NAME RAYMOND KORMLA SANBENA
PROGRAM B.ED J.H.S. EDUCATION
COURSE INTRO. TO INTEGRATED SCIENCE I
DATE 21ST MARCH, 2025
LEVEL 100
ASSIGNMENT
1. Definition of the following:
a). Science
Science is a method of obtaining knowledge through observation, experimentation and
analysis. It is both a body of knowledge and a process used to explore and explain how
things work.
b). Integrated science
Integrated science is an interdisciplinary approach to learning and understanding that
involves the integration of the various fields of science in a holistic manner such that
none of the fields stands on its own or such that the various fields of science are
interrelated.
2. a). What is scientific method?
Scientific method is a body of techniques for investigating natural phenomena and
acquiring new knowledge as well as for correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
It provides a structured way of making observations, forming hypothesis, conducting
experiments and analysing results.
b). Steps involved in the scientific method.
i. Identification of the problem
This is the first step when you ask questions about something that you observe or
notice. For example the scientist observes and states that people who live near marshy
areas or choked gutters often suffer from malaria.
ii. Researching about the problem / collecting information about the problem.
At this step, it’s helpful to do a background research and gather enough information.
This can aid in building on previous knowledge and avoid repeating mistakes others
might have already solved.
iii. Formation of hypothesis
Formation of an educated guess that predicts the outcome of your experiment.
Hypothesis should base on the knowledge gathered and should be something that is
testable. For example, if a plant receives fertilizer then it will grow to be bigger than a
plant that does not receive fertilizer.
iv. Experimentation
This step involves conducting an experiment to test your hypothesis whether it is true
or false. You conduct a fair test by making sure that you change only one factor at a
time while keeping all other conditions the same. You should also repeat your
experiments several times to make sure that the first results were not just an accident.
v. Data collection and analysis
Once the experiment is complete, you collect and analyse the data you have gathered
to see if your hypothesis is true or false. This may involve organizing your data into
charts, graphs, or tables to help identify patterns or trends. Really think about what
have discovered and use your data to help you explain why you think certain things
happened. For example the scientist observes that people who live near choked gutters
that were sprayed with insecticides did not suffer from malaria as often as possible,
however people who live in areas where the choked gutters were not sprayed with
insecticides suffer from malaria as often as possible.
vi. Conclusion
In this step, the scientist summarises the results of the experiments conducted and
determine whether his hypothesis was true or false. In cases where his hypothesis was
false, the scientist will construct a new hypothesis starting the entire process of the
scientific method over again. Even if he finds that his hypothesis was true, he may want
to test it again in a new way. Once the hypothesis is proved to be correct, it becomes
the conclusion or theory. For example, if the plants in the sunlight grew taller than
those in the shade, you conclude that sunlight likely contributes to faster plant growth.
vii. Communicating results
Once a conclusion is drawn, scientists share results with others typically through
reports, articles, presentations or discussions. This allows others to replicate their
experiments, verify the findings or build on their research.
3 a). What are scientific skills?
Scientific skills are the abilities that allow individuals to think critically, analyse data,
solve problems and conduct investigations in a systematic and effective way.
b). Explain any six scientific skills.
i. Observation
The ability to notice carefully and accurately describe phenomena or events in nature. It
is actually the basis of scientific investigations. For example noticing the different rain
patterns between forest zone and the desert.
ii. Questioning
The skill to ask clear, concise, focused or specific, testable and researchable questions or
investigative questions based on observations. For example; do trees affect rainfall
patterns?
ii. Hypothesis formation
An educated guess based on prior knowledge or observations which is testable and can
predict the outcome of the experiments. For example if plants receive more sunlight,
then they will grow taller.
iii. Data collection
The skills of gathering accurate and relevant data or information through experiment,
surveys, measurements, or observations. For example measuring the height of plants in
different lighting conditions over several weeks.
iv. Analysis
The ability to interpret and make sense of data by identifying patterns, relationships, or
trends. For example all plant eating (herbivore) don’t have incisors.
v. Critical thinking
The ability to analyse, evaluate information, solve problems and make reasoned
judgements and consider alternative explanations. It involves questioning assumptions
and looking for evidence based answers. For example; thinking critically about other
factors that could influence plant growth, such as soil quality, water/ moisture or
temperature.
vi. Problem-solving
The ability to identify solutions to scientific challenges. It involves using logical thinking
and applying scientific principles to find answers. For example the doctor draws a
conclusion about the type of sickness and then prescribes the right drugs for the
patient.
4. a). What is scientific knowledge?
Scientific knowledge refers to the body of facts, concepts, theories, principles and
explanations that are acquired through systematic observation, experimentation and
analysis of the natural world. It is built over time through the use of the scientific
method, which involves testing hypothesis, gathering evidence and refining theories to
understand phenomena.
b). Explain any six characteristics of the scientific knowledge
i. Empirical
Scientific knowledge is based on observable and measurable evidence. It is derived from
experiments, observations and data collected through the senses or scientific
instruments. For example the fact that water boils at 100ᵒ C at sea level is an empirical
observation based on repeated experiments.
ii. Testable and falsifiable
For something to be considered scientific knowledge, it must be testable; that is, it must
be possible to design an experiment or make observations that can support or disprove
the idea. It must also be falsifiable, meaning it can be shown to be false if new evidence
contradicts it. For example; Dalton’s Atomic theory.
iii. Objective
Scientific knowledge is objective, meaning it is based on facts and data, not on personal
feelings, opinions, or biases. Scientists aim to minimize personal influence when
conducting experiments or interpreting data. For example; when measuring the
temperature of water, the result is objective and doesn't change depending on the
experimenter's feelings or beliefs.
iv. Reliable and Reproducible
Scientific knowledge is based on reliable data or information that can be reproduced
by others following the same methods. This reproducibility allows for validation and
ensures that findings are not the result of random chance. For example; if one scientist
finds that a specific chemical reaction occurs at a certain temperature, other scientists
should be able to perform the same experiment and get the same results.
v. Systematic and Organized
Scientific knowledge is gathered and organized through systematic methods. This
involves structured experiments, observation, and data analysis to ensure consistency
and clarity. It is organized in a way that allows other researchers to build upon it. For
example; the periodic table of elements is an organized system that categorizes
elements based on their atomic properties.
vi. Based on Evidence
Scientific knowledge is grounded in evidence derived from data, experiments, and
observations. Hypotheses and theories are tested using solid evidence, which can
support or refute them. For example; the theory of plate tectonics is supported by
evidence such as the distribution of earthquakes, the matching of fossil records across
continents, and the patterns of magnetic fields on the ocean floor.
