Experimenting
Introduction to Scientific
Experimentation
Understand what
an experiment is
Lesson Identify variables
in an experiment
Objectives
Learn the steps in
conducting an
experiment
What Is
Experimenting?
Experimenting is a scientific
process used to test ideas,
observe outcomes, and
gather data to answer a
question.
It helps determine cause-
and-effect relationships
between variables.
Example:
Does the amount
of sunlight affect
plant growth?
Importance of Experiment
• Students learn to:
✔ observe carefully
✔ follow procedures
✔ control variables
✔ measure accurately
✔ record and analyze results
✔ draw conclusions based on evidence
• Experimenting is the core of the scientific method.
Experiment Protocols (Procedures)
Before conducting an experiment,
students must:
1. Read and understand the steps
Know the materials, tools, and
sequence.
Experiment Protocols (Procedures)
Before conducting an experiment, students
must:
2. Prepare materials
Gather tools (rulers, beakers, thermometers,
etc.) and ensure they are safe and working.
Experiment Protocols (Procedures)
Before conducting an experiment, students
must:
3. Follow instructions carefully
Never skip or change steps unless
asked by the teacher.
Experiment Protocols (Procedures)
Before conducting an experiment, students
must:
4. Record data accurately
Use tables, logs, charts, or photos.
Biological Safety Levels (BSL 1 & BSL 2)
School laboratories usually follow BSL-1 or BSL-2.
A. BSL–1 (Basic Laboratory Safety)
Used for low-risk activities.
Examples: plant experiments, simple
chemical reactions.
A. BSL–1 (Basic Laboratory Safety)
Safety Rules:
• Wear gloves if needed
• Wash hands before and after experiment
• Keep work area clean
• Do not eat or drink in the laboratory
• Tie long hair
B. BSL–2 (Moderate Risk)
Used for microorganisms like bacteria (E. coli,
yeast culture).
Often NOT used in regular Grade 7 labs unless
supervised.
B. BSL–2 (Moderate Risk)
Extra Safety Rules:
• Wear lab coat and gloves
• Use disinfectant before and after work
• Dispose of biological waste properly
• Never open containers with unknown
microorganisms
Risk Assessment
Before performing experiments, identify:
1. Possible Hazards
Examples:
• sharp tools
• glassware
• heat sources
• chemicals
• biological materials
Risk Assessment
Before performing experiments, identify:
2. Level of Risk
• Is it low, moderate, or high?
Risk Assessment
Before performing experiments, identify:
3. Safety Measures
Examples:
• wearing goggles
• using gloves
• handling tools correctly
• proper disposal
• avoiding direct contact
Risk Assessment
Before performing experiments, identify:
4. Emergency Response
Know the location of:
• first aid kit
• fire extinguisher
• water source
Proper Disposal of Waste
Different waste types must be handled properly.
1. Solid Waste
• Paper, plant parts → place in trash bin.
2. Chemical Waste
• Never pour into sink unless permitted.
3. Biological Waste
• Leaves, soil, plant samples → biodegradable waste
bin.
4. Broken Glass
• Place in a sharps container or any designated box.
Variables in Experimenting
Independent Dependent Controlled
Variable: What Variable: What Variables: What
you change you measure you keep the same
Example:
Effect of amount of water on plant growth
• IV: amount of water
• DV: plant height
• Controls: type of plant, amount of soil,
sunlight
Experiment (Individual)
Title: Does sunlight affect the growth of mung
beans?
Materials:
mug beans, cotton, 2 cups, water, ruler
Procedure:
[Link] two cups with cotton.
2. Place 5 mung beans in each.
3. Cup A: put near sunlight.
4. Cup B: place in dark area.
5. Water both equally.
6. Measure growth daily for 5 days.
7. Record qualitative and quantitative data.
Expected Output:
• Data table
• Line graph
• Observations
• Conclusion
Activity!
Activity 1: Identify the Variable
For each scenario, label IV, DV, and control.
1. Effect of amount of fertilizer on plant height
2. Effect of time of study on quiz score
3. Effect of temperature on ice melting
Activity!
Activity 2: Risk Check
Identify 2 possible hazards and 2 safety
measures for:
Experiment: Heating water on a stove or burner.
1. Ask a question
2. Form a hypothesis
Steps in
Conducting
3. Plan the procedure
an 4. Conduct the experiment
Experiment
5. Record and analyze data
6. Draw a conclusion