LEARNING MODULE 1: Capstone Project
Subject Teacher IAN JADE C. BARANGAN Date of Distribution
Contact Number 09151664550 Date of Submission
Email/Gmail account Ianjadebarangan19@[Link] Grade &Section
Topic The Scientific Problem
Learning Competency The learners…
1. identify a scientific problem or question
2. differentiate applied and basic research problems
Content Standard The learners demonstrate an understanding of…
1. a scientific problem or question
2. applied and basic research problems
Performance Standard The learners shall be able to…
Present the study conducted both orally and in writing through a public presentation or
defense, and submission of a complete technical report or scientific paper
CAPSTONE PROJECT
Also called a capstone experience, culminating project, or senior exhibition, among many other terms, a capstone project
is a multifaceted assignment that serves as a culminating academic and intellectual experience for students, typically
during their final year of high school or middle school, or at the end of an academic program or learning-pathway
experience. While similar in some ways to a college thesis, capstone projects may take a wide variety of forms, but most
are long-term investigative projects that culminate in a final product, presentation, or performance. For example, students
may be asked to select a topic, profession, or social problem that interests them, conduct research on the subject, maintain
a portfolio of findings or results, create a final product demonstrating their learning acquisition or conclusions (a paper,
short film, or multimedia presentation, for example), and give an oral presentation on the project to a panel of teachers,
experts, and community members who collectively evaluate its quality.
Capstone projects are generally designed to encourage students to think critically, solve challenging problems, and
develop skills such as oral communication, public speaking, research skills, media literacy, teamwork, planning, self-
sufficiency, or goal setting—i.e., skills that will help prepare them for college, modern careers, and adult life. In most
cases, the projects are also interdisciplinary, in the sense that they require students to apply skills or investigate issues
across many different subject areas or domains of knowledge. Capstone projects also tend to encourage students to
connect their projects to community issues or problems, and to integrate outside-of-school learning experiences, including
activities such as interviews, scientific observations, or internships.
LESSON
Scientific Problem
A scientific problem is something you don’t understand but you can do an experiment to help you understand. Scientific
problems are usually based on observation of scientific phenomena. Here is some advice to help you identify a scientific
problem you can address by designing your own experiment.
1) Find a topic:
A topic is a relatively specific area of knowledge, or subject, you will be working in, such as smoking and lung cancer,
sexual selection in birds, gravity, Newton's Laws of Motion, properties of water, etc... If you have been given a topic, you
may need to narrow it, to identify a more specific topic within the broader one. This can make it easier to work with. If
you are supposed to choose your own topic, do some brainstorming about things you have learned about in your science
course that was particularly interesting for you, something you’d like to know more about. Write down some possible
topics and choose the one that seems most interesting to you.
2) Identify a problem within the topic:
The problem is something you’d like to know more about, a question you’d like to answer. Questions can come from
many different sources: from lectures or textbooks, from an experiment you have done that raised other questions, from
articles you’ve read in scientific journals or even newspapers and magazines. To identify a scientific problem, then, you
can find sources that relate to your topic and look to see what problems are raised in your search. Write down the
problems that you find. Choose one that would be interesting to solve and that is feasible for you to solve.
A scientific problem can be solved using the steps of the scientific method. Learn how to identify a scientific problem,
how to conduct a scientific experiment, and understand how to choose the most appropriate solution to a scientific
problem.
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Identifying a Problem
Picture yourself playing with a ball. You throw it up, and you watch it fall back down. You climb up a tree, and you let
the ball roll off a branch and then down to the grass. Of course, you make sure that nobody is underneath. As you're
bending over to roll the ball off the branch, you see that the marble in your pocket also rolls off the branch and down to
the grass at the same time your ball does.
Interestingly, both the marble and your ball, which is much bigger, reach the grass at the same time. You'd think that since
the ball is much bigger, it would hit the ground first. But now, the tiny marble hits the ground at the same time. Will this
be true for all things that you drop? Ah, you have a problem.
