Definitions
What is the scientific method?
The way scientists solve problem and make experiments.
Hypothesis: If the donkey has long legs it will be able to run faster.
Name the independent variable
Length of donkey legs
Scientific Question: Does the amount of water you give a piglet change their hoof size?
Many options (must me in a if/then statement)
Independent variable: paint color
Dependent variable: level of happiness
Does paint colour have an effect on how happy you are?
What is a hypothesis?
A prediction
What is the independent variable?
The variable the scientist is changing
Scientific Question: Does the colour of light a plant is exposed to affect how tall they grow?
What is the dependent variable?
Height of the plant
Scientific Question: Does how much you play video games affect how good you sleep?
Many options: (must be in a if/then statement)
Independent variable: how much milk a person drinks
Dependent variable: arm length
Does the amount of milk a person drinks have an effect on arm length?
Jonathan's data showed that household cockroaches moved away from raw cucumber slices.
Draw a conclusion
What is the dependent variable?
The variable the scientist is measuring
Does the size of ear change how good a person hears?
Name 3 control variables?
Many choices
Independent variable: Shirt colour
Dependent variable: ability to find a mate
Many options: (must be written in a if/then statement)
Independent variable: amount of salt
Dependent variable: temperature water boils at
Does the amount of salt in water affect the temperature at which it boils?
Before you can form a hypothesis, you need to
a. state the problem or question
b. perform an experiment
c. state a conclusion
a. state the problem or question
What is a controlled variable?
The variables the scientist are keeping the same.
Graph Title: Amount of kangaroos born in different climates.
What is the independent and dependent variable?
Independent: Different climates
Dependent: Number of kangaroos born
Independent variable: smell of a persons feet
Dependent variable: ability to jump high
Many options: must be written in a if/then statement
Hypothesis: If an object is heavier then it will fall to the ground faster.
Does the weight of an object effect how fast it falls?
Why is the scientific method important?
It is the foundation of science and how we learn and make scientific discoveries.
What is a conclusion?
A summary of the results of your experiment
Hypothesis: If crows have dark orange feet then they are faster flyers.
State independent, dependent and 3 controlled variables.
Independent: Colour of feet
Dependent: Flight speed
Controlled: many choices
Write 2 hypotheses:
Scientific question: Does the amount of sunlight a sunflower get change how many seeds it produces?
Many options: must be written in an if/then statement
Write two scientific questions:
1. Hypothesis: If a blanket is softer then you will be able to fall asleep faster.
2. Independent variable: temperature of toes
Dependent variable: speed of swimming
1. Does the softness of a blanket effect how fast a person falls asleep?
2. Does the temperature of toes effect the speed of swimming?
What are the 6 steps of the scientific method?
1. Ask a question
2. Research
3. Make a hypothesis
4. Test the hypothesis
5. Record and analyze data
6. Conclusion