Steps of the Scientific Method
Testable Question
Hypothesis
Variables
Observations and Inferences
100
In science, an educated guess
a hypothesis
100
What's wrong with the following testable research question? "Do roses smell better than tulips?"
It is an opinion
100
The words you use when writing a hypothesis
If... then... because...
100
In an experiment, the one variable that is changed by the scientist
the independent variable
100
Label the following as an observation or inference: The flowers grow taller on the front porch than on the back porch.
observation
200
The step of the scientific method a scientist uses when he or she listens to the sounds that whales make
making observations
200
Write a testable research question: You are trying to decide where to plant tomatoes so the plants receive the right amount of sunlight to produce the most tomatoes.
What amount of sunlight makes tomato plants produce the most tomatoes?
200
Write a hypothesis for the testable question (you do not need a "because"): Will a rubber band or string hold more weight without breaking?
If I use a string/rubber band, then I will be able to hold more weight without the string/rubber band breaking.
200
In an experiment, the factor that the scientist measures
the dependent variable
200
What kind of observation involves a number (measurements or amounts)?
quantitative observation
300
The step of the scientific method where we want to use graphs
analyze data
300
Write a testable research question from the observation: Older kids are taller.
How does age affect height?
300
Correct the following hypothesis: "Frozen tennis balls will not bounce as high."
If I freeze a tennis ball, then it will not bounce as high.
300
Give 2 examples of controlled variables in an experiment testing the affect of sunlight on plant growth
Some possible answers: the type of plant, the location, the temperature, the humidity, how much the plants are watered, the person conducting the experiment
300
Is this a quantitative or qualitative observation? Mark missed an easy question on the math test.
qualitative
400
Which of these would be called results? A. Number of fruit flies B. Counting fruit flies C. Seeing fruit flies on an apple D. Wondering why a fruit fly was born
Number of fruit flies
400
Give an example of a non-testable research question.
Anything involving an opinion or anything that cannot be tested in an experiment.
400
Correct the following hypothesis: "I'm warm when I wear thick clothes."
If I wear thicker clothes, then I will be warmer.
400
An experiment that tests only one variable at a time by keeping all other variables the same and comparing the experimental group to a control group
a controlled experiment
400
Label the following as an observation or inference: My teacher gave me a bad grade because she doesn't like me.
inference
500
the step where you use observations you have made to write a question that addresses the problem you want to investigate
Identify the Problem or Ask a Question
500
Replace the non-testable research question with a testable research question: Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?
Answers will vary
500
Write a hypothesis given the following variables: independent = amount of food my dog eats dependent = my dog's weight
If I give my dog more food, then he/she will gain weight.
500
A scientist predicts that the temperature at which an alligator's egg is incubated will determine whether the alligator will be male or female. Find: 1. the independent variable 2. the dependent variable
1. the independent variable is the temperature 2. the dependent variable is the gender of the egg
500
Write an inference that could logically explain the observation. The teacher hands Alisa her test back and Alisa smiles.
Alisa did well on the test.
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