Vocab
The variable that is manipulated
Independent Variable
This type of data is numerical. Example: 1cm, 2cm, 3cm, etc.
Quantitative Data
If the plants receive extra fertilizer, then their growth will increase.
Step 3: Form a hypothesis
The sky is blue.
Observation
Which laundry detergent (tide, cheer, gain) removes stains more effectively? What is the independent variable?
type of laundry detergent
The variable that we observe and measure
Dependent Variable
This type of data is non-numerical, it is descriptions and characteristics. Example: Pine, Maple, Oak, Willow, etc.
Qualitative Data
The plants will be put in 3 groups, each receiving different amounts of fertilizer. They will be measured once a week and watered daily.
Step 4: Design an Experiment
Ms. Moore is tired today.
Inference
Which laundry detergent (tide, cheer, gain) removes stains more effectively?
what is the dependent variable?
stain removal
The group that does not receive the experimental conditions. This group is used as a baseline for comparison in an experiment.
Control Group
A specific, testable prediction about the outcome of an experiment.
Hypothesis
I wonder what would happen if I added extra fertilizer to these plants?
Step 2: Ask a question
Observation
Which laundry detergent (tide, cheer, gain) removes stains more effectively? Groups 1-3 will receive those detergents, Group 4 receives no detergent.
What is the control group?
The group that does not receive any detergent.
This group does receive the experimental conditions.
Experimental Group
Increases accuracy and validity of the data by lessening the effect of any outliers.
Large Sample Size
Step 5: Gather data
Ms. Moore’s favorite color is pink.
Inference
Which laundry detergent (tide, cheer, gain) removes stains more effectively? Groups 1-3 will receive those detergents, Group 4 receives no detergent.
What is the experimental group?
Groups 1-3.
These variables are controlled and are kept as close to identical as possible for all subjects in an experiment.
Constants
Increases accuracy and validity of the data by ensuring that similar results occur more than once
Repeated Trials
Adding 20% more fertilizer is most effective for increasing plant growth because the second group of plants measured the highest after one month.
Step 6: Analyze Data/Draw Conclusions
I hear thunder outside, it will rain today.
Observation & Inference
Give me a sample hypothesis for this scenario.
Answers vary.