Scientific method test #1 Flashcards
(28 cards)
What is science?
Process of gaining knowledge about the natural world.
Why is science always changing?
Because scientists are always gaining more knowledge and making new discoveries. So, science changes because we’re constantly learning and improving our knowledge.
Is science rigid or set in stone?
Neither. It’s a flexible framework for scientific inquiry.
Do scientists learn about the universe in the same way?
No, scientists use different methods to learn about the universe, depending on what they are studying. They might use experiments, observations, or math to discover new things.
What is an Observation?
An observation is using your senses to notice and describe something. Scientists use it to gather information. (Sight, hear, touch, taste, and smell).
Why are making good and careful observations important in science?
Good and careful observations are important in science because they help scientists gather accurate information, leading to better understanding and reliable results.
What is an inference?
or guess you make based on observations and what you already know.
Give an example of an inference
You walk outside and notice the ground is wet. The observation is that the ground is wet and the inference is that it rained.
In science, what is a hypothesis?
An educated guess or prediction between two variables.
How can a scientist determine if their hypothesis is correct or not?
A scientist tests their hypothesis with experiments or observations. If the results support the hypothesis, it’s considered correct; if not, the hypothesis needs to be changed or rejected.
What is a variable in a controlled experiment?
A variable is anything that can change or be changed.
How are controlled variables different from experimental and dependent variables?
Controlled variables are kept constant to make sure they don’t affect the experiment. Experimental variables are changed to test the hypothesis, and dependent variables are what you measure to see if the experimental variables had an effect.
Experimental variables
Experimental variables are changed to test the hypothesis.
Dependent variables
dependent variables are what you measure to see if the experimental variables had an effect.
Why are there two groups in most experiments?
There are two groups in experiments: one group doesn’t change (control) and the other gets the treatment (experimental). This helps see if the treatment has an effect.
What are the two groups in experiments? (What groups are these referred to)
The control group and the experiment group.
How is one group different than the other?
The control group doesn’t receive the treatment and stays the same, while the experimental group gets the treatment or change being tested. This helps compare the effects.
What is data?
Data is information or facts collected through observations or experiments. It helps scientists analyze and understand things.
How is qualitative data different than quantitative data?
Qualitative data describes qualities or characteristics (like colors or feelings), while quantitative data uses numbers and measurements (like height or weight).
Provide three examples of qualitative data
Favorite color – Describing someone’s preferred color, like blue or red.
Texture of a surface – Noting if something feels smooth or rough.
Emotion expressed – Describing how a person feels, like happy or sad.
Provide three examples of quantitative data.
Height of a person – Measured in inches or centimeters.
Number of students in a class – Counted as 20 students, for example.
Temperature – Measured in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit.
Can all hypothesis be tested with an experiment? Explain:
Not all hypotheses can be tested with an experiment. Some might need observations or studies instead, especially if they involve things that can’t be controlled or changed in a lab.
What is a theory in science?
In science, a theory is a well-tested explanation of how things work based on a lot of evidence and observations.
How is theory in everyday language different from scientific theory?
In everyday language, “theory” means a guess or opinion. In science, a “theory” is a well-tested explanation based on lots of evidence and observations.
