Scientific Method
Does the scientific method eliminate human error?
No
What are the two types of observation?
Qualitative and Quantitative
Sometime in the future, when aliens invade the school, they will turn the floor into lava. What is wrong with this hypothesis?
It is not testable - too vague
What are the variables or groups called in an experiment that are not being studied so they are held constant so that they do not influence the experimental outcome?
Controls.
Who is considered the “Father of the Scientific Method”?
Robert Grosseteste
What type of observation is measurable using tools and instruments?
Quantitative
Which is the variable (or factor) that may change during an experiment, but is NOT being manipulated by the scientist/researcher?
Dependent Variable.
During or between which steps of the scientific method should we analyze results?
Really we are analyzing all the time and making new or updating observations - but especially after conducting the experiment and before coming to a conclusion.
During which step of the scientific method do you test your hypothesis?
Experimentation
What type of observation is describable using your 5 senses?
Qualitative
What is a hypothesis and which step of the scientific method is it?
It is usually the third step of the scientific method where you predict a possible outcome, answer a question, or explain observations.
What is the variable (or factor) that is intentionally manipulated or changed in an experiment by the scientist/researcher?
Independent Variable.
List all 5 steps of the scientific method.
Observation, Research, Hypothesis, Experimentation, Conclusion
Blue, rough, metal are all examples of what type of observation?
Qualitative
How many variables can be changed or manipulated in an experiment at one time? and why?
ONE - because otherwise the scientist/researcher cannot know which factor(s) in an experiment are having an affect or causing a certain outcome.
List the independent and dependent variables in the following hypothesis. If soil temperatures rise, then plant growth will increase.
Independent (we change it): soil temperatures
Dependent (it responds to change): plant growth.
What is it called when scientists write details from their experiments, observations and conclusions for others?
Record Data
4 feet long with 24 buttons are both examples of what type of observation?
Quantitative
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.
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.
What is Independent- practice shooting free throws, Dependent- making baskets.
Thinking about the hypothesis: If soil temperatures rise, then plant growth will increase. What might a control in this experiment be?
Using the same type of plant, keeping the potting soil the same, making sure both plants have an equal amount of light, etc.