What needs to be considered when investigating a phenomenon?Risk assessment
In general, scientists work out explanations based on repeatedly collecting and analysing data. The way in which scientists develop explanations is known as the scientific method.
All experiments should be risk assessmentProcess of working out the likelihood of harm or damage being caused by identified hazards. to identify the hazards and minimise risks. Always follow teacher instructions and safety advice.
One way to do this is to use a table to identify the hazards, state the risks and suggest how to minimise the risks.
Take, for example, the practical for investigating whether an increase in the size of a solar panel increases the size of the voltage produced. This would involve shining a lamp on a solar panel from a fixed distance and measuring the voltage produced from a voltmeter.
The risk assessment for this experiment might look like this:
Hazard
Risk
Reducing risk
Lamp
Burning
Be careful not to touch lamp when on. Turn off lamp
between uses.
Electric components
Shocks
Check wires for bare ends, discard if found. Complete circuit before switching on lamp.
Hazard
Lamp
Risk
Burning
Reducing risk
Be careful not to touch lamp when on. Turn off lamp
between uses.
Hazard
Electric components
Risk
Shocks
Reducing risk
Check wires for bare ends, discard if found. Complete circuit before switching on lamp.