Vocabulary
factor that the scientist purposely changes/manipulates in an experiment
independent variable
a summary of the results of your experiment
conclusion
what happens after the experiment
analyze the data
number of independent variables in a good science experiment
one
Which is the better testable question?
A) Which type of flower is prettiest?
B) What is the effect of Miracle Grow on flower growth?
B
factor that responds to change you made (hint: what you are measuring)
dependent variable
factor(s) you keep the same throughout your experiment
constants
step after forming the hypothesis
design and carry out the EXPERIMENT
variable that is recorded as data
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 a person uses to solve problems
scientific method
observations and measurements recorded during an experiment
data
how scientists communicate their results. Includes the problem, hypothesis, experiment, data, conclusion
write a report
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 fertilizer sold by the local stores. 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
observation
the predicted answer to your problem/question
hypothesis
step after collecting and analyzing data
state a conclusion
If I use oak in my wood-stove, then it will burn longer than other woods like ash or spruce. What is a possible CONSTANT for 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 observations and past experiences to explain..."I think"
inference
an explanation or answer to a question that can be tested
hypothesis
first step to the scientific method
Identify a PROBLEM
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 and include a NUMBER and a unit.
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
written as an If...then statement
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