Steps of Science
What is the step of the scientific method where you notice something with your senses?
Observation
Which type of variable do you measure during an experiment?
Dependent variable
Which type of graph is mostly used in science?
scatter plot
Which tool is best for measuring temperature?
Thermometer
What should you always wear to protect your eyes in the lab?
Goggles
What step comes right after collecting data?
Analyze data
Which type of variable do you change in an experiment?
Independent variable
Which axis (x or y) is used for the independent variable?
X-axis
Which metric unit is used for measuring mass?
Gram (g)
Why should long hair be tied back in the lab?
To prevent it from catching fire or knocking equipment over
What is the step where you explain if your hypothesis was correct or not?
Conclusion
In an experiment testing “Does the amount of sleep change test scores?” give one possible control variable.
Same test, same students, same classroom conditions
What does the line of best fit show in a scatter plot?
The general trend or pattern in the data
Which tool is better for measuring volume: beaker or graduated cylinder?
Graduated cylinder
Which piece of lab safety equipment is used to wash chemicals out of your eyes?
Eye wash station
What is one thing you should always do before starting an experiment to make sure your results are fair?
Identify and control variables (keep things the same except what you test).
Why do scientists keep control variables the same in an experiment?
So only the independent variable affects the results
A graph shows study time (hours) vs score (%). If one point is at (2, 60), what does it mean?
At 2 hours of study, the score was 60%
Why do scientists prefer the metric system over other systems?
It is based on multiples of 10 and used worldwide
Give one example of technology that helps scientists collect or study data.
Computer software, sensors, microscope, data logger
Why is the scientific method often shown as a cycle instead of a straight line?
Because results often lead to new questions and more investigations.
A student tests: “Does playing video games affect reaction speed?” Identify IV, DV, and one CV.
IV = Video game time, DV = Reaction speed, CV = Same student/test/equipment
Why should graphs always include units on their axes?
Units show what is being measured, so data is clear and not confusing
A student measures 50 mL of water using a beaker and a graduated cylinder. The two numbers are different. Which tool should the student trust more, and why?
Graduated cylinder, because it is more accurate for measuring volume.
Why is it important for scientists to be honest and ethical when reporting results?
Because false or changed data can lead to unsafe or wrong conclusions for others