Scientific Method
The process scientists use to investigate questions and solve problems.
Scientific method
The variable a scientist purposely changes during an experiment.
Independent variable
The smallest unit of life.
Cell
A wooden chair came from a tree but is no longer carrying out life processes. It is classified as this.
Once living
An individual living thing is called this.
Organism
A possible explanation or prediction that can be tested.
Hypothesis
Dependent variable
Living things need this to carry out their life processes.
Energy
A plastic bottle has never been alive. It belongs in this category.
Nonliving
An organism made of only one cell is described by this term.
Unicellular
Information collected during an investigation, such as measurements or observations.
Factors that are kept the same so the experiment is fair.
Controlled variables/constants
Sweating when you are hot helps your body maintain this stable internal condition.
Homeostasis
A specimen has cells, uses energy, and responds to changes in its environment. The strongest classification is this.
Living
Humans are made of many cells, so humans are described by this term.
Multicellular
After studying the results of an experiment, a scientist decides whether the evidence supported the hypothesis. This part is called the _____.
Conclusion
Jamal tests whether the amount of sunlight affects plant height. What is the dependent variable?
Plant height
A plant bending toward sunlight demonstrates this characteristic of life.
Response to stimuli
A strange specimen grows larger, but scientists have no evidence of cells, DNA, energy use, or reproduction. What is the most scientifically responsible classification right now?
Unsure/not enough evidence
This molecule contains the genetic instructions of living things.
Maya notices plants near a window grow taller than plants across the room. Before experimenting, what should she develop first: a conclusion, testable question, or final data table?
A testable question
Two plants receive different amounts of sunlight, but one also receives twice as much water. Why is this experiment unfair?
More than one variable was changed/water was not controlled.
Name four characteristics shared by living things.
Any 4: made of cells, use energy, grow/develop, reproduce, respond to stimuli, maintain, homeostasis, have DNA/genetic information
A kidney stone formed inside a living person and became larger over time. Why does its growth not prove it is alive?
It grows by mineral buildup, not by cellular growth/life processes.
Scientists discover a structure that contains DNA but is not made of cells and does not use energy on its own. Does DNA alone prove that it is alive?
No