Unit I - "The Nature of Science"

Question 1

Constant

Answer 1

factor in an experiment that doesn’t change between experimental groups

Question 2

Control

Answer 2

a group used for comparison that isn’t under experimental conditions

Question 3

Dependent Variable (DV)

Answer 3

what is measured at the end to see how it’s affected by the IV

Question 4

Independent Variable (IV)

Answer 4

what is changed in an experiment between experimental groups

Question 5

Law

Answer 5

a fact based on observation

Question 6

Model

Answer 6

a representation of something based on evidence

Question 7

Observation

Answer 7

a recording of what one has sensed

Question 8

Qualitative

Answer 8

type of information based on personal description

Question 9

Quantitative

Answer 9

type of information based on numbers

Question 10

Refute

Answer 10

to prove to be wrong

Question 11

Science

Answer 11

the process of gaining knowledge about the world through observation and experimentation

Question 12

Source of error

Answer 12

a tool or method that results in inaccurate data being collected

Question 13

Support

Answer 13

to provide evidence for

Question 14

Theory

Answer 14

an explanation based on evidence

Question 15

Uncertainty

Answer 15

the range surrounding a true value

Question 16

Variable

Answer 16

a factor that changes in an experiment

Question 17

What are the steps of the scientific method? (6)

Answer 17

ask a question, research/observe, formulate a hypothesis, perform an experiment, analyze data/ draw conclusion, and communicate results.

Question 18

A soap manufacturer wants to prove that their detergent works better to remove tough stains. What is the dependent variable?

Answer 18

amount of stain removed

Question 19

You want to see if playing music makes plants grow taller. What is the independent variable in this experiment?

Answer 19

type of music

Question 20

You think that a certain part of your brain is important in memory. To test this, you will remove this part of the brain from rats and see if they remember how to get through the maze. What is the independent variable in this experiment?

Answer 20

Brain part

Question 21

You want to see if playing music makes plants grow taller. What is the dependent variable in this experiement?

Answer 21

Height of the plant

Question 22

A soap manufacturer wants to prove that their detergent works better to remove tough stains. What is the independent variable?

Answer 22

detergent

Question 23

What is the format of a testable question?

Answer 23

“how does (IV) affect (DV)?”

Question 24

What is the format of a hypothesis?

Answer 24

“if we (CHANGE IV), then (DV WILL CHANGE), because (EXPLANATION)

Question 25

How do we really know for sure if our data is reliable and valid?

Answer 25

we will know for sure because we do many trials for each experimental group. if the results for each trial are similar, that means that are data is completely reliable.

Question 26

How are models accurate, and inaccurate at the same time?

Answer 26

Models can never fully represent reality. They are merely an approximation, which may be useful in most cases.If the model gives you predictions that lead you toward the solution faster than if you didn’t use the model, then I would call that useful. But using the model always means you’re mindful of its limits and assumptions. How do you know how accurate the model is? You need to validate it with known data (known inputs and outputs). Models may also give the wrong idea about a certain subject; for example, if a student were to look at a globe, they may actually think that the countries on it are the color that is represented on the globe. They may also think that the countries are labeled in real life, and that there are real longitude and latitude lines,

Question 27

How does uncertainty exist in every measurement?

Answer 27

The uncertainty principle is the concept that precise, simultaneous measurement of some complementary variables – such as the position and momentum of a subatomic particle – is impossible

Question 28

Why are scientific theories an important part of research and understanding?

Answer 28

Scientific theories help scientists create predictions

Question 29

True or false: Theories and laws are facts as far as we know*

Answer 29

True

Question 30

What happens to the uncertainty when the range is 0.5? What happens when the range is 1.5?

Answer 30

The range decreases; the range increases.

Question 31

Hypothesis

Answer 31

An educated guess

Question 32

How is uncertainty reduced?

Answer 32

Multiple measurements / trials

Question 33

Ask a Testable Question

Answer 33

To ask a question about a phenomenon

Question 34

Research/Observe

Answer 34

Include research in order to come up with a hypothesis and get the idea of what you are trying to answer.

Question 35

Perform an Experiment

Answer 35

Create your procedure, which should be step-by-step in order for someone else to repeat it.

Question 36

Analyze Data/ Draw conclusion

Answer 36

Create a data table or a graph which conveys your results, and form a conclusion based on your results.

Question 37

Communicate Results

Answer 37

Share your results and what you have learned