Vocabulary
On which axis does the independent variable typically go on a graph? The dependent variable?
X-axis: independent variable
Y-axis: dependent variable
The group in an experiment that does not change, the IDV does not act on this group. This is the basis for comparison and most closely represents the natural phenomenon.
Control group
This changes in response to the independent variable.
Dependent variable.
What is a variable that changed or manipulated by the scientist?
Independent Variable
What is the difference between and experiment and an investigation?
Experiments: have variables, the scientists changes something to record the effects; make a hypothesis.
Investigation: no IDV, the scientists systematically watches and makes observations, there is not changing of a variable; no hypothesis.
What is the difference between an opinion and a fact?
opinion is your feelings toward something
fact: is a true statement
Define Science
systematic study of natural events and conditions
This is the factor in an experiment that you change (or manipulate) to test the hypothesis
The independent variable (manipulated variable)
In an experiment, these factors are kept the same in order to minimize the number of variables.
Constants
What is a variable that responds to change and is measured or observed
Dependent Variable
How are Experiments and investigations similar?
Both are used to answer questions about the world around us .
Both collect the data using tools and are methodical in their procedures.
Both are used to direct scientific research and make decisions about the world.
What is the difference between the independent and dependent variables?
independent= what you change
dependent = what you measure
Define Empirical Evidence
Empirical evidence is information that is obtained through observation or experimentation, and is used to prove or disprove a hypothesis
A prediction or possible answer to the question, that is testable
Hypothesis
The act of scientists repeating their experiments many times for their experiments to be considered valid.
Repetition
Many experiments done by many different scientists over a long period of time that all point to the same result may become this:
A scientific theory
During an experiment testing the absorbancy of certain paper towel brands, you record that Brand 1 absorbed 3.7 oz., while Brand 2 absorbed only 2.9 oz. What kind of observation is this? HINT: starts with a "Q"
Quantitative
What is a comparison group that doesn't receive the studying factor in an experiment?
Control Group
Is this an investigation or experimentation?
Studying the migration patterns of monarch butterflies
Investigation
What is the difference between an observation and an inference?
observation: using one of your senses to collect information
inference: statement based on observations
Jesse wants to test how amounts of water effect the growth of his lawn. He waters 3 different amounts, repeats the experiment 5 times and records his results. The patch of lawn watered the most grew the tallest. Identify the independent and dependent variables.
I.V.- amount of water D.V- height of the lawn
During an experiment to test a new cat food that claims to make cats' fur more shiny and silky, you notice that one of your experimental groups appears to have more shiny fur, and when you pet them, it seems softer. What kind of observation is this? HINT: the type starts with a "Q"
Qualitative
Describe the differences between scientific theories and laws.
Theories explain a range of observations, they are well-tested and have a large evidence base; laws describe and observed pattern in nature and do not seek to explain how or why it occurs.
The "X" axis on a graph represents...
Independent Variable
Is this an investigation or Experimentation?
Testing the effects of time studying on test grades
Experimentation
What is the difference between a hypothesis and a fact?
A fact is an observation that has been verified, while a hypothesis is a tentative explanation that can be tested
The garbage bag is full, there are some bugs flying around the can, so we should take the trash out soon. If we don't, the house will start to smell. Identify the observation(s), inference(s) and the prediction(s)
Observation(s): the bag is full, bugs are flying around the can Inference(s): we should take the trash out soon Prediction(s): the house will start to smell
You are testing how well different colors of flowers attract butterflies. You use red, white and purple pentas. Your results show that the red pentas attract the most butterflies. List 3 possible constants in this experiment.
Many possible answers: * same type of flower * same location * same amount of water * same amount of sunlight * same number of flowers
Why would scientists want to build and use a model of a brain cell instead of using real brain cells?
* real cells are very small and difficult to work with
*real cells can die or be damaged
* real cells must be grown or harvested from animals or people
Rachel wants to know if changing the incline of her skateboard ramp will effect the speed she travels on her skateboard. Correctly write a hypothesis for an experiment that would test her question.
Many answers possible: If a skateboard travels down 3 different ramps (0 degrees, 20 degrees and 40 degrees), then the one angled at 40 degrees will increase the speed of the skateboard the most.
What is an independent variable?
What is the dependent varaible?
IDV: the variable that is changed
DV: The data
Is this a testable question:
What is the most popular flavor ice cream in 5th Grade?
Yes because you can investigate what candy is chosen as the favorite and count how many chose that option.
Measurable/not yes or no response/not stating opinion but rather asking about the amount of students having the same opinion
What is the difference between a hypothesis and a theory?
a hypothesis is a tentative explanation or prediction that is constructed before research is done. A theory is a principle that is supported by evidence and is an attempt to explain things that have already been substantiated by data.