Identifying a Scientific Problem
If your problem is a scientific problem, then you can perform a scientific experiment to find the answer to your problem.
A scientific problem is a question that you have that can be answered via an experiment.
Not all problems that you have are scientific problems. That's because not all questions can be answered with an
experiment. For example, the problem of trying to figure out what to have for dinner isn't a scientific problem, since you
can't conduct an experiment to find the answer. But the problem of trying to figure out how fast a population of rabbits
can grow is a scientific problem as you can conduct an experiment on a population of rabbits to observe and record just
how fast they reproduce. You can then use your information and any patterns that you find to find your answer.
Conducting an Experiment
Once you've determined that your problem is indeed a scientific one, you now need to figure out what kind of experiment
to conduct. Your experiment needs to focus on your question and must be repeatable by others. You have one control, the
one part of your experiment that you compare your other results to, and then you have your variables or test subjects that
you compare to your control. What you observe is then recorded or written down for analysis and to find your answer.
For your dropped things question, you can set up an experiment by recording the time it takes for different objects to fall
the same distance down to the ground. Your ball is your control. You'll first record the time it takes for your ball to fall to
the ground. Then you'll record the time for various other objects to fall to the ground. For example, you might try a tiny
marble again. Then you might try a stuffed animal, then perhaps a tiny needle. The more objects you use, the better your
experiment will be and the more information you'll have to find your answer.
How to Write a Problem Statement Step by Step
Why is a problem statement important?
A problem statement is a communication tool. Problem statements are important to businesses, individuals and other
entities to develop projects focused on improvement. Whether the problem is pertaining to badly-needed road work or the
logistics for an island construction project; a clear, concise problem statement is typically used by a project's team to help
define and understand the problem and develop possible solutions. These statements also provide important information
that is crucial in decision-making in relation to these projects or processes.
Problem statements have multiple purposes
The problem statement has other purposes, too. One is to identify and explain the problem in a concise but detailed way to
give the reader a comprehensive view of what's going on. This includes identifying who the problem impacts, what the
impacts are, where the problem occurs and why and when it needs to be fixed. Another purpose of the problem statement
is to clarify what the expected outcomes are. Establishing what the desired situation would look like helps provide an
overarching idea about the project. The proposed solution and scope and goals of the solution are made clear through this
statement.
Problem statements help guide projects
The problem statement provides a guide for navigating the project once it begins. It is continually referenced throughout
the duration of the project to help the team remain focused and on track. Near the completion of the project, this statement
is again referred to in order to verify the solution has been implemented as stated and that it does indeed solve the initial
problem. This can help in making sure that proper steps are being taken to prevent the same problem from happening
again in the future.
Bear in mind that the problem statement does not attempt to define the solution, nor does is outline the methods of
arriving at the solution. The problem statement is a statement that initiates the process by recognizing the problem.
Related: Analytical Skills: Definitions and Examples
How to write a problem statement
A problem statement is a tool used to gain support and approval of the project from management and stakeholders. As
such, it must be accurate and clearly written. There are a few key elements to keep in mind when crafting a problem
statement that can have a positive impact on the outcome of the project.
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Describe how things should work.
Explain the problem and state why it matters.
Explain your problem's financial costs.
Back up your claims.
Propose a solution.
Explain the benefits of your proposed solution(s).
Conclude by summarizing the problem and solution.
1. Describe how things should work
To begin, you'll want to provide some context that will make it easier to understand the problem. Start by explaining how
this particular process should work. Concisely describe how the process would function if the current problem didn't exist
before mentioning the problem, keeping the end-user in mind. For example, let's say that you have an idea of how to
increase efficiency in a process to maximize the best use of resources. You might begin by describing a theoretical
situation in which the system is more efficient and working toward your proposal from there, always keeping in mind
who, what, when, where and why to keep yourself on track.
2. Explain the problem and state why it matters
The problem statement should address not only what the problem is, but why it's a problem and why it's important to solve
it. This will wrap the other 'W' questions in organically, in most cases. For example: Why should we fix this problem?
