Scientific Method
What is the first step in the scientific method?
Observation
What do we call the factor you change in an experiment?
Independent variable
What is a scientific theory?
A well-supported explanation based on evidence
What is the smallest unit of life?
The cell
Which step comes after forming a hypothesis?
Testing it with an experiment
What is a testable explanation based on observations called
Hypothesis
What do we call the factor you measure in an experiment?
Dependent variable
Give one example of a famous scientific theory.
Germ Theory, Theory of Evolution, Plate Tectonics, etc.
Name two characteristics all living things share.
Any two: made of cells, energy use, growth, reproduction, response, homeostasis, evolution
Is "All cells come from pre-existing cells" a theory or a hypothesis?
Theory (Cell Theory)
What is the step where scientists interpret data and summarize findings?
Drawing a conclusion
What is a controlled variable?
Something kept constant to ensure a fair test
How is a theory different from a hypothesis?
A hypothesis is a single testable idea; a theory is supported by lots of evidence
Which characteristic of life explains why humans sweat when hot?
Maintaining homeostasis
You test how sunlight affects algae growth. What’s the dependent variable?
Algae growth
True or False: The scientific method is a rigid, step-by-step process
False – it’s flexible and iterative
In an experiment testing if music affects studying, what is the independent variable?
The type of music played
True or False: Scientific theories never change.
False – they are revised with new evidence
Do viruses meet all the characteristics of life?
No – they lack cellular structure and independent metabolism
Give one example where a scientific theory was updated due to new evidence
Example: shift from geocentric to heliocentric model, or Newtonian physics to Einstein’s relativity
Give an example of how you could apply the scientific method to test which fertilizer makes plants grow fastest.
Answers vary but must include observation, hypothesis, experiment, and conclusion |
A student tests three brands of paper towels for absorbency. List the independent, dependent, and controlled variables.
Independent: brand; Dependent: amount absorbed; Controlled: size of towel, amount of water
Explain why the Germ Theory of Disease is considered a scientific theory.
It is supported by extensive evidence and explains/predicts disease transmission
A seed sits dormant until water is added, then it starts growing. Which two characteristics of life are shown?
Growth and response to environment
Explain how the scientific method, experiments, and theories work together in biology.
Scientists form hypotheses → test them with experiments → when evidence supports findings repeatedly, theories are developed