Scientific Method Overview

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What is the scientific method?

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A systematic process used for scientific investigation, involving observation, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, and conclusion.

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What is the last step in the scientific method?

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Share what you have learned with others.

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What is an independent variable?

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The variable that is changed or controlled in a scientific experiment to test its effects on the dependent variable.

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In the statement 'If I floss more, then I will have fewer cavities', what is the independent variable?

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Amount of flossing.

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What is an observation?

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Using your senses to notice what is going on around you.

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What is a control group?

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The part of the experiment that is used for comparison and is the 'normal state'.

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What is a dependent variable?

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The variable that is measured in an experiment, affected by the independent variable.

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What does it mean to hypothesize?

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To make an educated guess or prediction about the outcome of an experiment.

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What is the purpose of constants in an experiment?

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To keep certain factors the same to ensure that the results are due to the independent variable.

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What is the role of data in the scientific method?

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Data is collected during experiments to support or refute the hypothesis.