Because it affects the efficiency of departments X, Y and Z, wasting resources and driving prices up for consumers. This
addresses what the problem is, who is affected and why the problem should be fixed. You may also consider including
what attempts have already been made to solve the problem and why they didn't work out. As concisely as possible,
explain everything you know about the current problem.
3. Explain your problem's financial costs
When you state the problem to decision-makers, you'll want to explain the costs of not fixing it. Seeing as money is the
language in which businesspeople speak, it's easiest to frame the problem and proposed solution in terms of financial
costs. For example, if the problem is actively costing unnecessary money, preventing the company from making more
money or damaging the company's public image (indirectly costing money) make sure you explain it specifically and
clearly in terms they understand. Try to pinpoint exact dollar amounts for the problem's cost.
4. Back up your claims
Once you claim the problem is costing the company money, you must be prepared to support your claims with evidence.
If you neglect this step, you may not be taken seriously. Do your research, cite your sources and have the data ready to
present.
5. Propose a solution
The problem statement should describe your proposed solution(s) to the problem. At this point, you won't be focused on
finding a single solution, but you should have a solid grasp on the causes of the problem and be prepared to propose
practical approaches to understanding and remedying it. State your objectives by suggesting well-thought-out plans for
attacking the problem.
6. Explain the benefits of your proposed solution(s)
Now, you've described an ideal scenario in which the problem doesn't exist. You've pointed out the problem, explaining
the ramifications of choosing not to fix it (using dollars and solid data) and proposed some realistic approaches to finding
a solution. Now is a very good time to demonstrate why this solution will work, again focusing on efficiency and the
financial impact of your solution. Address what expenses the solution will decrease, how this solution will free up revenue
streams and what intangible benefits, such as increased client satisfaction, your solution will bring. This should all fit into
a single short paragraph.
7. Conclude by summarizing the problem and solution
Now you'll move onto your conclusion. This should consist of the problem, why it needs to be fixed and a summarized
argument of why your solution is the best answer to the problem.
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What is applied research?
Applied research refers to a non-systematic process of providing solutions to the specific problems or issues. These
problems or issues can be on an individual level group or societal level as well. It is called ‘non-systematic’ due to its
direct approach to finding the solutions.
The process of applied research is often referred to as a scientific process because it uses the practical application of the
available scientific tools to get to the determined solutions. Like normal research, in applied research too, the researcher
identifies the problem, formulates the hypothesis, and perform experiments to test it. It further investigates the findings of
a pure or basic research.
Types of applied research
There is total three types of applied research methods depending on their process of finding the solutions and they are:
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1. Evaluation research – this is a type of applied research that works on the existing information about the research
topic. It then analyses this information to come to new outcomes in the research. It is mostly seen used in the
businesses, let’s say research to figure out the loopholes in the marketing strategies.
2. Research and Developments – this method of applied research aims on producing new products and services
depending to the latest market trends. Businesses use this approach to understand the new market trends and
design their products according to the customers’ needs and expectations or make improvements in the existing
ones.
3. Action research – this method of applied research focuses on providing practical solutions to business problems.
This is a process using reflective inquiry limited to specific contexts.
Applied research in various sectors with examples
Applied research is used widely in various fields of study and research, right from science to social science fields. Further
we discuss how it is used in those fields with some if its examples:
Applied research in Business
Applied research in business sectors is totally dependent on the products and services that they make. Applied research
helps such businesses to identify market needs and trends, and then mold their products to best suit the customers. Applied
research gives an upper-hand for the businesses as they are able to identify the gaps in their findings and also get the
primary information on the target market preferences.
Example:
Applied research can help businesses improve their hiring process.
Applied research makes workplace efficient and policies.
Applied research helps point out skill gaps in the workplace.
Applied research in Education
Educational fields use applied research to test the teaching processes and better methods towards teaching and learning.
Before introducing any new education policies, they are tested for their effectiveness with regards to teaching factors and
classroom dynamics and then are implied into action.
Educational applied research combines both quantitative and qualitative data gathering methods from primary sources.
