Science 8 Final Exam Review

What is an observation? What must you make observations with?

• Using your senses to gain information about something or gather data, which is later used to draw conclusions

• Using your emotions to understand a situation

• Using your intuition to predict outcomes

• Using your imagination to create scenarios

What types of items do scientists use to extend their senses?

• Equipment like a microscope, magnifying glass, thermometer, ruler, triple-beam balance

• Books and journals

• Computers and software

• Pens and notebooks

What is a hypothesis?

• An idea that can be tested by experiment or observation; a prediction about the outcome of the experiment; an educated guess how the independent variable will affect the dependent variable

• A completely random guess about the results of an experiment

• A statement that cannot be tested

• A conclusion drawn from an experiment

How do scientists test a hypothesis?

• Design an experiment, set up a control trial, set up other trials with manipulated independent variables, keep everything else the same, make observations and gather data, draw conclusions

• Make a guess and see if it is correct

• Ask other scientists for their opinions

• Read books and articles on the topic

What is an inference?

• An educated guess or assumption; drawing a conclusion based on previous observations (but without actually directly observing)

• A random guess about something

• A statement that cannot be proven

• A direct observation of an event

What is an independent variable?

• Factor you are manipulating and testing the effect of; it is the variable that you set up differently in each trial to see how it influences your results

• A variable that remains constant throughout the experiment

• A variable that is not important to the experiment

• A variable that is measured as the outcome of the experiment

What is a dependent variable?

• Factor that changes or responds in the experiment; it is being affected by the independent variable; the variable you observe or measure in an experiment

• Factor that is manipulated or changed by the researcher

• The normal baseline in an experiment

• The factor that remains constant throughout the experiment

What is the factor in an experiment that changes or responds?

• Independent variable

• Dependent variable

• Control variable

• Constant variable

What is the factor in an experiment that is used for a basis of comparison; it is the normal baseline, no changes have been made to it?

• Dependent variable

• Independent variable

• Control trial

• Experimental variable

How many variables should you change in an experiment? What should be done with everything else/all other variables?

• Two – to see how multiple factors influence the experiment results

• One – you want to see how just one factor/variable influences the experiment results; everything else should be kept the same in each trial – controlled variables/constants

• Three – to ensure the experiment is comprehensive

• None – all variables should remain constant