LESSON 4 Conducting Scientific Investigations and Experiments

What is the first step in a scientific investigation?

Identifying the problem and formulating a hypothesis.

What are the basic science process skills?

Observing, measuring, inferring, classifying, predicting, and communicating.

How is observing defined in scientific investigations?

Gathering qualitative and quantitative data using the five senses.

What is the purpose of measuring in scientific investigations?

To utilize specific laboratory tools to quantify observations.

What does inferring involve?

Interpreting observations based on prior experience or information.

What is classifying in the context of science?

Grouping objects or phenomena based on similar characteristics.

How is predicting different from guessing in scientific investigations?

Predicting is based on reliable observations and can be tested and verified.

Why is communicating important in science?

It allows sharing results for replication and verification by the scientific community.

What are integrated process skills in scientific investigations?

Skills such as formulating models, defining operationally, formulating hypotheses, controlling variables, experimenting, and interpreting data.

What is the null hypothesis?

A statement that changing the factor being tested will have no effect on the result.

What is the alternative hypothesis?

A statement that changing the factor being tested will have an effect on the result.

What is the role of experimentation in scientific investigations?

To conduct cause-and-effect tests between variables to generate evidence.

What is an independent variable?

The factor that is changed by the experimenter.

What is a dependent variable?

The outcome that is observed as a result of changing the independent variable.

What does data acquisition involve?

Collecting and recording data using science process skills.

What is the significance of making conclusions in scientific investigations?

It involves interpreting gathered data to respond directly to the identified problem.

What should conclusions state regarding the hypothesis?

Whether the hypothesis is accepted or rejected based on the findings.

What is the principle of fair testing in scientific investigations?

Only one independent variable should be changed at a time while keeping other variables constant.

What happens when a hypothesis holds true for numerous experiments?

It may become a theory.

What is the importance of communicating the results of a scientific investigation?

To allow others to conduct similar or extended studies to support or refute the results.

What is the role of operational definitions in scientific experiments?

To clearly describe how to measure a variable in an experiment.

What is the significance of organizing data in a scientific investigation?

It helps in presenting findings clearly, often through graphs or tables.

What is the purpose of the scientific method?

To provide a systematic process for acquiring knowledge and validating observations.

What is the outcome of a scientific investigation expected to be?

A reliable and valid conclusion that answers the identified problem.

What should you do if your hypothesis is refuted by experimental results?

Reevaluate and revise the hypothesis or experimental design.

What is the role of careful planning in experimentation?

To ensure reproducible results and minimize errors.

What is the expected outcome of a fair test?

Meaningful and reliable results.

What is the significance of using both qualitative and quantitative observations?

Both types of data are essential for a comprehensive understanding of the experiment.