Identifying variables
Vocabulary
Fill in the blanks
Scientific Investigation
True or False
100
Two groups of students were tested to compare their speed working Math problems. One group used calculators and the other group did not. Identify the INDEPENDENT, DEPENDENT and CONTROL variables?
Independent Variable: Use of calculator Dependent Variable: Time spent working on the Math problems Control Variable: No calculator
100
Define EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE.
Empirical evidence is the type of evidence collected in scientific investigation through observation, often in the form of measurements.
100
Scientists are ____________________ about the subjects they study.
CURIOUS
100
Mention the steps of the scientific method.
- Make an observation - Ask a question - Formulate a hypothesis - Conduct an experiment - Accept or reject the hypothesis
100
Pseudoscience concerns the natural world.
FALSE
200
A study was done to see if more fan blades on a fan would produce more wind. Identify the INDEPENDENT, DEPENDENT and CONTROL variables.
Independent Variable: fans with more blades (i.e. more than three blades) Dependent Variable: more wind Control Variable: ordinary fans (i.e. only three blades)
200
Define Science and Pseudoscience.
Science is the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation. Pseudoscience: A theory, methodology, or practice that is considered to exist without scientific foundation or that cannot be scientifically proven.
200
____________________ is often mistakenly regarded as being based on Science.
PSEUDOSCIENCE
200
What is it good for scientists to be skeptical? Provide an example.
It s good for scientists to be skeptical because they must doubt certain 'truths' or what appears to be the truth. A classic example of this would be the discovery that the world was actually round rather than flat. If all scientists were devoid of skepticism, they wouldn't be scientists as no new discoveries would be made.
200
Explanations in Science must be testable and have consensus (an agreement, make sense).
TRUE
300
Students of different ages were given the same puzzle to assemble. The time to complete the puzzle was measured to determine which age group finished earlier. Identify the INDEPENDENT, DEPENDENT and CONTROL VARIABLES.
Independent Variable: Different group age. Dependent Variable: Least amount of time used to complete the puzzle. Control Variable: Same puzzle.
300
Name and define (WITH ONLY ONE WORD) each one of the three types of variables used when designing an experiment.
Independent variable: Change Dependent Variable: Result (or Effect) Control: Same (or Compare)
300
__________________ is the systematic study of the natural world.
SCIENCE
300
Mention three characteristics of a good scientist.
1.- Curious 2.-Inquisitive 3.- Keen observer 4.- Skeptical 5.- Resourceful 6.- Open minded
300
Empirical Evidence does not include observations, measurements and the data that people gather and test to support scientific explanations.
FALSE
400
A scientist studies the impact of a new drug on the cure of cancer. Identify the INDEPEDENT, DEPENDENT and CONTROL VARIABLES.
Independent Variable: Use of the new drug to treat some patients participating in the research. Dependent Variable: Cure of cancer. Control Variable: Not using the new drug to treat the other group of patients participating in the research.
400
Define EXPERIMENT and explain the relationship between observations and data when performing an experiment.
Experiment: a scientific procedure undertaken to make a discovery, test a hypothesis, or demonstrate a known fact. It follows specific steps to study something under controlled conditions. Scientists have to gain information (DATA) through experimentation and this is done by using the senses (OBSERVATION).
400
Explanation in Science must be testable and have ______________________ of other scientists.
CONSENSUS (agreement)
400
What is the difference between a law and a theory in Science?
A law is a descriptive statement that reliably predicts events under certain conditions, WHILE a theory is composed of ideas that explain many related observations that are supported by a large body of evidence acquired through scientific investigation.
400
Explanations can be proven false with Pseudoscience.
FALSE
500
A model rollercoaster type track was set up. Five marbles of different sizes were rolled down the track, one at a time. The time to reach the end of the track was measured for each marble. Identify the INDEPEDENT, DEPENDENT and CONTROL VARIABLES.
Independent Variable: Different marble sizes. Dependent Variable: The time each marble took to reach the end of the track. Control Variable: Same model rollercoaster type track.
500
Define: HYPOTHESIS. Formulate a hypothesis for an experiment in which a new type of fertilizer is used for plant growth.
Hypothesis is an idea or explanation that you test (TESTABLE) through study and experimentation. IF the new type of fertilizer is used in a specific type of plant THEN, it will grow faster.
500
________________________ is the name for observations and data on which a scientific explanation can be based.
EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE
500
Name two characteristics of Science.
Community Consensus and Empirical Evidence.
500
All scientific subjects can ONLY be broken down in Life Science and Earth Science.
FALSE .....and Physical Science.
M
e
n
u