Download Scientific Method Study Guide

Scientific Method Study Guide
Things to know:
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7 steps of the scientific method IN ORDER
Measurement
Safety
Know details of each step (study your notes for this section)
o Example: Step 4
 Why we do an experiment (to see if the hypothesis is right or wrong)
 3 variables (constant or controlled—stay the same, many of them; independent—what
you change, only one; dependent—what you measure or observe, only 1)
 dependent variable depends on the independent variable
 Repeated trials (reduces chance of mistakes & makes sure your results are
accurate)
Things to study:
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Scientific method worksheets and notes
Variable worksheets
THIS STUDY GUIDE!
the vocabulary below (make flashcards for +5) – use the textbook, your notes, your own words,
etc. to find the definitions
Vocabulary:
Conclusion
Controlled variable
Data
Dependent variable
Experiment
Hypothesis
Independent variable
Meniscus
Observation
Quantitative
Qualitative
Scientific method
Scientific law
Scientific theory
SCIENTIFIC METHOD EXAM IS ________________
Review sessions are __________________________
Flashcards are due _____________________
(for +5 on test)
Read the following 7 parts of an experiment and identify which step is represented in each clue. Write the
Step NUMBER in the blanks. (3 pts each).
Step _______
A.
B. The following data was recorded at the end of the experiment:
Step ______
C. The more concentrated saltwater given to a plant will result in very little plant growth.
D. How does this concentration of salt in water affect the growth of a freshwater plant?
Step _______
Step _______
E. In this experiment my hypothesis was confirmed. Increasing saltwater concentration will result in little
plant growth.
Step _______
F. Before my hypothesis was made, I researched my plants’ needs for survival: water, sunlight, soil type,
etc…I also observed the environment that I would perform my experiment in.
Step _______
G. Five different beakers had a liter of water added. Different amounts of salt were added to each beaker
to make different concentrations of saltwater. Five of the same types of plant were used for the
experiment. 20 mL of the saltwater was given to the plants every other day. The plants were grown in the
same type of soil and were given the same amount of sunlight. The plants were allowed to grown for a
period of 4 weeks. The data was recorded at the beginning and end of the experiment.
Step _______
In the experiment above, what were 3 controlled variables?
In the experiment above, what was the independent variable?
In the experiment above, what was the dependent variable?
In Conclusion
What has your experiment proved? It’s time to write a
conclusion to your scientific investigation. The concluding
statement will either support or not support your original
hypothesis.
Carefully study the results of your experiment. Look at your charts, graphs, tables, and information logs.
Does this information support your hypothesis? If it does, great! If it doesn’t, don’t be afraid to say so.
Negative results are NOT bad.
Study the hypotheses and results of the scientific investigations below. Write a conclusion for each.
1. Hypothesis: Increasing the air pressure in a basketball will make it bounce higher.
Results:
Height of Bounce
Drop
#1
#2
#3
#4
Average
4 lbs. Air pressure
53 cm
51 cm
52 cm
56 cm
53 cm
8 lbs. of Air pressure
131 cm
140 cm
136 cm
133 cm
135 cm
12 lbs. of air pressure
176 cm
171 cm
173 cm
180 cm
175 cm
Conclusion:
Independent variable: _____________________________ Dependent variable: __________________________
2. Hypothesis: Children’s heart rates increase as they get older.
Results:
Heart Rate at Rest
Child
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
Average
5 years old
102
101
96
91
95
97
10 years old
88
94
92
90
86
90
15 years old
81
77
76
78
83
79
Conclusion:
Independent variable: ______________________________ Dependent variable: _____________________________
Defining Elements of a Scientific Method
Laboratory activities and experiments involve the use of the scientific method.
Listed in the left column are the names of parts of this method. The right column contains definitions.
Next to each word in the left column, write the letter of the definition that best matches that word.
____ 1. Hypothesis
A. Prediction about the outcome of an experiment
____ 2. Independent Variable
B. What you measure or observe to obtain your
results
____ 3. Dependent Variable
____ 4. Controlling Variables
____ 5. Observation
____ 6. Data
____ 7. Conclusion
C. Measurements and other observations
D. Statement that sums up what you learn from
E. Factor that is changed in an experiment
F. What the person performing the activity sees,
hears, feels, smells, or tastes
G. Keeping all variables the same except the
independent variable
Read the following investigations and find the variables. Classify the variables as
constant (list at least 3), independent, or dependent.
Investigation #6:
A teacher wants to know if listening to music increases students grades on a test. The teacher gets
two student volunteers. The volunteers are both 12 year old boys. One boy listens to music while he
studies. The other boy does not. The test scores are recorded.
Investigation #7:
A scientist wants to know if water temperature will affect the amount of time it takes a duck to
swim across a wading pool. Two female ducks that are the same age are used in the experiment. Both
wading pools are the same size and have the same amount of water in them. In one pool the temperature
is 40˚F and the other pool is 85˚F. The speed of the ducks is measured.
Safety Equipment and Procedures
Scientist use different safety equipment and follow certain producers when conducting experiments.
By following these rules they kept themselves and others safe. It is important to know the rules and
how to use the equipment properly.
1. Patty is getting ready to start an experiment in her science class. List 3 safety procedures that
will protect her body that she should follow BEFORE beginning her experiment.
2. If Patty were to get chemicals in her eye what piece of equipment should she use and how long
should she use it for?
3. Why would Patty not want to use the Fire Extinguisher if her lab partner catches on fire?
4. When heating chemicals how should you hold your test tube and why?
5. Why do your hands need to be dry when working with electrical equipment?
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