Variables
What is another word for independent variable?
Manipulated Variable
What is the primary purpose of a scientific explanation?
To make sense of natural phenomena based on investigations.
When graphing, which variable goes on the x axis?
Manipulated/Independent
What is a hypothesis?
What structure should it be in?
An educated guess
It should be in the "if.. then.. because" format.
What is the first step of the scientific method?
Observations
What do we call the variable that is measured in response to the manipulated variable?
Responding Variable
Why must scientific explanations be testable?
They must be testable (falsifiable) so that they can be supported or contradicted by evidence from investigations.
What are the 5 parts of a graph?
Title
Axes
Scaling
Legend
Data
A researcher wants to test the effect of different amounts of water on plant growth.
Question: Create a hypothesis using the "If, Then, Because" format.
If plants receive more water, then they will grow taller, because water is essential for photosynthesis and nutrient uptake.
Why is it essential to conduct multiple trials in an experiment?
Conducting multiple trials helps ensure the results are reliable and consistent, allowing for a more accurate conclusion about the hypothesis.
A student conducts an experiment where they change the temperature of water to see how it affects the rate of dissolving sugar. What is the responding variable in this experiment?
The rate at which the sugar dissolves.
Give two examples of natural phenomena that can be explained using scientific explanations.
Phases of the moon and the amount of rainfall.
What is the purpose of analyzing data collected during an experiment?
To determine whether the data supports or contradicts the hypothesis.
A researcher is investigating how the type of fertilizer affects the growth of tomato plants. They will use three types of fertilizer: organic, chemical, and no fertilizer at all. Each group of plants will receive the same amount of water and sunlight.
Question: Formulate a hypothesis for this investigation.
If tomato plants are given organic fertilizer, then they will grow larger than those with chemical fertilizer or no fertilizer, because organic fertilizer improves soil health and provides essential nutrients.
How are hypotheses formulated?
Hypotheses are based on prior scientific knowledge and understandings.
A student is measuring how different music genres influence concentration levels while studying. They ensure that all students study for the same amount of time and in the same environment. What controlled variables are being used here?
Study time and study environment.
How do First Nations, Métis, and Inuit share explanations of natural phenomena?
Through written texts, traditional knowledge, visual forms, verbal presentations, and stories or legends.
What role do controlled variables play in analyzing experimental results?
Controlled variables help ensure that the analysis focuses on the effect of the manipulated variable, making conclusions more reliable.
A science project involves testing how water temperature affects the rate at which salt dissolves. The student plans to heat water to three different temperatures: cold, room temperature, and hot. They will measure how long it takes for the salt to dissolve in each temperature.
Question: Develop a hypothesis in the "If, Then, Because" format.
If salt is added to hot water, then it will dissolve faster than in cold water, because higher temperatures increase the movement of water molecules.
Name one technology that helps scientists observe phenomena not visible to the human eye.
Microscope or telescope
In a study to determine how the amount of caffeine affects reaction time, the researcher decides to vary the caffeine levels (0 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg) while keeping the time of day constant for all tests. What is the manipulated variable and why is controlling the time important?
The manipulated variable is the amount of caffeine; controlling the time is important to minimize the effects of circadian rhythms on reaction time.
What types of texts can be incorporated into scientific explanations?
Visual forms (graphs, tables, flow charts, diagrams, models) and written texts (research papers).
During a project on temperature effects on ice melting, a student uses a bar graph to show the time taken for ice to melt at different temperatures. What is one advantage of using a bar graph for this data?
A bar graph allows for easy comparison of melting times across different temperatures, making it visually clear which temperature is most effective.
A researcher is exploring the effect of different types of soil on the growth rate of carrots.
Question: Create a hypothesis for this study.
If carrots are grown in nutrient-rich soil, then they will grow faster than those in poor soil, because nutrient-rich soil provides essential minerals and nutrients for plant development.
How does limiting bias improve scientific investigations?
It increases the reliability and validity of evidence.