A scientific investigation is a systematic process used by scientists to study the natural world, answer questions, and test hypotheses. It involves making observations, forming a research question, developing a hypothesis, designing and conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions.

Scientific investigations follow the scientific method, which includes the following steps:

1. Observation – Identifying a phenomenon or problem.

2. Question – Formulating a specific research question.

3. Hypothesis – Proposing a testable explanation.

4. Experimentation – Designing and conducting experiments to test the hypothesis.

5. Data Collection & Analysis – Gathering and analyzing data to identify patterns or correlations.

6. Conclusion – Determine whether the hypothesis is supported or rejected.

7. Communication – Sharing findings with the scientific community for peer review.

Scientific investigations can be experimental, where variables are controlled and manipulated, or descriptive/observational, where data is collected without manipulation of variables.