SCIENTIFC INQUIRY
A testable question that can be investigated through an experiment or observation called?
What is a scientific question
What do scientists use to support scientific explanations?
Evidence
What is the variable that a scientist intentionally changes?
Independent variable.
What is a hypothesis?
A testable explanation or prediction based on observations or prior knowledge.
Matter is...
Anything that has mass and takes up space.
A student notices that plants near a window grow taller than plants farther away. What should the student do next to investigate this observation scientifically?
What is...
Ask a testable question and design an investigation.
What is an observation?
Information gathered using the senses or scientific tools.
What variable is measured or observed as a result of changing the independent variable?
Dependent variable.
Complete this hypothesis format: "If ___, then ___ because ___."
Include if---independent variable---- then---prediction----because---reasoning.
Name the three common states of matter.
Solid, liquid, and gas
True or False: A scientific investigation must always begin with a hypothesis.
What is... False. Scientists may begin with observations or questions and use different approaches to investigate them.
What is the difference between a qualitative and quantitative observation?
Qualitative observations describe qualities, while quantitative observations include numbers or measurements.
A student investigates whether the amount of sunlight affects plant growth. What is the independent variable?
The amount of sunlight.
After collecting data, what should scientists do with the data?
Analyze and interpret the data
Which state of matter has a definite shape and definite volume?
Solid
Why is it important for a scientific question to be testable?
What is... Because evidence must be collected through observations, measurements, or experiments to investigate the question.
A student records that a liquid has a temperature of 25°C. Is this a qualitative or quantitative observation?
Quantitative.
A student investigates whether the amount of sunlight affects plant growth. What is the dependent variable?
Plant growth, such as height or mass.
A student's hypothesis is not supported by the results. Does this mean the experiment was a failure?
No. The results provide evidence and may help scientists revise the hypothesis or ask new questions.
Which state of matter has a definite volume but takes the shape of its container?
Liquid.
A scientist observes that ice melts faster on a metal table than on a wooden table. Give one possible testable question the scientist could investigate.
Example: "Does the type of surface affect how quickly ice melts?"
Why should scientists repeat investigations?
Repeated trials help determine whether results are consistent and reliable.
What is the purpose of keeping controlled variables the same during an experiment?
To make sure the independent variable is the main factor affecting the results.
Put these steps in a logical order: analyze data, ask a question, collect evidence, communicate results, develop a hypothesis.
Ask a question → develop a hypothesis → collect evidence → analyze data → communicate results.
Which state of matter has particles that are generally far apart and move freely?
Gas