Ask Questions and Do Research
What is the first step in the scientific method
asking a question about the natural world
what is a scientific question?
a question that can be answered through observation, experimentation, and evidence
what is a hypothesis?
a proposed explanation or prediction that can be tested through experimentation
what are procedures in an experiment?
detailed steps that describe how the experiment will be conducted
what is an independent variable?
the variable that is changed or controlled by the experimenter
Why is it important to conduct research before performing a hypothesis?
research helps you gather background information, understand the problem better, and make an informed hypothesis
how do you formulate a problem statement?
identify the issue or problem, make it specific, and ensure it can be tested or explored scientifically
what makes a hypothesis testable?
it must be specific, measurable, and include variables that can be observed or measured
why is it important to have clear procedures?
clear procedures ensure the experiment can be repeated and produce consistent results
what is a dependent variable?
the variable that is measured and affected during the experiment
What types of sources are reliable for research?
peer-reviewed journals, academic books, and reputable websites
why must a problem statement be specific and testable?
so it can be investigated through scientific methods and yield clear, measurable results
how do you write a hypothesis?
use an 'if...then...' statement
how do you develop a plan for an experiment?
identify the materials needed, determine the steps to follow, and define how data will be collected
what are constants in an experiment?
factors that are kept the same throughout the experiment to ensure that the results are due to the independent variable
how do you identify a good research question?
a good research question is specific, testable, and focused on a single issue or problem
give an example of a well-formulated scientific question
(varies)
what is the role of a hypothesis in an experiment?
it guides the direction of the experiment and predicts what the outcome will be
what should be included in the experimental procedures?
a list of materials, a step-by-step process, safety precautions, and methods for recording data
what is the role of a control group?
a control group serves as a baseline for comparison and is not exposed to the experimental treatment
what role does prior knowledge play in research?
prior knowledge helps frame the research question and guides the direction of the investigation
what is the difference between a broad question and a scientific question?
a broad question is general and not easily testable, while a scientific question is specific, focused, and testable.
how can a hypothesis be refined?
by reviewing and adjusting it based on initial observations, research, or feedback
why must procedures be repeatable?
to ensure results are reliable and can be verified by others
how do you identify variables in an experiment?
determine what is being changed (independent variable), what is being measured (dependent variable), and what stays the same (constants)