Unit A Test

Controlled experiments: Scientific experiment done under controlled conditions with one factor being changed and the other factors remaining constant

•  Baking cookies and changing the amount of one ingredient 

Controlled variables: Variables that remain constant throughout the entire experiment 

• Keeping temperature constant

• Feeding subjects the same diet

Independent variables: Variables that are changed or manipulated in the experiment 

• Determining the effect of moisture levels on a plant 

Dependent variables: The results and measurements of the changes made by the independent variables 

• Which moisture level caused the best and worst plant growth

Positive controls: Expected results known to have certain effects from certain conditions 

• Adding a contaminant to water and testing for contamination 

Negative controls: Expected results known to have no effect from certain conditions 

• Not adding a contaminant to water and testing for contamination

Hypothesis: Statement about an idea that is testable and includes an “if” statement and a “then” statement 

• If the temperature affects bacterial growth, then bacterial samples at high temperatures will have more colonies than at low temperatures 

Initiating/Planning: Identifying a problem, forming a hypothesis, and selecting appropriate instruments/procedures for an experiment

Performing/Recording: Conducting the experiment using instruments and procedure, compelling accurate data, and organizing data information in tables, charts, or graphs 

Analyzing/Interpreting: Evaluating both qualitative and quantitative data to determine whether evidence supports hypothesis or not and draw conclusions 

Communicating: Usually done in lab reports using appropriate language and proper measurements 

Writing a lab report: past tense, third party, proper name for table/figure