Scientific Method
What is the first step in the scientific method?
Make an Observation.
What is the basic unit for measuring mass?
gram (g)
What step of the scientific method do you predict a possible answer to a problem or a question?
Hypothesis
What are the two types of variables stated in a hypothesis?
independent and dependent
If I put my plant in the closet, then it will not live for long.
What is the independent variable?
location of plant (plant in closet)
In which step of the scientific method do you test your hypothesis?
Experiment
What tool is used to measure dimensions such as length, width, and height?
metric ruler or meter stick
How is a hypothesis usually written?
In a "If...then..." statement
What is the responding variable or factor that may or may not change due to manipulation; the one that is observed or measured?
In which step of the scientific method do you use your information, like graphs and charts, to draw conclusions about your experiment?
Analyze Results
What step in the scientific method do you make careful observations and write down what happens?
What is the metric unit of measurement for temperature?
degrees Celsius
If you drink more milk, then you will you get stronger bones.
What is the independent variable in this hypothesis?
amount of milk
What is the term we use to describe the manipulated variable or factor that the experimenter intentionally changes?
independent variable
If I put my plant in the closet, then it will not live for long.
What would the control be in this experiment?
Plant located in the room or outside.
In which step of the scientific method do you present your experiment, observations and conclusions to others?
Communicate
On a graduated cylinder, what is the unit of measurement, usually?
milliliters (mL)
In an experiment what are the variables that are not being studied that are kept the same so that they do not influence the experimental outcome called?
Constants
List the independent and dependent variables in the following hypothesis. If soil temperatures rise, then plant growth will increase.
Independent-soil temperatures
Dependent-plant growth.
In which step of the scientific method do you explain what you learned about the effect the independent variable has on the dependent variable?
Conclusions
What is the unit of measurement usually used on a meter stick when making measurements?
centimeters (cm) or millimeters (mm) or meter (m)
Read the following experiment and state a good hypothesis. I am doing a test to see if there is a connection between how long you run and how fast your heart beats. I will be performing an experiment where a person will run for a 1 minute and I will check their heartbeat. Then they will run for 2 minutes and I will check their heart rate. I will do this up to 6 minutes and see if there is a connection. What do you think my hypothesis should be?
If I increase the amount of time I run, then my heartbeat will increase.
(or something similar with the amount of time I run in the "if" portion and the heartbeats in the "then" portion)
Find the independent and dependent variables in the following experiment: If you increase the number of times you practice shooting free-throws, then you will increase your chances of making a basket every time.
Independent- number of times you practice shooting free throws
Dependent- chance of making baskets.
Thinking about the hypothesis: If soil temperatures rise, then plant growth will increase. What might a constant in this experiment be?
using the same potting soil, making sure both plants have an equal amount of light, making sure both plants receive the same amount of water, same type of plant, amount of soil
If unsure of student's response, ask the teacher for clarification.