Basics
What is the first step in the scientific method? (Give an example the first step that is plausible to host gain 200 xtra points!!)
Asking a Question/Hypothesis
What is the independent variable in an experiment?
The variable that you change or manipulate.
What is a variable in scientific experiments? (You just got lucky get it correct gain 100 xtra points)
A factor that can change and may affect the outcome of the experiment.
What is the purpose of drawing a conclusion in the scientific method?
To determine whether the hypothesis is supported or rejected by the experiment’s results.
Scenario: A teacher is testing whether students perform better on a math test after having breakfast. She gives one group of students breakfast before the test and another group skips breakfast. Both groups take the same math test under similar conditions.
What is the independent variable in this experiment? (say the dependent gain 150 xtra points)
The independent variable is whether the students have breakfast or not.
What do you do after forming a hypothesis in the scientific method?
You conduct an experiment.
What is the dependent variable in an experiment?
The variable that you measure or observe in response to changes in the independent variable.
What is the difference between an observation and an inference?
An observation is something you notice with your senses, while an inference is a conclusion you draw based on those observations.
Why is peer review important in science?
To ensure that the research is valid, reliable, and free of errors or bias before it is published.
Scenario: A researcher is studying how the temperature of water affects the rate at which sugar dissolves. She conducts an experiment with three different temperatures: cold, room temperature, and hot. She uses the same amount of sugar and water for each trial.
What is the dependent variable in this experiment?
The dependent variable is the rate at which sugar dissolves.
What is the purpose of background research in the scientific method?
To gather information and understand what is already known about the topic.
Why is it important to have a controlled environment in an experiment?
To minimize outside factors that could influence the results.
What is a hypothesis?
A testable prediction about the outcome of an experiment.
What is the significance of sharing your scientific findings with others?
It allows others to replicate the study, critique the methodology, and build on the findings.
Scenario: In a study to determine how different amounts of exercise affect heart rate, a group of participants runs at different speeds: slow, moderate, and fast. Each participant runs for 10 minutes. Heart rate is measured immediately after the run.
What is the control group in this experiment?
The control group would be the group of participants who run at a slow pace, as it provides a baseline for comparison with the other groups.
What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment?
To serve as a baseline for comparison and ensure that the results are due to the independent variable.
What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative data?
Qualitative data describes qualities (like color or texture), while quantitative data involves numerical measurements.
What is a conclusion in an experiment?
A summary of the experiment’s results and an assessment of whether the hypothesis was supported or not.
What should be included in a scientific report?
An introduction, methods, results, conclusion, and discussion.
Scenario: A scientist wants to test if the color of light affects plant growth. He uses three groups of plants, each exposed to a different color of light: red, blue, and green. All plants are watered the same amount and kept in the same temperature environment.
What is the control variable in this experiment?
The control variables are the amount of water, temperature, and the type of plant used. These factors remain the same for all groups to ensure that only the color of light affects plant growth.
What is the difference between a hypothesis and a theory?
A hypothesis is a testable prediction, while a theory is a well-established explanation based on a body of evidence.
What should you do if the data from your experiment contradicts your hypothesis?
Re-evaluate the hypothesis, and if necessary, adjust it or develop a new hypothesis, then conduct further experiments.
What is the significance of a scientific theory?
A theory is an explanation that has been tested and supported by a large body of evidence and can be used to make predictions.
How do scientists use communication to advance knowledge? (Must give at least 2 reasons.)
By presenting findings at conferences, publishing research papers, and discussing results in scientific journals.
Scenario: A pharmaceutical company is testing a new drug to see if it reduces blood pressure. One group of patients receives the drug, and another group receives a placebo. Both groups are monitored over a period of 6 weeks. Neither the participants nor the researchers know which group receives the drug.
What is the purpose of using a placebo in this experiment?
The purpose of using a placebo is to eliminate bias and control for the psychological effect of believing one is receiving a treatment (also known as the "placebo effect"). This allows the researchers to measure the true effect of the drug.