Vocabulary
A variable that the scientist manipulates in an experiment (the one that is tested for)
independent variable
judgement based on the results of an experiment
conclusion
what happens after the experiment
analyze the data
number of independent variables in a good science experiment
ONE ONLY double points: What should you do to all other possible independent variables?
Your height, your shoe size, and the length of your fingernails are examples of _?_ observations.
quantitative
Variable that can be measured and that directly responds to manipulated variable.
dependent variable
Variable(s) held constant in an experiment (they never change)
controlled variables
step after creating the hypothesis
test the hypothesis
variable that is recorded as data (what is being measured)
dependent variable
If I use oak in my wood-stove, then it will burn longer then other woods like ash or spruce. What is the dependent variable?
the time the wood burns.
a series of steps scientists follow to solve problems
scientific method
observations and measurements recorded during an experiment
data
what scientists do with their findings
communicate results
An investigation was done to see if keeping the lights on for different amounts of time each day affected the number of eggs chickens laid. What is the independent variable?
keeping the lights on for different amounts of time each day
The amount of algae growth in lakes seems to be directly related to the number of bags of phosphate fertilizer sold by the local merchants. What is the dependent variable?
amount of algae growth in lakes
using one or more of your senses to gather information directly or indirectly through the use of technology or instruments or just senses too
observation
making a forecast of what will happen in the future based on past experience or evidence
prediction
findings based off analyzing data
draw conclusions
If I use oak in my wood-stove, then it will burn longer then other woods like ash or spruce. What is a controlled variable about the different types of wood you are burning?
size of the logs and the mass of the logs
What two words should be in any good hypothesis?
the words if and the then double points: A good hypothesis must be what?
using new information and what you already know to reason as to what is happening
inference
a question that can be tested, that scientists create before conducting experiments (basis of experiments)
hypothesis
first step to the scientific method
ask a question
The amount of pollution produced by cars was measured for cars using gasoline containing different amounts of lead. What is the independent variable?
gasoline containing different amounts of lead
I think basketballs inflated with more air bounce higher. Rewrite this statement as a testable hypothesis.
If inflated with more air, then a basketball will bounce higher.
Type of observations that are made with instruments such as rulers, balances, graduated cylinders, beakers, and thermometers. These results are measurable.
quantitative observations
Type of observations that deals with data that can be observed with our senses: sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing. They do not involve measurements or numbers.
qualitative observation
if... then... because
form a hypothesis
A scientist who wants to study the affects of fertilizer on plants sets up an experiment. Plant A gets no fertilizer, plant B gets 5 mg of fertilizer each day, and plant C gets 10 mg of fertilizer each day. Which plant is the control group.
plant A
Colors, shapes, and textures of objects are examples of _?_ observations.
qualitative