Vocabulary
What do scientists do?
How do scientists investigate?
How do scientists collect and interpret data?
How do scientists support their conclusions?
100
What is a hypothesis?
A statement of what you think will happen during an investigation.
100
What is another word for a hypothesis?
A prediction
100
What is a variable?
Something that can change in a test.
100
What can scientists do with data they obtain?
Scientists can draw conclusions or make predictions.
100
True or False: It is possible for two scientists to perform the same experiment and get the same results but draw different conclusions.
True!
200
What is an observation?
Something that you find out about objects, events, or living things using your senses.
200
Scientists use information that scientists have agreed upon, and are reviewed by other scientists. This type of source is considered _____________.
Reliable
200
How many variables should a simple investigation test at a time?
A simple investigation should only test ONE variable at a time.
200
Why do scientists use tools?
Scientists use many different kinds of tools to collect data. You can use tools to help you see things that you normally could not see. They can help measure things, gather information, measure volume, mass, temperature, length, distance, and time. Tools can also help you analyze your data.
200
Why is it important that a scientists' conclusions are based on evidence?
In order for a conclusion to be accepted by the scientific community, it must be based on facts.
300
What is a control group? Give a real life example from science class
A standard against which change is measured. The bread in the plastic bag it was bought in.
300
How do scientists form their hypotheses?
Scientists use a problem they have defined and research from appropriate sources.
300
During an investigation after you TEST your hypothesis, you must then do what in order to state your conclusion?
Collect, record, and interpret your observations.
300
List 3 rules to help keep you safe when performing an investigation/experiment.
(Answers will vary) -Listen to the teacher's directions -read the activity carefully before you start -ask questions -wear safety goggles -tie hair back -never taste or smell any substance unless directed by your teacher -use chemicals carefully, etc.
300
How can investigating cut bananas help scientists learn about other fruits?
Learning how to cut bananas change over time might give scientists clues about how other fruits can change after they are cut open.
400
What is evidence?
Observations that make you believe something is true.
400
What are four things that scientists do?
Scientists define problems, make hypotheses, make observations, and draw conclusions.
400
Once you have stated your conclusion, you must then ______________________.
Do repeated trials and do each test exactly the same way. Other scientists should be able to repeat your experiment and get similar results.
400
Scientists use values such as mean, median, mode, and range when they interpret data. Why might scientists analyze this data?
This analysis may help scientists decide whether they have enough information or whether they should collect more data.
400
Which statement about OPINIONS is true? A. They are beliefs or value judgments. B. They are a valuable tool used by scientists. C. They are supported by research. D. They can be used to help write a hypothesis.
A. They are beliefs or value judgments.
500
What is the difference between precision and accuracy?
Precision is the ability to consistently repeat a measurement. Accuracy is the ability to make a measurement that is as close to the actual value as possible.
500
Suppose you wanted to perform a scientific investigation to find out what substance can help preserve a banana slice? What are appropriate materials to reference before beginning your investigation? What are examples of appropriate reference materials?
Appropriate reference materials are materials that are reviewed and verified by other scientists. Examples of appropriate reference materials include books, scientific journals articles written by other scientists, and reliable Internet sites.
500
Why would a scientist use a model in an investigation? Give at least 2 reasons.
The scientist might be studying something too large, expensive, or dangerous to study directly.
500
What is the difference between an observation and an inference? Give an example of each.
Data and observations are facts. An inference is a conclusion based on observations. In science, for a conclusion to be valid, it must be based on observations and reasoning, NOT an opinion. (Examples will vary)
500
Why is communication so important to science?
Communication is important because scientists must describe their procedures and report their findings honestly, and answer questions, the results from different scientists must be similar. If results are not consistent, then the experiment must be done again.