Scientific Method Basics
This is information gathered by using your senses such as noticing a leaf is green.
What is an observation?
In an experiment, this is the factor the investigator deliberately changes
What is the independent variable?
This tool measures temperature, usually in degrees Celsius
What is a thermometer?
The curved surface of a liquid in a graduated cylinder has this name. Read the water level at the bottom of the curve with your eyes level with it
What is a meniscus?
You need to measure exactly 50 mL of water. Choose this tool
What is a Graduated Cylinder?
This is a possible explanation or prediction that can be tested through an investigation
What is a hypothesis?
This is the factor measured or observed in an experiment
What is the dependent variable?
These tools measure mass, usually in grams (2 ANSWERS)
What are a triple beam balance and a digital scale?
This container is useful for holding or mixing liquids but it is less precise for measuring volume than a graduated cylinder
You want to measure the mass of a rock in grams. Choose these TWO tools
What are a triple beam balance or digital scale?
Scientists organize measurements and observations in these displays to make patterns easier to see
What are tables or graphs?
These are the conditions kept the same in an experiment so that the test is fair
What are constants or controlled variables?
This tool measures force usually in newtons
What is a spring scale?
This narrow container holds small samples of liquids; this stand keeps several of them upright (2 ANSWERS)
What is a test tube and a test tube rack?
You want to grow microorganisms (bacteria for example) on a prepared material. Choose this container
What is a Petri Dish?
This is a representation of an object, system or process that can help explain or predict how it works.
What is a scientific model?
A student uses the same kicking force and field to compare how far a soccer ball and a kickball travel. Name the independent and dependent variables
What is the type of ball as the independent variable and the distance traveled as the dependent variable?
These tools measure length or distance; common metric units include millimeters, centimeters and meters (2 ANSWERS)
What are a ruler and a meter stick?
This written set of steps explains how to carry out an investigation
What is a procedure?
You need to transfer liquid into a test tube. These TWO tools can help you do it without spilling.
What is a dropper or a funnel?
A scientist's final explanation should be supported by this. If results do not support the hypothesis, the scientist should do this instead of changing the results.
What is data or evidence? If results do not support the hypothesis, what is revising the explanation or hypothesis and testing again?
A student tests which fertilizer helps plants grown tallest. In the experiment name what the student should change, measure and keep the same. Also repeating an experiment means doing this; replication it means doing this.
What is changing the type of fertilizer, measuring the plant height and keeping conditions such as plant height, type of plant, water, soil, light and growing time the same? Repeating means the same investigator performs the experiment, replication means another investigator carries out the procedure again
This timing tool measures how long an event lasts, often in seconds or minutes
What is a stopwatch?
This is a process of examining and interpreting data. A scientist may repeat an experiment or have another scientist carry it out to check whether findings are consistent (2 ANSWERS)
What is analysis? Replication can help check whether results are consistent
You need to examine a tiny specimen in detail. Choose between a magnifying class and a compound microscope and explain which gives greater magnification. Name ONE safety practice to follow during an investigation.
What is a compound microscope? It gives greater magnification than a magnifying glass. A suitable safety practice is to follow the teacher's directions, handle equipment carefully or wear required protective gear.