Science begins with questions.
Why is the sky blue? How do plants grow? Why do objects fall to the ground?
From an early age, we observe, think, and wonder — that’s where science begins.
This chapter, “Exploring the Investigative World of Science”, takes us through the essence of scientific thinking — observation, curiosity, experimentation, and problem-solving.
By the end, you’ll realize that science is not just a subject — it’s a way of looking at the world.
| Competency | Learning Outcome | NEP Skill |
|---|---|---|
| Curiosity & Inquiry | Form scientific questions from real-life situations | Critical Thinking |
| Observation | Record and analyze natural phenomena | Analytical Skills |
| Experimentation | Plan and conduct simple investigations | Scientific Temper |
| Application | Apply principles to solve problems | Real-world Understanding |
| Collaboration | Work in teams to explore and innovate | Communication & Creativity |
Science is a systematic way of understanding the world around us through observation, experimentation, and logical reasoning.
It helps us find answers, make inventions, and improve lives — from mobile phones to medicines.
“Science is curiosity in action — observing, questioning, testing, and learning.”
Everything you see, touch, or experience can be understood through science.
Science grows through investigation — asking “why” and “how” questions, forming hypotheses, and testing them through experiments.
Let’s see the steps scientists follow 👇
| Step | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Observation | Noticing something interesting | Ice melts faster in salt water |
| Question | Asking “why/how” | Why does salt make ice melt faster? |
| Hypothesis | Possible explanation | Salt lowers freezing point |
| Experimentation | Testing through controlled setup | Compare plain & salted ice |
| Analysis | Checking results | Salted ice melted first |
| Conclusion | Drawing meaning | Hypothesis proven! |
🧠 This is called the Scientific Method.
Try this at home:
👉 You’ve just practiced scientific investigation!
Observation means using your senses (sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste) to gather information.
Example:
Observation helps us notice patterns and differences, forming the basis of discovery.
Ancient Indian scientists used keen observation to study stars, seasons, and medicine.
Their curiosity laid the foundation for modern science — centuries before telescopes or labs existed!
A hypothesis is an educated guess that can be tested.
Example:
💭 “If plants get sunlight, then they grow faster.”
We test this by experimenting:
Results confirm or reject the hypothesis — and that’s how theories evolve.
Science becomes meaningful when ideas are tested.
An experiment is a planned activity to check whether a hypothesis is true or false.
Parts of an Experiment:
Aim: To prove that sunlight is needed for photosynthesis.
Process:
Result:
Only the uncovered leaf turns blue-black (starch formed) — proving sunlight is essential.
India’s “Jigyasa” (curiosity) has long encouraged questioning and exploration — from Panini’s grammar analysis to Jagadish Chandra Bose’s plant research.
Their method? Observe → Question → Experiment → Share.
Science is not just logic — it’s creativity + curiosity.
Every invention began with imagination:
| Discovery | Scientist | Creative Spark |
|---|---|---|
| Gravity | Isaac Newton | Apple falling from a tree |
| X-rays | Wilhelm Roentgen | Glowing screen accident |
| Microwave Oven | Percy Spencer | Chocolate melting near radar |
| Radio Waves | Jagadish Chandra Bose | Experimental plant study |
🎨 Creativity helps scientists think differently — that’s why innovation is born from imagination!
A scientific attitude means thinking rationally, questioning logically, and avoiding superstition.
| Trait | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Curiosity | Desire to learn and know more |
| Objectivity | No personal bias |
| Open-mindedness | Accepting new ideas |
| Patience | Accepting failure as part of learning |
| Honesty | Reporting true results |
Example:
Instead of believing “eclipses are bad,” we study how they happen — Earth’s shadow on Moon = lunar eclipse.
Science isn’t limited to laboratories — it’s in your home, kitchen, and surroundings!
| Situation | Scientific Idea | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Boiling water | Heat transfer | Cooking made faster |
| Refrigerator | Evaporation & condensation | Keeps food fresh |
| Smartphone | Communication tech | Connects globally |
| Vaccination | Immunity | Prevents diseases |
| Composting | Decomposition | Reduces waste |
Observe your daily life. Identify 5 scientific principles in use (e.g., refraction in spectacles, magnetic door latches, etc.).
Science has changed human life — but it must be used responsibly.
Good Uses:
✅ Medicine
✅ Clean energy
✅ Space exploration
Misuses:
❌ Pollution
❌ Overuse of plastics
❌ Deforestation
🧭 True progress is when science benefits both people and the planet.
India has a proud history of discoveries that shaped the world:
Their spirit of curiosity, experimentation, and sharing continues in the NEP 2025 vision — to make students think like scientists, not memorize facts.
| Domain | Skill | Application Example |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Understand scientific process | Create flowchart of steps |
| Analytical | Identify variables | Analyze simple experiments |
| Practical | Perform hands-on experiments | School science lab |
| Creative | Design investigations | Open-ended science fair |
| Ethical | Honest data reporting | Record actual results |
🔹 Observation → Hypothesis → Experiment → Conclusion
🔹 Creativity drives discovery
🔹 Failures = learning opportunities
🔹 Scientific attitude = curiosity + honesty + logic
🔹 India’s legacy = curiosity + innovation
📍 Define: Hypothesis, Scientific Method, Observation.
📍 Short Answer: Why is experimentation important?
📍 Long Answer: Explain steps of the scientific method.
📍 Value Question: Why should science be used ethically?
✅ Science = Observation + Logic + Experimentation
✅ Investigation → Discovery → Application
✅ India’s legacy = Early science and innovation
✅ Science must promote sustainability and truth
✅ NEP 2025 = Inquiry-based learning
Internal Links (A2ZLY):
External Links:
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