Unit 2 Scientific Inquiry Flashcards
What is the scientific method?
A way of problem solving by making a hypothesis and testing it
What are the parts of the scientific method?
- Observations and problem
- Variables and hypothesis
- Procedure
- Data and results
- Conclusion
Each part is essential for conducting a thorough scientific investigation.
Define observation.
The process of using senses to study and examine the natural world
Observations can be qualitative (descriptive) or quantitative (numerical).
Define inference.
A statement based on the interpretation of an observation
Inferences can vary among individuals based on their experiences and knowledge.
Make an observation and inference about the image shown.
Observation: There is a puppy sitting next to an overturned pot with soil spilled on the floor
Inference: The puppy might’ve knocked over the plant while playing/exploring
What is a scientific problem?
A question within an experiment that’s being tested
You can recognize a scientific problem because it’s testable/measureable
What are testable questions?
Questions that can be answered through investigation, experimentation, or measurable data
Which of the following is NOT an example of a testable question:
- Why is the sky beautiful?
- What effect does temperature have on solubility?
Why is the sky beautiful?
This question is subjective and cannot be investigated scientifically.
Define an independent variable.
The variable that is changed by the scientist
Define an independent variable.
The variable that is changed by the scientist / aka the cause
Independent variables are manipulated to observe their effect on dependent variables.
How many independent variables can there be in a good investigation?
One
A good investigation typically focuses on one independent variable to maintain clarity.
Define a hypothesis.
An educated guess about what is going to happen
Hypotheses are formulated based on prior knowledge and observation.
What three words are needed when writing a hypothesis?
If, then, because
These words structure the hypothesis to demonstrate cause and effect.
List the independent and dependent variable for the following scientific question, and after, list one controlled variable and possible hypothesis.
How does the temperature of water impact how fast an antacid tablet dissolves?
Independent Variable: Temperature of water
Dependent Variable: How fast an antacid tablet dissolves
Controlled Variable: The size and type of the antacid tablet
Hypothesis: If the temperature of the water is increased, then the antacid tablet will dissolve faster because higher temperatures generally increase chemical reactions
The relationship explores how temperature influences the rate of dissolution.
List the independent and dependent variable for the following scientific question, and after, list one controlled variable and possible hypothesis.
Do plants that are watered in the morning grow taller than plants that are watered at night?
Independent Variable: The time of day the plants are watered
Dependent Variable: The growth height of the plants
Controlled Variable: Type of plant
Hypothesis: If plants are watered in the morning, then they’ll grow taller because morning watering aligns better with photosynthesis
This question investigates the effect of watering time on plant growth.
