Scientific Method
This is the first step of the scientific method.
What is "STATE THE PROBLEM" or "ASK A QUESTION"?
This is one type of factor in a controlled experiment. These factors remain the SAME in both the experimental and control groups. Example: the pots in an experiment about the effect of fertilizer on plant growth
What are CONSTANTS?
The last step of the scientific method is to make a _____________. These should only be made after analyzing the data.
What is a CONCLUSION?
Creating one of these is a good way to organize and visualize data. There are many types of these, such as bar and line.
What is a GRAPH?
The time it takes to run a mile depends on a person's running speed. The INDEPENDENT VARIABLE is...
What is the PERSON'S RUNNING SPEED?
Scientists use this to support their claims.
What is EVIDENCE/DATA?
This variable is plotted on the Y-axis of a graph. Hint: DRY MIX
What is the DEPENDENT?
Every good experiment must have one of these groups, to represent baseline conditions for comparison.
What is a CONTROL GROUP?
This type of data involves characteristics and descriptions; this type of data is NOT numeric. Example: the liquid is yellow and smells like lemons.
What is QUALITATIVE data?
The higher the temperature of the air in the oven, the faster a cake will bake. What is the INDEPENDENT VARIABLE?
What is the OVEN TEMPERATURE?
Scientists make these regularly. _________ are how we collect knowledge of the outside world with our senses and tools. These are enhanced by using scientific tools and instruments such as microscopes.
What are OBSERVATIONS?
This is the ONE FACTOR that is manipulated (changed) by the scientists. This variable is the "cause" in the experiment.
What is the INDEPENDENT VARIABLE?
If your hypothesis is SUPPORTED, then your experiment should be __________.
What is REPEATED?
This type of data is obtained by counting and/or measuring. Example: 200 grams of salt.
What is QUANTITATIVE DATA?
The amount of pollution produced by cars was measured for cars using gasoline containing different amounts of lead. What is the DEPENDENT variable?
What is AMOUNT OF POLLUTION?
Every experiment must include this. This is the scientist's possible explanation for a problem/question. It is ALWAYS a testable statement. Sometimes phrased as an IF... THEN... statement.
What is a HYPOTHESIS?
This is the factor that the scientist observes and measures. This variable is the "effect."
What is the DEPENDENT variable?
In an experiment, these groups receive the independent variable.
What are the EXPERIMENTAL GROUPS?
Scientists make these based on their observations. A conclusion based on observations.
What is an INFERENCE?
The height of bean plants depends on the amount of water they receive. What is a possible CONTROL for this experiment?
What is TYPE OF POT, AMOUNT OF SUNLIGHT, TYPE OF SOIL, ETC.?
This is how scientists test their hypothesis. This tests the effect of a variable under carefully controlled conditions.
What is PERFORM AN EXPERIMENT?
This variable is always plotted on the X-axis of the graph. Hint: DRY MIX
What is the INDEPENDENT?
Name one action that a scientist can do to make an experiment's results more valid and or reliable.
What is INCREASE SAMPLE SIZE or REPEAT THE EXPERIMENT?
Lemon trees receiving the most water produced the most lemons. What TYPE of DATA will the scientist record?
What is QUANTITATIVE data?
A study was done to find if different tire treads affect the braking distance of a car. What is the DEPENDENT VARIABLE?
What is the the BRAKING DISTANCE?