The Scientific Method
This is the first step of the scientific method, where you identify a problem you want to solve.
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The general term for anything that can change or be changed in an experiment.
A Variable
All living things are made of one or more of these microscopic, basic units of life.
Cells
For humans, this process involves inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide.
Gas Exchange
A computer, a desk, and a rock are all examples of this, as they have never been alive.
Non-living
This educated guess, based on research or prior knowledge, predicts the outcome of an experiment
What is a hypothesis
This is the one variable that the scientist changes on purpose to see its effect.
Independent Variable
The process by which organisms, like bacteria splitting in two or a cat having kittens, make more of their own kind.
Reproduction
This substance is essential for all life, making up most of a cell's volume and helping to transport materials.
Water
The scientific term for any single, individual living thing.
An organism
The third step in the scientific method, where you design and carry out a procedure to test your hypothesis.
What is "Test your hypothesis" or "Experiment"
This variable is what you measure or observe; it's the data or results that happen because of the change you made.
Dependent Variable
A plant's leaves turning toward a sunny window is an example of this characteristic of life
Responding to the environment (or responding to stimuli)
Plants get this by making their own food in chloroplasts, while animals get it by eating other organisms.
Energy
Using your sense of hearing to gather this information is an example of this.
A observation
In this step, you record your observations and look for patterns in your data, often using charts and graphs.
Analyze your data
These are all the variables you must keep the same throughout the entire experiment to ensure a fair test.
Constants
A caterpillar transforming into a butterfly is a dramatic example of this characteristic, which includes getting larger and more complex.
growth and development
The process of getting rid of metabolic byproducts, such as when your body produces sweat or urine.
Eliminating Waste
A fallen leaf or a dinosaur fossil would be classified as this, because it was once alive but is no longer.
The final step, where you summarize your findings and state whether your data supported your hypothesis.
Draw a conclusion
What is the control group?
DOUBLE JEOPARDY!!
The control group represents the "normal" situation and serves as a baseline to measure the effects of the independent variable.
This term describes the state of being alive but temporarily inactive.
Dormant
This "need" refers to an organism's specific home and includes all the living and nonliving factors like temperature, climate, and shelter.
Suitable Shelter
After observing that your friend has a runny nose and is coughing, you conclude they are sick. This logical interpretation of your observations is called this.
Inference