Scientific Method Basics
What is the scientific method?
Method of investigation used to identify, explore, and solve problems.
This type of variable is changed or controlled by the scientist.
What is quantitative data?
Data that can be measured or counted
What is a bar graph?
This graph compares different groups of data.
Why is it important to follow a clear procedure?
So others can repeat the experiment and get the same results
What is an observation?
Involves using your senses to gather information.
What is the dependent variable?
This variable is measured or observed during the experiment.
What is qualitative data?
Data gathered using the five senses
What is a line graph?
This graph shows change over time.
What is conducting an experiment?
testing your hypothesis
What is an experiment?
A test that is performed to prove or disprove a hypothesis.
What is a prediction?
A good hypothesis should make this kind of statement about what you think will happen.
Give an example of qualitative data.
example: the liquid is blue or the plant has rough leaves
What is a circle graph?
This graph shows percentages of a whole.
What is the first step in the scientific method?
making an observation or asking a question
What is the procedure?
Describes exactly what to do step-by-step in the experiment.
Identify the independent and dependent variables:
“If plants get more sunlight, then they will grow taller.”
sunlight=independent
plant height= dependent
Give an example of quantitative data.
ex: “The plant grew 5 cm” or “The water temperature is 22°C”
What type of graph would best show how much each type of fruit students eat in a week?
A bar graph
What should you do after analyzing your results?
Draw a conclusion
What are the results?
Summary of what happened during the experiment
Why is it important to have only one independent variable in an experiment?
So you can be sure the results are caused by that one change?
Explain the main difference between qualitative and quantitative data.
Qualitative data describes qualities, while quantitative data uses numbers
What are two important parts of a graph that help explain what it shows?
The title and labels
Arrange the steps of the scientific method in order.
Observation/Question → Hypothesis → Experiment → Analyze Results → Conclusion