Scientific Investigation

Solving an Environmental Problem is much like science investigation. Students identify the problem, think of the best way to solve the problem, plan it out, then try what they think will work. They have to carefully record the results so they can look at what happened and share the results and their conclusion with others.

Some environmental problem solving is about physical changes. How can we keep fertilizer from running off into the stream? What is the best way to save energy? What should be done to remove invasive species?

But environmental problem solving can also be about changing behavior. Sometimes, students already have evidence to show what physical changes will work, like reducing the amount of plastic bags being used by the community. But there still has to be a plan to get people to use less of them. Again, students identify the problem, think of the best way to change the behavior, then try the method and collect data on the results.

Often, environmental problem solving is about both physical and behavioral changes. It’s not unusual to figure out how to fix something, and then have to figure out how to get people to go along with the change.

Steps in the Investigation:

Choose It! (Define the Problem)

In this case, it’s an environmental problem – something that is harming the environment.

Research It! (Gather Background Information)

Find out what others have learned about the problem. Sometimes, the research will include a solution. Other times, there will be related investigations. In all cases, it’s essential to have background and to be able to use data to show that there is a problem before proposing a solution.

Plan It! (Devise the Investigation)

As a researcher, students plan out an investigation. Similarly, this Challenge asks students to devise a plan that includes the process that will be followed, how the change will be measured and recorded, the materials, resources and expected time frame, and a hypothesis about what is expected to happen. Note that this could be a plan to make a physical or a behavioral change, or both.

Do It! (Carry Out the Investigation)

This is the part where the plan is carried out. It’s where the students have to be careful to keep collecting data, even though they’re having fun doing the activity. It can also be the longest part. Projects that don’t get completed in a few weeks still may be great projects.

Analyze It! (Make Sense of the Data)

After gathering the evidence, students need to identify patterns in your research. They need to use the data about what happened to determine if their solution worked.

Share It! (Report the Findings)

No science investigation is complete until the results have been shared with others. Peer review and sharing science knowledge are as much a part of environmental science as finding the solution. In this case, students may have found something that will benefit thousands if not millions of others.