Topic 3 - Science Inquiry Skills

Question 1

Scientific method (QBC TAC)

Answer 1

Question -> background research -> construct hypothesis -> test with experiment -> analyse data -> communicate results

Question 2

Observation

Answer 2

Something you detect using your 5 senses

Question 3

Inference

Answer 3

A possible reason for an observation based on your knowledge and experience

Question 4

Prediction

Answer 4

An educated guess about a future event

Question 5

Experimental variables

Answer 5

Independent and dependent variables

Question 6

External variables

Answer 6

Other variables that may affect the results

Question 7

Hypothesis

Answer 7

A specific, testable prediction about what you expect to happen in your experiment

Question 8

Theory

Answer 8

An explanation of observations based upon proven hypotheses

Question 9

Law

Answer 9

A universal, scientific understanding considered to be true in all circumstances

Question 10

Scientific report structure

Answer 10

Introduction
Materials
Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion

Question 11

Quantitative data

Answer 11

Any data that can be expressed as numbers

Question 12

Qualitative data

Answer 12

Any data that can be described using words or pictures

Question 13

Continuous data

Answer 13

Data that has been measured and that can take any number (1 & 1.5)

Question 14

Discrete data

Answer 14

Data that has been counted and that can only take certain numbers (only whole number)