DEFINITION
A research activity that aims to develop ones ability to identify and determine possible solutions to a particular problem in the community or possible explanations of a particular phenomenon

TYPES OF PROJECT
1. SURVEY a study that attempts to interpret, analyze and report the present condition of a thing or place

Example:
Perception of Third Year Regular High School Students at the Ateneo de Manila High School on the Effect of A(H1N1) Virus on Their Study Habits

TYPES OF PROJECT
2. OBSERVATION a systematic and direct means of gathering data by watching and recording various situations and conditions in conducting the study

Example:
Changes in Weight of a Person in a Day

TYPES OF PROJECT
3. EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH a method of research wherein the variable can be controlled so that experimental factor is separated for measurement of its change

Example:
Effect of Hot Water on the Solubility of Naphthalene Balls

The Experimental Research

RESEARCH VERSUS EXPERIMENT

Research
Thorough investigation of a phenomenon or target goals Includes MANY experiments Design of methodology follows the objectives, competence, and capability of the proponent Needs a thorough review of literature

Experiment
Usually refers to a single activity

I.

PHASES IN CONDUCTING AN EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH The Research Proposal

Detailed Written Plan Background/Significance of the Study Problem, Objectives, Hypotheses Procedure Timetable

PHASES IN CONDUCTING AN EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH II. The Investigation

Experiment Proper Data Gathering

PHASES IN CONDUCTING AN EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH III. The Output

Written Report Problem Abstract

Introduction
Review of Related Literature Results and Discussion

Conclusion
Recommendation References

The Research Proposal

RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Provides a clear exposition of what experiments will be done, time-frame, methodologies, and expected outcome.

Top Five Questions in Making a Research Proposal

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. What Why How When Where
Observations Hypothesis Testing the Hypothesis

Theorizing More Observations New Hypothesis

1. What TOPIC?
I might as well find about what experts or Chemists do to find a good topic! Suggested Themes:
Community-based (Filipino Setting) Waste Management Material Recovery

2. Why should I do it?

World class research is finding real solutions to real world problems! To work on projects that will be relevant to the Philippines

3. How should I do it?

Survey of community problems Library research: print and non-print Use of available research Originality of the topic: procedure, analysis, application, raw materials, Raw materials: availability, proximity, cost Interests and abilities: familiarity of the topic, personal interest on the topic, topic is within the scope or level knowledge

4. When will I finish? 5. Where to communicate?

Background/Significance of the Study

It answers the following questions:
1. How did you arrive at that kind of problem? 2. Why do you like to investigate that kind of problem? Cite two reasons. 3. In case your problem will be solved, what will be its importance to the school or to the community? Will your findings benefit others? Cite three instances.

Statement of the Problem

State the main problem being answered by your research. There should be at least three subproblems that will lead to answering the main problem.

Statement of the Problem

The purpose of this study is to determine if calamansi juice is effective in prolonging the shelf life of peeled apples that are exposed to open air. In this study, the researchers will seek to answer the following questions: 1. What substance is present in calamansi juice that makes it effective in prolonging the shelf life of peeled apples that are exposed to open air? 2. How does calamansi juice prolong the shelf life of peeled apples that are exposed to open air? 3. Up to how many hours can the calamansi juice prolong the shelf life of peeled apples that are exposed to open air?

Objectives
State the objectives in specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound (SMART) terms that you want to do in order to answer the problem. State the objectives in consonance with the formulated problems. There should be at least three specific objectives.

Objectives
With the desire to determine if calamansi juice is effective in prolonging the shelf life of peeled apples that are exposed to open air , the researchers will: 1. identify the substance present in calamansi juice that makes it effective in prolonging the shelf life of peeled apples that are exposed to open air, 2. determine how calamansi juice prolongs the shelf life of peeled apples that are exposed to open air, and 3. determine the number of hours that the calamansi juice can prolong the shelf life of peeled apples that are exposed to open air.

Hypothesis
The hypothesis should be:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Specific and unambiguous Quantifiable or measurable Testable or falsifiable Generalizable As simple as possible

Hypothesis
State the conditions and predictions of the experiment. The independent and dependent variables should be measurable and should be explicitly stated. There should be at least three specific hypotheses.

Hypothesis
Given the problem of determining if calamansi juice is effective in prolonging the shelf life of peeled apples that are exposed to open air, the researchers hypothesize that: 1. Calamansi juice contains enzymes that make it effective in prolonging the shelf life of peeled apples that are exposed to open air. 2. Calamansi juice, through the enzymes, slows down the rate of decomposition process of peeled apples that are exposed to open air. 3. Calamansi juice can prolong the shelf life of peeled apples up to 72 hours compared to other methods of food preservation that are exposed to open air.

Problem Statement

Sub-problem

Sub-problem

Sub-problem

Objective

Objective

Objective

Hypothesis

Hypothesis

Hypothesis

Procedure
What are the things (and their quantities) you need in solving your problem? What are the orderly steps you are going to do to solve your problem? How are you going to present the data that you will gather? Will it be through graphs or tables?

Timetable
TASKS 1. Submission of Problem and Title 2. Writing the IP Proposal TARGET DATE TEACHERS DEADLINE

3. Submission of IP Proposal
4. Investigation Period 5. Submission of Gathered data 6. Writing the IP Written Report 7. Submission of IP Written Report 8. Preparing for the Oral Defense

RUBRICS FOR RATING

PROJECT PROPOSAL
CONTENT Description of the Study Background/ Significance of the Study FORMAT (3 x 6) (3 x 4) 18 points 12 points

SCORE

Font: Times New Roman size 12

Line Spacing: Double Margins: 1.5 in (left); ; 1 in (top, bottom , right) Paper: clean, short bond PROMPTNESS Paper Submitted on Time TOTAL

1 point
1 point 1 point 1 point 1 point 35 points

RUBRICS FOR RATING

PROBLEM/OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS
PROBLEM STATEMENT

SCORE
1 point

The general problem statement describes in one sentence what the project is all about
The specific problem statement

.. is stated in question form

(3 X 1)

3 points
3 points 3 points 1 point 1 point

.. will lead to answer the question posed in the general problem statement (3 X 1) .. specifies the variables to be investigated (3 X 1) OBJECTIVES The general objective describes in one sentence the purpose of the project The objectives are appropriate to the problem The specific objective is SMART (3 X 1)

3 points

RUBRICS FOR RATING

HYPOTHESIS The hypothesis is appropriate The condition is clearly stated (3 x 1) The prediction is clearly stated The variables are measurable FORMAT Font: Times New Roman size 12 Line Spacing: Double 1 point 1 point (3 X 1) (3 X 1) 1 point 3 points 3 points 3 points

Margins: 1.5 in (left); ; 1 in (top, bottom , right)

Paper: clean, short bond PROMPTNESS Paper Submitted on Time TOTAL

1 point
1 point 1 point 30 points

REFERENCES
Fredericks , Anthony and Isaac Asimov. The Complete Science Fair Handbook. Scott, Foresman and Co., 1990 Perry, Phyllis J. Getting Started in Science Fairs From Planning to Judging. McGraw-Hill, 1995. Rabago, Lilia. et. al. Research I & II.DOST, 2000.

http://www.dost.gov.ph
http://www.geocities.com