Scientific Method
An educated guess
hypothesis
This is the varaible changed by the investigator
The independent variable.
What is seen during the experiment that is measured with your senses or a tool.
Observation
Criteria (for success)
An idea not backed by extensive evidence. Example: People with blonde hair are more fun.
Belief
A method used by scientists to answer an investigative question.
Scientific method
This variable is recorded as data in the data table.
Dependent Variable
An explanation made about the observation.
Inference
A roadblock, limitation or barrier that prevents you from achieving success.
Constraint
A true statement. Example: It’s raining outside.
Fact
After a hypothesis is made, scientists usually do this...
Experiment
These stay the same in an investigation
Controls
Data that describes what is sensed by the senses, describes the quality of something. IE: The music made them feel happy.
Qualitative Data
A factor that is held constant in an investigation, it doesn’t change.
Controls
The strongest level of knowledge progression in science.
Law
Analyze data
Jessie and James wanted to know how the color of light affects plant height. What is the independent variable in this investigation?
Color of Light
Data that is numerical in nature.
Quantitative Data
What could be one control for this investigation?
Which lake, Crescent or Southerland, had the most jet skiers in August?
sample at same time of day
sample for the same amount of time daily
same investigators doing the investigation
etc...
Malik and Eliana learned how evolution occurs through natural selection. Is this a belief, hypothesis, fact, theory or law?
Theory
Usually the last 2 steps of the scientific method.
Writing a scientific conclusion and share out data.
Sally and Stevie wanted to know how the type of material the ball was made of affected how high it bounced. What is the dependent variable?
How high the ball bounced
The most logical explanation of why something happens in science, strongly supported by multiple lines of evidence.
Scientific theory
Stevie and Joaquin wanted to know which soda, Coke or Pepsi, tastes the best. They set up a soda stand and charged the patrons to vote with the proceeds going to the winning team's favorite charity.
What is the independent and dependent variable?
What could be two controls for this experiment?
Is the investigation qualitative or quantitative?
A “mathematical” equation showing the relationship between two science ideas.
Law