List
What is the scientific method
*Step by step process
*Used to answer questions and solve problems
Why is the scientific method important
It makes sure experiments are fair, repeatable and based on evidence
What is the independent variable in this lab:
Does the material that the ramp is made of affect the distance a toy car will roll?
Different ramp materials
What is the dependent variable in this lab:
Does the material that the ramp is made of affect the distance a toy car will roll?
Distance a toy car rolls
What are the control variables in this lab:
Does the material that the ramp is made of affect the distance a toy car will roll?
Ramp angle, same car, same force, same environment
What are steps 1 and 2 of the scientific method
Ask a Question
Form a hypothesis
Explain step 1 of the scientific method
1- Observe and ask a question that is clear and answerable.
What is the independent variable in this lab:
Does the length a rubber band is stretched affect how far it will fly when released?
Length a rubber band is stretched
What is the dependent variable in this lab:
Does the length a rubber band is stretched affect how far it will fly when released?
How far the rubber band will fly
What is the control variable in this lab:
Does the length a rubber band is stretched affect how far it will fly when released?
Same rubber band, same person stretching, same landing spot
What are steps 3 and 4 of the scientific method
Experiment
Conclusion
Explain step 2 of the scientific method
Form a hypothesis using the words IF and THEN.
What is the independent variable in this lab:
Does the amount of air (pressure) in a basketball affect how high it bounces?
Amount of air pressure in the basketball
What is the dependent variable in this lab:
Does the amount of air (pressure) in a basketball affect how high it bounces?
How high the basketball bounces
What is the control variable in this lab:
Does the amount of air (pressure) in a basketball affect how high it bounces?
Same basket ball, same distance dropped, same person dropping, same force dropped, same landing
Why do we have to have step 4?
To provide information to others; continue learning about the test; decide what to change if our hypothesis is incorrect
Explain steps 3 of the scientific method
3- Experiment: Should be detailed. Has all 3 variables to make it fair and repeatable
What is the independent variable in this lab:
Does the length of a pendulum affect its period (time it takes to swing)?
Length of the pendulum
What is the dependent variable in this lab:
Does the length of a pendulum affect its period (time it takes to swing)?
Period/time is takes to swing
What is the control variable in this lab:
Does the length of a pendulum affect its period (time it takes to swing)?
Same pendulum material, same person, same force, same environment
No. Only 1 because if there are more then you won't know the specific results of your test.
IV: Color of shirt
DV: How hot you get
CV: Same brand, same person, same amount of sun
What question could be asked for these variables
Answers vary
What is the independent variable in this lab:
Does the phase of the moon affect the height of the tides?
Phase of the moon
What is the dependent variable in this lab:
Does the phase of the moon affect the height of the tides?
Height of the tides
What is the control variable in this lab:
Does the phase of the moon affect the height of the tides?
Time of day, same location