For years, students have been taught that science is done through the same series of steps, known as the scientific method.  In reality, scientists don't always follow this rigid structure of experimentation.  Often times steps are skipped or done in different orders.  A new emphasis has formed, where students thoughts on what would be the appropriate steps to follow are considered.  Investigations are the hands-on activities that students do to answer their own questions.  The planning of these investigations is just as important as the ability to carry them out.

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