The document discusses the key components of designing scientific investigations, including identifying the three main types of variables: independent, dependent, and controlled variables. It provides examples of experiments and identifies the variables in each. The independent variable is the one that is manipulated by the researcher. The dependent variable is the one that is measured and could be affected by changes to the independent variable. Controlled variables are kept the same. A proper scientific investigation should clearly identify these variables, outline the specific procedures, and explain how data will be collected and analyzed.