Vocabulary
Something you notice using your senses or tools
Observation
In an experiment testing whether different types of paper affect how far a paper airplane flies, what is the independent variable?
Type of paper
A student studies for different amounts of time before a quiz. The teacher records each student’s quiz score. What is the dependent variable?
Quiz score
A test used to answer a scientific question
Experiment
What is the last step of the scientific method?
Make a conclusion
A possible explanation or prediction that can be tested
Hypothesis
In an experiment testing whether amount of sunlight affects plant growth, what is the independent variable?
Amount of sunlight
A scientist gives plants different amounts of water and measures their height after two weeks. What is the dependent variable?
Plant height
Information being collected during an experiment
Data
What should you do FIRST when beginning a scientific investigation?
Make an observation
The factor that is CHANGED during the experiment
Independent Variable
In an experiment testing how fast different liquids freeze, what is the independent variable?
Types of liquids
True or False: The dependent variable changes in response to the independent variable.
True
A statement that explains what the results showed
Conclusion
Why should scientists repeat an experiment?
The make the results more reliable
The factor that is MEASURED or observed
Dependent variable
A student wants to find out whether the number of hours spent studying affects a quiz score. What is the IV?
Number of hours studying
A coach wants to know whether the number of practice sessions affects how many free throws players make. What is the dependent variable?
Number of free throws made
The group that does not receive the variable being tested
Control group
A student tests whether different amounts of fertilizer affect plant growth. Each plant receives the same amount of water, sunlight, and soil. Name one constant in this experiment.
Amount of water/sunlight, type/amount of soil, type of plant
Something that stays the same during an experiment
Constant
The independent variable is the factor that is ________ during the experiment.
changed
The dependent variable is the result that is __________ during an experiment.
Measured/observed
a step-by-step process that scientists use to explore ideas, test questions, and learn how the natural world works based on evidence
Scientific Method
What is the best example of a hypothesis?
A. Plants need water to grow.
B. If a plant receives more soil, then it will grow faster.
C. The plant grew 5 cm when it had more water.
B