Scientific Method

Which is NOT a step in the scientific method?

• Make observation
• Form a theory
• Collect data
• Form a hypothesis

Should experiments be repeated over and over to see if the results are the same each time?

• yes
• no

The summary at the end of an experiment that explains the results. 

• conclusion
• procedures
• materials
• responding variable

During which step of the Scientific Method do you propose what you think will happen?

• Ask a question
• Experiment
• Hypothesis
• Conclusion

an explanation of observations or events that is based on knowledge gained from many observations and investigations

• theory
• law

the practical use of scientific knowledge, especially for industrial or commercial use

• science
• technology
• critical thinking

Vijay does several experiments with plants. In each investigation, he changes the amount of water each plant receives. He also changes the amount of light the plants receive and the temperatures the plants are exposed to. His teacher tells Vijay that his investigations have too many variables. Which of these statements best describes a variable?

• a part of a scientific investigation that is always the same

• the information that leads to making a correct conclusion

• an element of an experiment that may or may not change

• the question that is used to form an experiment’s hypothesis

Lucia does an experiment to see how quickly 100 g of butter, ice, and chocolate melt on a metal plate kept at 40°C on an electric heating unit. She uses a balance to weigh the butter, ice, and chocolate. She wears goggles and heat-resistance mitts. Which of these items is a constant in Lucia’s experiment?

• the balance

• the chocolate

• the 40°C temperature

• the heat-resistant mitts

Aarti was studying the effect of gravitational force on falling objects. She decided to compare two balls made of the same material. One ball was smaller than the other. Which of the following steps should she take to be sure her data is accurate?

• Perform multiple trials.

• Write down her steps.

• Make a prediction before starting.

• Make sure the color of the balls is the same.

Scientists use models to help them understand how the natural world operates. These models can take different forms. However, all models have one limitation. What is that limitation?

• Models must be physical objects.

• Models must be three-dimensional.

• Models are never exactly like the real thing.

• Models must be based on mathematical laws.