I. Scientific Methods Flashcards
Scientific Methods (name five)
- Making observations & stating a problem
- Forming a Hypothesis
Testing the Hypothesis - Record/Analyze Date
- Draw conclusions
How should a Hypothesis be?
- Must be TESTABLE
- Must be a possible explanation for the question or problem based on observations and research
Qualitative Observations
Using the senses to observe qualities (non-numerical properties)
Quantitative Observations
measurements or quantities (numerical)
How many variables are tested during an experiment to test a hypothesis?
Only one variable.
Data can be…
Qualitative, quantitative, or both.
During an experiment, data is recorded-
On a data table
Independent variables:
the variable that is changed during the experiment (Cause)
Dependant Variables:
the variable that is observed during the experiment (result of changing the independent variable) (effect)
What is Science?
the search for scientific knowledge
What is technology?
the application of science (making it useful)
Scientific Theory:
An EXPLANATION about the natural world, not a guess, is based on hypothesis and observations supported by testing.
Scientific Law:
A STATEMENT about the natural world: predicts what will occur in a given set of conditions. explains what happens not how or why.
Compare/ Contrast: Hypothesis vs. Scientific Theory
- Both explanations
- Hypothesis only a proposed explanation and is not tested
- Theory is a well-tested explanation
