Inference v Observation
"The berry plants along the fence are yellow because they lack nitrogen." Observation or inference?
Inference
In a test on how water temperature affects dissolving speed, name the independent variable.
Water temperature
On an experimental graph, which axis gets the IV and which gets the DV?
IV on the x-axis; DV on the y-axis.
What are the two rules for writing a scientific Claim?
One sentence answering the question; no numbers and no "because".
What do the letters in PASS stand for when using a fire extinguisher?
Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
A thermometer in soup reads 82 °C. Is this qualitative or quantitative?
Quantitative
Why does an experiment need a control group?
It provides a baseline to show what happens without the experimental change.
A marble rolls in 2.4 s, 2.6 s, 2.5 s, and 2.5 s. What is the average?
2.5 seconds
Fix the overreach: "This experiment proves more yeast makes bread rise higher."
Replace "proves" with "supports."
What is the safe technique for smelling an unknown substance in the lab?
Wafting
What is the difference between an observation and an inference?
An observation is directly sensed or measured; an inference is an explanation the brain adds.
What is an operational definition?
Turning a fuzzy term into an exact, measurable check.
A 50.0 g mass is repeatedly measured as 44.0 g, 44.1 g, and 43.9 g. Describe accuracy and precision.
Precise, but not accurate.
What must be included in a strong Evidence statement?
Specific numbers with units that directly compare the groups.
Why does a scientific theory never "graduate" into a scientific law?
Laws describe what happens; theories explain why it happens.
You see an empty bowl and feel a warm TV. Give one quick inference and how to test it.
Inference: Someone was just here. Test: Check if leftover food is warm or ask someone.
Ana bakes cookies with butter at 175 °C and oil at 200 °C. Why is this test flawed?
Two variables changed at once (fat type and temperature).
What should you do if a single trial produces a weird result?
Investigate the cause; note it if found, or keep the data and run more trials.
What is the biggest trap when writing Reasoning?
Just repeating the data numbers instead of explaining the science why.
How does an experimental question differ from an engineering design problem?
Experimental questions investigate how things work; engineering solves a specific human problem.
What is the "Kitchen Table Check" question used to spot an inference?
"Did I sense or measure this, or did my brain fill in the why?"
State the three-part format for a scientific hypothesis.
If [IV changes], then [DV will do this], because [science reason].
Which graph type best tracks a runner's heart rate recorded every minute for 10 minutes?
Line graph
What two parts belong in an Error Analysis statement?
One specific limit or uncontrolled variable, plus one actionable fix for next time.
In engineering design, what is the difference between a constraint and a trade-off?
A constraint is a strict limit; a trade-off is what you give up to gain an advantage.