SCIENCE QUIZ

Topic 1: Overview of the Scientific Method

Lesson 1: The Scientific Method

  1. What is the Scientific Method?

  • a procedure made to discover facts

  • used to minimize bias and obtain a reliable result

  1. Steps of the Scientific Method

  1. Observation & Inference

    1. Observation - using the 5 senses (sight, touch, etc) to study something

      1. Qualitative - uses words (e.g. texture, color, smell, sound, etc)

      2. Quantitative - uses values & numbers

    2. Inference - an explanation based on past experience/prior knowledge

  1. Formulating Questions (e.g. “What is the effect of moisture on the plant?”)

  • ask questions based on observations

  • must be specific

  1. Formulating a Hypothesis

  • a possible & reasonable explanation for a problem

  • can be tested

  1. Observe and Record Experimental Data

  • may include notes, graphs, and tabulation

  • everything must be recorded

  1. Analyze Data - the interpretation and analysis of data

  1. Draw Conclusions - drawn based on the results and data from your experiment

    C. Usage of the Scientific Method in Situations

             1. Example of using observation

  • “Bob noticed he got a low score on his science test.”

  • Uses five senses.

  I. Uses sight to notice the problem.       

       2. Example of using Inference

  • “Bob noticed he got a low score on his science test and infers that he should study harder.”

  • Uses prior knowledge

  I. Bob’s prior knowledge is that if he will study harder, he will get better grades.

       3. Example of formulating a question

  • Bob asks himself: “Will studying harder actually improve my test scores?”

                                    - Asks a question about the given problem.

       4. Example of formulating a hypothesis

  • Bob thinks: “If I spend atleast two hours a day studying for assessments, I will achieve better grades.”

             -  Is testable.

      -  Can be proven wrong or right.

       5. Example of experimenting

  • Bob attempts to compare himself to a classmate that studies only 30 minutes a day. He attempts this experiment as he will compare test scores to him in the next test.

  • This experiment compares two variables and can be actually done.

        6.  Example of recording/collecting data

  • After experimenting, Bob gathers info that his classmate got a lower score than him, he compares the scores in graphs, notes, and charts and sees the difference between their scores.

  • Uses graphs and charts to collect information and data. 

  • The experiment was completed successfully.

        7. Example of conclusion

  • Bob finds out from his data that in order to achieve better grades and test scores, he needs to study harder and use new methods, like using Elite reviewers and also taking notes more effectively.

  • The research was successful.

  • He learned something new.

Topic 1: Overview of Variables and Setups

Lesson 1: Variables

  1. What are Variables?

  • factors and conditions that affect the experiment

  • there are 3 types: Independent, Dependent, and Constant

  1. What are the 3 types of variables

  1. Independent Variables (Manipulated)

                                                 a. can stand alone

                                                 b. the one being changed and manipulated

                                                 c. is the cause

  1. Dependent Variables (Responding)

     a. depends on the independent variable

     b. is the one being measured

     c. is the effect to the cause

  1. Constant Variables (Controlled)

    a. is not changed at all throughout the experiment

    b. keeps the experiment fair

  1. D.R.Y  M.I.X

    - method used to graph independent and dependent variables.

   1. D - dependent 

   2. R - responding

   3. Y - y axis

   

   4. M - manipulated

   5. I   - independent

   6. X  - x axis

Lesson 2: Setups

             A. What are Setups?

  • acts as the framework and organization of the experiment.

             B.    Experimental Setup

  • the specific arrangement and conditions in which an experiment is conducted to investigate a hypothesis or research question

  • The experimental group receives the treatment or manipulation of the independent variable

  • Or in simpler words it is the experiment where the answer or conclusion you get is the answer to your question or problem

  • Contains only independent and dependent variables

  • is the one being tested,measured, and changed.

          C. Controlled Setup

  • This setup is the basis or comparison for the experimental setup to conduct a valid test

  • Basically the control group does not receive the treatment, serving as a baseline for comparison

  • Acts as a reference for the experimental setup.

  • Contains only constant variables