The Scientific Method

Complete the worksheet using the information in this lesson

​

​The Scientific Method

an idea that describes what the scientist thinks will happen during an experiment as a result of changing test conditions.

​

​Hypothesis

the variable in an experiment that the experimenter changes on purpose. It's what they're testing.

​

​Independent variable

This is what the experimenter measures. it's what responds to the things you do with the independent variable

​Dependent variable /responding variable

These are things that might affect the outcome of the experiment but you don't want them to, so you must hold them constant.

​

​Constants/controlled variables

This is a condition that you do not want to apply the independent variable to. This can be adding nothing to the group or it might represent natural conditions

​

​Control group

it's kind of like a theory where it describes some scientific observations, but it may not provide an explanation for how it occurs

​Law

a well-supported explanation of a phenomenon in the natural world. It has been supported by every experiment ever done and has not been disproven.

Theory

After conducting many experiments and observations, ideas may reach the level of theory or law. Theories and Laws may be disproven at which time they stop being a theory or a law.

Multiple Choice

What is the part of an experiment that the scientist manipulates to see what happens?

• Independent variable

• dependent variable

• constants/ controlled variables

• control group

Multiple Choice

What is the part of an experiment that you collect data about during an experiment? it responds to the independent variable.

• Independent variable

• dependent variable

• constants/ controlled variables

• control group

Multiple Choice

What are the factors in an experiment that must remain the same in each group so that they do not affect the outcome of the experiment

• Independent variable

• dependent variable

• constants/ controlled variables

• control group

Multiple Choice

What is the part of an experiment that is used as the comparison group to make sure that the independent variable is making a change from the normal conditions.

• Independent variable

• dependent variable

• constants/ controlled variables

• control group

Multiple Choice

If an idea has been tested many times and every experiment supports the same conclusion, the idea may develop into a thorough explanation of the phenomenon and how it occurs. Then the idea is no longer a hypothesis. it becomes known as a _______________

• theory

• law

Multiple Choice

If a natural phenomenon has been observed repeatedly and we describe the phenomenon then it is called a law. For instance when Newton observed objects falling towards Earth but never away.

• theory

• law

We will do more examples together to help you understand how to set up and analyze experiments.



Now, please turn in this paper to your substitute.