Asking Questions and Defining Problems
What is the difference between a scientific question and a non-scientific question?
A scientific question can be tested or investigated; a non-scientific one cannot.
What is a model in science?
A simplified representation of a system or process.
What is the variable that a scientist changes called?
The independent variable.
What do scientists use graphs and tables for?
To organize and understand data.
Give an example of a testable scientific question about plant growth.
“How does the amount of sunlight affect how tall a plant grows?”
Name one type of model scientists might use.
Physical model, diagram, simulation, or mathematical model.
What must scientists do to make sure an investigation is fair?
Why should scientists repeat their experiments?
What does it mean if data from an experiment does not support the hypothesis?
The hypothesis may be incorrect or needs to be revised.
Why is it important to define a problem clearly before starting an investigation?
It helps guide the experiment and makes sure the results are useful.
How does using a model help scientists understand complex systems?
It helps them visualize, predict, and explain how parts work together.
Why should scientists repeat their experiments?
To make sure results are accurate and reliable.
How can scientists improve their conclusions?
By collecting more data or repeating experiments.
Scientists want to study how salt affects ice melting. What is a testable question they could ask?
“How does adding salt change the time it takes for ice to melt?”
Give an example of how a model could be used to study the solar system.
Building a scaled model of planets to show their distances and orbits.
Students test how soil type affects plant growth. What should they measure as the dependent variable?
The plant’s growth (like height or number of leaves).
If two students get very different data, what should they do before deciding who is correct?
Compare methods, check for errors, and possibly repeat the experiment.
You are designing an investigation about how different types of music affect plant growth. What is a clear problem statement you could use?
“How does the type of music played affect the growth rate of plants over two weeks?”
Scientists want to predict the effect of rainfall on plant growth in different regions. How could they use a model to help?
They could create a simulation model showing rainfall, soil type, and plant growth to predict outcomes before testing in real life.
Design an investigation to test whether the color of light affects seed germination. What are your independent, dependent, and controlled variables?
Independent: light color; Dependent: number of seeds germinated; Controlled: same seed type, soil, water, temperature, container.
A student tests how temperature affects the time sugar dissolves in water and gets inconsistent results. What are three ways to analyze the data to find a conclusion?
Look for patterns or trends in repeated trials. 2. Calculate averages. 3. Identify anomalies or experimental errors and consider retesting.