Nature of Science

Which of the following is a scientific observation? 

• The potato is brown in color.
• The potato tastes the best.
• The potato may cause allergies.
• The potato smells funny. 

What is another word for hypothesis?

• evidence
• graph
• investigation
• prediction

Which question can best be investigated by a scientist?

• Should I buy a red shirt or a green shirt?
• Does chocolate milk or plain milk taste better?
• Does a plant need sunlight to grow?
• Which feels softer, cat fur or dog fur?

Why should an experiment be repeated?

• to form a hypothesis
• to reduce the chance of error
• to change controls
• to identify the problem

This is the outcome of the experiment. We get data and results from this.

• Independent Variable
• Dependent Variable
• Control
• Constant

How many independent variables should be tested at a time in a scientific investigation?

• none
• one
• two
• three

Which is the dependent variable in Amelia's experiment?

• the number of bean plants in each group 
• the amount of water given daily to each plant 
• the height of each bean plant 
• the amount of fertilizer given to each group of bean plants

To get data from systematic observations, you must:

• Create a model of what you are studying
• Collect animals to study and bring inside
• Design an entire experiment
• Use 5 senses or take pictures to study

The variable that is changed on purpose is: 

• Control
• Dependent
• Independent
• Outcome

How would you collect data about the stars?

• Make a bar graph
• Read about the stars
• Ask a friend what they think
• Draw what you see