Scientific Method Basics
What is the first step of the scientific method?
Observation
What is a hypothesis?
A possible answer to a scientific question
what is the purpose of an experiment?
To test the relationship identified in the hypothesis
What step identifies trends and patterns in collected data?
Data analysis
Name one way scientific results can be shared.
Conference, research paper, presentation, social media, or media outlet
What is the main purpose of the scientific method?
answer questions, solve problems, and learn about the world
True or False: A hypothesis must be testable and falsifiable.
True
Name two things that should be included in an experimental plan.
List of materials, step-by-step procedures, data collection tables, repeated trials, control and experimental groups
What type of statistics describes characteristics of data?
Descriptive statistics
True or False: Scientific results should only be shared with the scientific community.
False
What step comes after the scientific question?
Hypothesis
What two variables should a well-written hypothesis identify?
Independent and dependent variables
List of materials, step-by-step procedures, data collection tables, repeated trials, control and experimental groups
So other researchers can replicate the experiment
What type of statistics tests hypotheses to draw conclusions?
Inferential statistics
After making an observation, what should a researcher do before developing a hypothesis?
Ask a scientific question
Name all six steps of the scientific method in order.
Observation, scientific question, hypothesis, experiment, data analysis, conclusion, and sharing results
What type of statement format can be used to write a hypothesis?
If/then statement
What are two important types of groups used in an experiment?
Control group and experimental group
What two things should a conclusion do with the hypothesis?
Accept or reject the hypothesis using supporting data
A student notices that some pumpkins grow larger than others. They ask, "Does fertilizer type affect pumpkin size?" What step of the scientific method is this?
Scientific question
Why does the scientific method reduce bias in research?
It uses a systematic, objective process rather than personal opinions or beliefs
Write a hypothesis for this question: Does the amount of fertilizer affect corn plant height?
if the amount of fertilizer increases, then corn plant height will increase. (Other testable, falsifiable answers accepted.)
A student tests whether different feed types affect goat weight gain. They only test one goat per feed type. What should they improve about their experiment?
Increase sample size and use repeated trials/more animals to improve reliability
A student hypothesized that warmer temperatures increase female sea turtle hatchlings. Their data does not support this. What should their conclusion state?
The hypothesis is rejected/not supported, and the conclusion should discuss the actual findings using supporting data
A student finishes analyzing their agriscience fair experiment. Explain what they should do next and why.
Draw a conclusion using supporting data to accept or reject the hypothesis, discuss implications, and share results to promote future research