This data is then analyzed and interpreted using various methods to derive sensible results or conclusions.
Applied research in this field is mostly devoted to formulating and testing the various approaches by experimenting with
them under certain situations. It is based on empirical findings through accurate observations and descriptions.
Example:
Applied research to understand the scope of online learning initiatives.
Applied research to improve teacher to student classroom engagement.
Applied research to test the new mathematics program.
Applied research in science
As said earlier, applied research is often referred to as a scientific process because it uses the practical application of the
available scientific tools to get to the determined [Link] is useful in various fields of physics, microbiology,
thermodynamics, etc.
Example:
Applied research to find a cure to a disease.
Applied research to improve agricultural solutions.
Applied research to test new lab equipment.
Applied research in psychology
Researchers use applied research in psychology to determine workplace behaviours, HR and development within the
organization to draw solutions. It is widely used in areas where the thinking process of individuals is experimented with
by the researcher and then the solutions are drawn to best suit their behaviour.
Example:
Applied research to regulate a motivated work strategy to make the employees attend regularly.
Applied research to determine the new ways of dealing with depression.
Applied research to improve students’ grades by focusing on practical education.
Applied research in health
In the medical field, applied research is mostly used as an evidence-based and solution-oriented method to test new
medicines. It works by merging scientific knowledge and methods with health experiences to arrive at evidential and
verifiable results.
Example:
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Applied research to determine the healing property of a specific medicine.
Applied research to specify the side effects of a certain medicine.
Applied research on a new way of performing heart surgery.
Methods of applied research
Applied research makes use of both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection to analyze and draw verifiable
conclusions.
Some of the methods of collecting data for applied research are as follows:
1. Interviews – this is a method where the data is collected on a one-on-one basis. An interviewer asks questions to
the subjects related to the research topics. It can be conducted through online channels, through a video call, audio
recorder, etc. despite being time-consuming, it stands as the most reliable source of information for the research
study.
2. Surveys/Questionnaires – this method involves questions related to the research topic where the respondents are
expected to record their responses that best suits their opinions. These questions can be close-ended (provides
quantitative data) and open-ended questions (provides qualitative data).
3. Data reporting – it is gathering information for a research topic that can be a potential source of data for future
researches. It can be published in a newspaper, magazine or a report.
4. Observation – this method includes observing the subjects in their environment to get to know their behaviours
and thoughts. Though this can be influenced by the researcher’s biases.
5. Focus groups – this includes gathering data from a group of people about a certain issue. The researcher gathers a
sample of individuals who have faced the issue and ask them open-ended questions.
Advantages of applied research
It is bias-free as it tests empirical evidence to arrive at valid outcomes.
It has a systematic process to arrive at solutions.
It is highly helpful when you have to find solutions to specific problems.
What is basic research?
Basic research, or fundamental research, is a type of investigation focused on improving the understanding of a particular
phenomenon, study or law of nature. This type of research examines data to find the unknown and fulfill a sense of
curiosity. Usually, these involve "how," "what" and "why" questions to explain occurrences. Basic research looks at how
processes or concepts work. Information obtained from basic research often creates a foundation for applied studies.
Examples of basic research
Here are some examples of basic research:
A study looking at how alcohol consumption impacts the brain
A study to discover the components making up human DNA
A study accessing whether stress levels make people more aggressive
A study looking to see if gender stereotypes lead to depression
A study searching for the causative factors of cancer
A study on the growth process of oak trees
A study trying to find out what makes up a proton
A study seeing what areas of the United States have the most rain
A study examining whether a vegetarian diet is healthier than one with meat
A study on the origination of cryptocurrency
A study on the various types of kiwis grown in Chile
Benefits of conducting basic research
Expanding knowledge through basic research can have several benefits. Some advantages of conducting basic research
include:
Understanding living systems and living processes
Helping to prepare for the future by equipping society for issues that may arise
Providing a foundation for applied research
Leading to medical advances
Basic research vs. applied research
Both basic research and applied research are methods for finding certain information. Researchers of these methods use
inductive and deductive reasoning to support their research hypotheses. When conducting basic research and applied
research, researchers tend to use similar data collection methods, however, their end goals vary. Some differences
between basic and applied research include:
Curiosity-driven vs. solution-driven
Each research type to have a different purpose it's trying to achieve. Basic research focuses on the advancement of
knowledge, rather than solving a problem. However, applied research directs its efforts toward finding a solution to a
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specific problem. In applied research, researchers often work to help a client and are driven by the client's desires. Basic
research tends to be self-initiated and caused by an individual's motivation to learn more about an area.
