Making observation

Using senses of sight, hearing, touch, taste or smell to gather information about an object or a  phenomenon taking place.

Making inference

Using data collection and past experience to make a conclusion and explanation about an event.

Identifying the problem

Asking questions based on the inference made.

Making a hypothesis

Making a general statement about the relationship between a manipulated variable and a responding variable to explain an event or observation. This statement can be tested to prove its validity.

Identifying the variables

Identifying the; 

• Manipulated variable
• Responding variable
• Fixed variable(s)

Controlling the variables

In an investigation, a variable is manipulated to observe its relationship with the responding variable. Simultaneously, other variables are fixed.

Planning an experiment

The matters that need to be identified in an experiment;

• Materials
• Apparatus
• The procedure of the experiment 
• Method of collecting data
• Ways to analyse and interpret the data

Collecting data

Making observations or measurements and recording the data systematically.

Interpreting data

Organising and interpreting the data collected. Data can be interpreted through 

• calculations
• graphs
• charts

Making a conclusion

Making a statement on the results of the experiment on whether the hypothesis made is accepted or rejected.

Preparing a report

The results of the investigation can be shared for the development of chemistry.