Scientific Investigations
What is Scientific Investigation?
used to learn about the natural world and solve problems
What is record keeping?
scientists record observations and measurements
What is an experiment?
an investigation carried out under controlled conditions using variables
What is a scientific trial?
the repeat of an experiment with a new collection of data or observations
What is a ruler?
tool used to measure length, width, and height, typically in centimeters, milliliters and inches
What is a testable question?
A question that:
can be answered by an investigation and allows for collection and analysis of data.
is not answered with a "yes" or "no" or asks HOW to perform a skill
What is an opinion? Give the definition and an example
Definition: a belief that cannot be proven
Example: Strawberry ice cream is better than chocolate (Responses may vary.)
What is a control group?
the group in the investigation that remains unchanged; used as the basis of comparison
What is data?
a set of collected and recorded measurements or observations
What is a thermometer?
tool used to measure temperature of solids, liquids, and gas (Celsius or Fahrenheit)
Name and define 1 type of scientific investigation.
One of the following would be acceptable:
1. Survey - an investigation that uses questionnaires given and answers recorded and analyzed
2. Model - an investigation that uses a picture, idea, or object that represents an object or process
3. Experiments - an investigation that tests a hypothesis
4. Field Study - studying science in the natural world
5. Research - collecting information and answers through reading other scientists' data and conclusions
(Final/correct answer approved by teacher.)
What is an inference?
conclusions and predictions based on observations
What is a dependent variable?
the variable being tested and measured in an experiment, and is 'dependent' on the independent variable; what is measured (the data collected)
What is a conclusion?
the outcome of the experiment based on the data collected
What is a hand lens?
tool used to make observations close up with the eye alone
What is an observation?
gathering information directly through your senses (sight, taste, hear, touch, smell)
What is a fact? Give a definition and an example.
Definition: something that can be proven true through observations or measurements
Example: The sun is larger than the moon. (Answers may vary.)
What are controlled variables?
things that are held constant (kept the same) during an experiment to make sure the experiment is fair and valid
What is valid?
having/collecting enough data or observations to support the conclusion
What is a graduated cylinder?
tool used to measure the volume of a liquid (millimeters or fluid ounces)
What are the steps to conduct a scientific investigation?
1. Identifying a question or problem solvable by science.
2. Researching what is currently known about the question or problem.
3. Predicting a likely answer to the question or solution to the problem using info from research.
4. Conduct a fair and valid test, conducting multiple trials.
5. Record results in the form of a data table. A graph may be created to show a picture of the data.
6. Revisit the testable question and prediction. Draw conclusions from analyzing the data.
What is measurement?
An observation made using a tool to collect data.
What is the independent variable?
the variable the experimenter changes or controls and is assumed to have a direct effect on the dependent variable.
What is a model?
a type of scientific investigation that uses a picture, idea, or object that represents an object or process
Name two tools used to measure mass in grams.
Possible answers:
balance
pan balance
double beam balance