nature of science

What step does every scientific experiment begin with?

• hypothesis

• question/problem

• procedures

• conclusion

The independent variable is the ONE thing you _____.

• change on purpose
• control or keep constant
• measure

What is a constant/control in an experiment?

• Things that do not change in a experiment. It's the variable that stays the same. You can have many variables stay the same.

• It's the variables that the scientist changes in the experiment

• It's the variables that are being measured in an experiment

Why do we want to test one variable at a time?

• Because it is hard to setup a data table with more
• To know what is causing the changes. This helps us understand cause and effect.
• It is what has always been done

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. 

A scientist is collecting data on the number of times a cricket chips per minute. What sense is the scientist most likely using to make observations?

• hearing
• smell
• sight
• touch

Justin blows his nose, but mucus seems to leak through the tissue.  He decides to test which tissue holds up the best while sneezing.  What is the independent variable?

• sneezing
• Justin
• amount of tissue
• type of tissue

Mr. McNeice wanted to know if different types of music affected people's heart rates, so he played different music and checked their pulses.  What is the dependent variable?

• type of music
• heart rate
• how long they listend to music
• Mr. McNeice

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