Claims
Define "scientific claim".
A claim is a statement that answers a question or explains a phenomenon based on evidence.
What defines "evidence" that can be used to construct a scientific argument?
Evidence is data or observations that support or refute a claim.
Other correct examples exist!
What is "reasoning" in a scientific argument?
Reasoning is the explanation of how and why the evidence supports the claim.
What is a scientific principle?
A scientific principle is a fundamental concept, proven true, that explains and predicts phenomena in nature based on repeated observations and experiments.
"The plant with more sunlight grew 20% taller than plants exposed to limited sunlight." Is this a claim, evidence, or reasoning?
Evidence
Make a claim about why plants grow taller in sunlight.
Plants grow taller in sunlight because sunlight provides the energy needed for photosynthesis, which promotes growth.
However, your claim must provide an answer to this phenomenon based on observable evidence. Meaning, many answers can be accepted even if not factually correct.
Provide an example of evidence from an experiment to support the claim: plants need water to grow.
Evidence includes an experiment where plants that received water grew taller and healthier compared to plants that did not receive water.
Other correct examples exist!
Explain why evidence of faster growth rates in plants receiving sunlight (taller stems, broader leaves), versus smaller plants (shorter stems, smaller leaves) not receiving sunlight, supports the claim that sunlight is essential for growth.
Sunlight provides the energy needed for photosynthesis, which is crucial for plant growth. The evidence of faster growth in sunlight demonstrates that this energy is necessary.
Why is this correctly classified as a principle of science? The principle of experimental replication states that experiments should be repeatable by others to verify results and ensure reliability.
This statement has been repeatedly proven to be true.
"The second reason a bubble pops is because its water evaporates. Because the film around bubbles contains water, it will evaporate over time.." Is this a claim, evidence, or reasoning?
Reasoning.
State a claim about the impact of exercise on heart health.
Regular exercise improves heart health by increasing cardiovascular efficiency and reducing the risk of heart disease.
However, your claim must provide an answer to this phenomenon based on observable evidence. Meaning, many answers can be accepted even if not factually correct.
What type of evidence would you use to support the claim that exercise improves mood?
Evidence could include surveys showing that people report improved mood after engaging in regular physical exercise, or scientific studies measuring mood changes before and after exercise.
Other correct examples exist!
Provide reasoning for why a diet high in sugar might lead to health problems.
High sugar intake can lead to increased blood glucose levels, which may result in insulin resistance and eventually type 2 diabetes (body doesn't make enough/use insulin well). The reasoning connects the evidence of health problems with the claim about sugar's impact.
There is a principle known as "scientific methodology". Can you describe it in one sentence?
The principle of scientific methodology involves using systematic investigation practices, including observation, experimentation, and analysis, to investigate natural phenomena.
We observed that plants in a dark room did not grow as tall as those in a light room. Is this a claim, evidence, or reasoning?
Evidence
Provide a claim regarding why ice melts faster in saltwater than in freshwater.
A factually correct claim is that ice melts faster in saltwater because salt lowers the freezing point of water, causing the ice to melt more quickly.
However, your claim must provide an answer to this phenomenon based on observable evidence. Meaning, many answers can be accepted even if not factually correct.
Describe evidence that supports the claim that smoking harms lung health.
Evidence includes medical studies showing a higher incidence of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in smokers compared to non-smokers.
Other correct answers exist!
Explain the reasoning behind the claim that exercise reduces stress.
Exercise increases the production of chemicals that improve mood (ex: endorphins). Improved mood reduces stress. Elevated mood and stress reduction are both examples of physiological effects that are improved with exercise.
The use of evidence could be described as a principle.
Evidence emphasizes that scientific knowledge should be based on observable, measurable, and repeatable data obtained through experiments and observations.
"Eating fruits and vegetables leads to better health outcomes." Is this a claim, evidence, or reasoning?
Claim
Make a claim about the effect of different types of music on concentration.
Classical music enhances concentration more effectively than other types of music because it has a calming effect that helps reduce distractions.
However, your claim must provide an answer to this phenomenon based on observable evidence. Meaning, many answers can be accepted even if not factually correct.
Provide evidence to support the claim that eating a balanced diet leads to better overall health.
Evidence includes data from studies showing that individuals with balanced diets have lower rates of chronic diseases and better overall health markers compared to those with imbalanced diets.
Other correct examples exist!
Justify why the evidence of reduced lung function in smokers supports the claim that smoking harms lung health.
Smoking introduces harmful chemicals into the body that damage lung tissues and interfere with their function. The observed reduction in lung function among smokers is an example of two harmful effects of smoking.
Give an example of a scientific principle (not already mentioned in this game).
Varies. Must be explained by several different experiments and repeatedly held to be true.
"Regular exercise improves mental health because it releases endorphins that make you feel happier." Is this a claim, evidence, or reasoning?
Claim