Let's Observe
Tools
Scientific Investigation
Information
Graphs
100
A __________________ is one that anyone can make and the result will always be the same. They are made by using the senses or taking measurements. For example, the animal is black, has four legs, is 25 cm tall, and feels soft.
What is a scientific observation?
100
Every simple scientific investigation provides information called _____________.
What is data?
100
One in which only one factor is changed or tested in the experiment so that it can be determined whether or not that factor affected the results.
What is a fair test?
100
Qualitative and quantitative information gained by carefully identifying and describing properties using the five senses or scientific tools.
What is an observation?
100
The factor that is changed in an investigation. This always located on the x-axis in a line graph.
What is the manipulated variable?
200
This is an opinion, is one that not everyone may agree on. For example, the dog is happy.
What is an unscientific observation?
200
A tool that is used to determine the cardinal directions of North, South, East, and West when using a wind vane to identify wind direction.
What is a compass?
200
The one factor that is changed or tested by the person doing the investigation.
What is a manipulated variable?
200
An inference made about what will happen in the future; it is based on observations, available data, and prior knowledge. It is not a guess.
What is a prediction?
200
A drawing or illustration that communicates information visually. They should contain the following:a title, labels, and a caption.
What is a diagram?
300
This does not mean just looking at something. It involves the use of several or all of the five senses (seeing, hearing, smelling, touching, and tasting) using appropriate methods for each sense, such as wafting an odor so that its smell can be described or gently touching the edges of seashells to determine their textures.
What is observing?
300
A weather instrument used to determine wind speed in miles per hour.
What is an anemometer?
300
Factors that can affect the results of an experiment. Before an investigation begins, those that could affect the results must be identified. Then it should be determined which one to change or test and which conditions should be kept the same in the experiment.
What is a variable?
300
An explanation or interpretation of an observation based on prior experiences or facts. They are not final explanations of the observation. There may be several logical ones for a given observation. There is no way to be sure which one best explains the observation without further investigation.
What is an inference?
300
Used to organize data collected in an experiment so that it can be read easily. Should be planned before the investigation starts. Are often organized in columns and rows. The manipulated variable is listed in the column on the left side. The responding variable is listed in the column(s) on the right side.
What is a data table?
400
Observations that use numbers (amounts) or measurements (including the unit label). Observations that make relative comparisons, such as more than, all, less than, few, or none. Specific pieces of information that communicate to others and serve as a basis for comparison.
What is quantitative?
400
A (plane/flat) tool that reflects light toward a given direction.
What is a mirror?
400
The result of, or response to, the changing of the manipulated variable.
What is a responding variable?
400
Which of the following statements is a prediction? •The elephants are facing each other. •The elephants are going to fight. •The elephants are mad at each other.
What is "The elephants are going to fight?"
400
Are visuals used to compare data. They show not only information but also relationships between the data.
What is a graph?
500
Observations that are made using only the senses and refer to specific attributes. Communicated as words, pictures, or diagrams.
What is qualitative?
500
A tool that breaks light into the colors of the spectrum. The light has to enter the tool at the correct angle to the surface in order to separate the white light.
What is a prism?
500
The following steps should be included in a ___________. •Identify a testable question (tests one variable) that can be investigated •Do some simple research about the topic •State a prediction that answers the question based on your research •Design an experiment to test the prediction oList the materials needed to conduct the experiment oList the steps to be followed to set up a fair test •Record and organize data (observations) in tables, graphs, or charts •Study the data in the tables, graphs, or charts to figure out what the data means •Explain the results (response to the manipulated variable) •Compare the results to your prediction
What is a simple scientific investigation?
500
The result or response to the manipulated variable. This variable is always located on the y-axis in a line graph.
What is a responding variable?
500
Graphs that show how quantitative data changes over time or relationships between manipulated (changing) variable and responding (resulting) variable.
What is a line graph?
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