Scientific Method Vocab Study Guide

What is the scientific method?

• A logical approach to scientific problem solving.

• A random guess made by scientists.

• A set of beliefs passed down through generations.

• A list of rules for conducting experiments without evidence.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

What are the 2 types of observations? Give examples of each.

• Qualitative: description-traits and features (e.g., texture, color, smell, sound, location, shape, dull or shiny); Quantitative: recording measurements; how much of something (e.g., age, length, temp., volume, rate, weight)

• Subjective: based on opinions and feelings (e.g., favorite color, best taste); Objective: based on facts and statistics (e.g., population, average score)

• Direct: observing events as they happen (e.g., watching a plant grow); Indirect: using evidence to infer (e.g., seeing footprints)

• Personal: observations unique to an individual (e.g., personal taste); Universal: observations agreed upon by everyone (e.g., the sky is blue)

What is the second step of the scientific method?

• Ask a question

• Form a hypothesis

• Analyze data

• Draw a conclusion

What are the 4 parts of an experiment? Explain each part.

• Control group: normal conditions and outcome is known Experimental group: the test group. All the same conditions as the control group except for 1 thing you are testing Independent variable: what is the 1 thing that has been changed in the experiment Dependent variable: the result of the change

• Control group: the group with the most variables Experimental group: the group with no changes Independent variable: the result of the experiment Dependent variable: the thing you keep constant

• Control group: the group that is always changed Experimental group: the group with no outcome Independent variable: the thing you keep the same Dependent variable: the thing you measure before the experiment

• Control group: the group with the least data Experimental group: the group with the most data Independent variable: the thing you measure after the experiment Dependent variable: the thing you change in the experiment

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-3

NGSS.MS-ETS1-4

What is a constant/controlled variable?

• What remains the same between the control group and the experimental group.

• What is always changed in every experiment.

• What is measured as the outcome of the experiment.

• What is used to form a hypothesis.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

What is the 5th step of the scientific method?

• Gather and record data

• Form a hypothesis

• Ask a question

• Draw a conclusion

What is an inference?

• Assumption

• Definition

• Observation

• Experiment

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-5

What is a conclusion in the scientific method?

• A statement of whether or not the results from the experiment support the hypothesis.

• A list of materials used in the experiment.

• A detailed description of the experimental procedure.

• A summary of the background research.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

What is a theory?

• An explanation of a natural phenomenon that is supported by scientific evidence. (Repeated testing over time)

• A random guess with no evidence.

• A law that cannot be changed.

• A prediction about the future with no basis.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-2

What is the last step of the scientific method? Explain.

• Conclusion (A statement of whether or not the results from the experiment support the hypothesis.)

• Observation (Gathering information using the senses.)

• Hypothesis (A testable prediction or explanation.)

• Experiment (Testing the hypothesis by conducting an experiment.)

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4