Experimental Design
Zay tested 3 soaps to see which makes the most bubbles. Why should he use the same amount of water each time?
to make sure the results are fair
If you place a wooden block and a metal coin in water, which one is more likely to sink?
the metal coin
What do scientists do when they make observations?
they use their senses to notice and record information
What science tool is used to measure temperature?
a thermometer
What is the first step of the scientific method?
asking a question
What do we call the one thing you change in an experiment?
the independent variable
What is a good prediction for whether a plastic bottle will sink or float in water?
it will float
Barbra wrote in her science journal: “Clouds look like cotton balls.” Is this an observation or an inference?
an observation
Which tool would you use to measure how long something is?
a ruler or measuring tape
What step comes after making a hypothesis?
conducting an experiment
What is something you measure or observe in an experiment?
What is the dependent variable
You test a grape, a key, and a ping-pong ball. Two float and one sinks. Which is most likely to sink?
the key
You think the Maverick (Miss Croft's dog) is happy because he’s wagging its tail. Observation or inference?
Inference
You need to compare the weight of two different rocks. What tool should you use?
a Pan balance
What should scientists do after they observe and record data?
Analyze results
What is the first step of the scientific method?
asking a question
You notice a sponge floats, but when soaked with water, it sinks. Why?
What is it becomes heavier and denser with water?
You notice the temperature is 30°C outside. Observation or inference?
an observation
Videl wants to observe the shape of a tiny insect wing. What tool should she use?
is a hand lens or magnifying glass
Why do scientists repeat experiments?
What is to make sure the results are accurate?
Jayden tested which type of ball bounces the highest. What is something he should keep the same each time?
the height he drops the ball from
A student places a crumpled ball of aluminum foil in water and it floats. Then they flatten the same foil and it sinks. What does this show about floating and sinking?
the shape and how it affects the object's density in water
You hear Maverick barking loudly. You infer it might be scared. Observation or inference?
an inference (Maverick is never scared)
A student wants to compare how quickly ice melts in different temperatures. Which tools would be helpful?
thermometer and stopwatch
What do scientists call an educated guess? (take what you know, take what you guess)
What is a hypothesis?