Scientific Investigation
What is Scientific Investigation?
Is what is used to learn about the natural world and solve problems
What is record keeping?
When scientists record observations and measurements
What is an experiment?
an investigation carried out under controlled conditions using variables
What is a trial?
The repeat of an experiment with a new collection of data or observations.
What is a ruler?
tool used to measure length, width, and height. Typically in centimeters, inches, and millimeters.
What is a testable question?
A question that:
Can be answered by an investigation and allows for collection and analysis of data.
Is not answered with yes or no or ask how to perform a skill.
What is an opinion? Give the definition and an example
A belief that cannot be proven.
(Responses may vary) ex. Strawberry ice cream is better than chocolate
What is a control group?
The group in the investigation that remains unchanged. Is used as the basis of comparison.
What is data?
What is a thermometer?
Tool used to measure temperature of solids, liquids, and gas in Celsius or Fahrenheit.
Name and define 1 type of scientific investigation.
1. Survey- An investigation that uses questionnaires given and answers recorded and analyzed
2. Model- an investigation that uses a picture, idea, or object that represents an object or process.
3. Experiments- an investigation that tests a hypothesis.
What is an inference?
Conclusions and predictions based on observations
What is a dependent variable?
The factor being measured in the experiment
What is a conclusion?
The outcome of the experiment based on the data collected.
Scientific Question: Does salt slow down the freezing process of water?
What is the independent Variable?
The amount of salt added to the water
What is an observation?
Getting information using your senses (see, taste, hear, touch, smell)
What is a fact? Give a definition and an example.
Something that can be proven true through observations or measurements.
(Answers may Vary)Ex. The sun is larger than the moon
What are controlled variables?
things that are held constant during an experiment to make sure the experiment is fair and valid.
What is Valid?
Having enough data or observations to support the conclusion.
What is a graduated cylinder?
Tool used to measure liquid usually in millimeters
What are the steps to conduct a scientific investigation?
1. Identifying a question or problem solvable by science.
2. Researching what is currently known about the question or problem.
3. Predicting a likely answer to the question or solution to the problem using info from research.
What is Measurement?
An observation made using a tool to collect data.
What is the independent variable?
The part of the experiment that is changed, on purpose, to test its effects.
Scientific Question: Does salt slow down the freezing process of water?
What is the Dependent Variable?
The freezing result.
Name 2 tools used to measure mass in grams.
Balance Scale
Pan Balance
Double Beam Balance