Types of Variables
What is an independent variable?
The variable that is changed or tested by the scientist.
What is a hypothesis?
An educated guess about what will happen in an experiment, using research and the words if, then, because.
What is the first step of the scientific method?
Ask a question/make an observation or identify a problem.
What is a qualitative observation? Provide an example.
A qualitative observation describes qualities using the senses (example: the flower is red).
What is one basic rule of lab safety?
Always follow the teacher’s directions.
Identify the dependent variable in an experiment where you are testing the effect of different amounts of sunlight on plant growth.
The dependent variable is plant growth.
Write a hypothesis for an experiment testing the effect of fertilizer on plant growth.
If plants are given fertilizer, then they will grow taller because fertilizer provides extra nutrients.
Give 3 examples of errors that may occur in an experiment.
Measuring errors, timing errors, and human mistakes.
What is a quantitative observation? Provide an example.
A quantitative observation uses numbers or measurements (example: the plant is 12 cm tall).
Why is it important to wear safety goggles in the lab?
Goggles protect your eyes from chemicals or flying objects.
What is a control variable? Give an example.
A control variable is something kept the same throughout the experiment (example: amount of water each plant gets).
What 3 words should a hypothesis include?
If, then, because.
Why is it important to revise your hypothesis during an experiment?
To make your prediction more accurate based on new evidence.
Why is it important to give very detailed observations?
Detailed observations help others repeat your experiment and understand your results.
What should you do if a chemical spills on your skin?
Rinse immediately with water and tell the teacher right away.
How do independent and dependent variables relate to each other in an experiment?
The dependent variable changes in response to the independent variable.
What is the importance of having a control variable?
It shows what stays the same so you know that results are due to the independent variable.
Describe how you would analyze data collected in an experiment.
Organize data into charts or graphs and look for patterns or trends.
Why is it important to differentiate between qualitative and quantitative observations?
It helps make data clearer and more accurate since each type of observation gives different information.
List three items you would find in a lab safety kit.
Gloves, goggles, first aid kit.
Why is it important to control variables in an experiment?
Controlling variables ensures the results are accurate and only affected by the variable being tested.
Identify the independent and dependent variables from the following hypothesis: If 3 stain treatments are tested on a coffee stain, tide extra will remove the most color because it has stain fighting chemicals.
Independent variable: type of stain treatment
Dependent variable: amount of color removed
What should you do after you draw a conclusion after an experiment?
Share your results or communicate your findings with others.
How can bias affect observations in an experiment?
Bias can lead to inaccurate or unfair results by affecting how observations are made or recorded.
Explain the importance of proper waste disposal in the lab.
Proper disposal prevents contamination and keeps the lab safe for everyone.