Expand existing knowledge vs. find new knowledge
Since curiosity motivates researchers to conduct basic research, they look to fill any existing gaps in information. This
type of research seeks to develop knowledge and make predictions. Applied research focuses on discovering new
information. The two often overlap when basic research provides a foundational understanding to help with applied
research.
Theoretical vs. practical nature
Information found through basic research can help develop theories, whereas information found through applied research
can help solve particular problems. Since applied research helps solve a problem, it's seen as being a more practical
research method. However, basic research can help researchers develop theories and predictions.
Informational vs. commercial gain
While basic research helps society learn more about a particular field of study, applied research tends to have more of a
commercial gain. This is because applied research has the potential to lead to a monetary gain and can help create new
products. Often, governments and industries favor applied research over basic research. Basic research tends to be more
popular for fields such as sociology, biology, astronomy philosophy and theology since it helps explain why certain
instances occur.
Universal scope vs. specific scope
Basic research tends to be a more universal research method since it applies to a variety of concepts. However, since
applied research focuses on solving one particular problem, it tends to have a more specific utility. Applied research finds
information for a select subject.
How do you determine when to use basic research vs. applied research?
Both basic research and applied research can be helpful tools for obtaining the information you don't know, but they each work best in
different settings. Basic research can help you when you're looking for answers to universal, theoretical questions. Typically, you
conduct this kind of research when you're hoping to expand existing knowledge and create predictions.
Applied research tends to be more beneficial when you're trying to come up with a solution. Here, you can use your finding to develop
new technologies and improve existing systems. This research works best if you have a specific question you are looking to answer.
When choosing what type of research to use, consider whether you are looking to expand existing knowledge or hoping to find
completely new knowledge to solve a problem.
Careers that use basic research and applied research
Many industries search for data through the use of either basic research, applied research or both. The type of research
they use depends on what the final discovery they want to find is. Here are some careers that use these two research
methods:
Researcher: A researcher may use basic research to analyze trends and, depending on the industry they work in, they
may work to find a solution to a problem through the use of applied research.
Psychologists: Basic research helps psychologists understand different types of mental health conditions, while applied
research can help them find possible solutions to help their patients cope with these conditions.
Market research analysts: Market research analysts use basic research to help predict sales trends and uses applied
research to come up with new ways to collect data from customers to use for market strategies.
Research assistant: Like researchers, a research assistant may use basic research when looking to expand knowledge in
an area of study and applied research when looking to find a resolution to a problem.
Sociologists: A sociologist often uses basic research when trying to learn more about a particular group of people, such as
middle schoolers, in their settings and may also use applied research to find solutions to problems a group faces.
TASK
Task 1: Identify whether the given statements/questions refer to a scientific problem. Write SCIENTIFIC or NOT
SCIENTIFIC in the blank space provided.
_______________ 1. What is the origin of the word clairvoyant?
_______________ 2. Henry wants to know the reason why his motorcycle doesn't start.
_______________ 3. How to determine the boiling point and the melting point of mercury?
_______________ 4. What is the acceleration of an apple as it falls from a tree?
_______________ 5. How can one convert Eastern Standard Time to British Summer Time?
_______________ 6. Jess tries to determine the longitude and latitude of a country.
_______________ 7. What is the current world population today?
_______________ 8. Luis ponders on the probability that a 5 is obtained after flipping a dice.
_______________ 9. When did the scientific revolution start?
_______________ 10. What is the rate at which ice melts when placed at room temperature?
Task 2:
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