Exploring the Scientific Method

In a well designed experiment, you should change how many variables?

• only one

• no more than two

• none at all

• as many as are needed

Stephen predicted that seeds would start to grow faster if an electric current traveled through the soil in which they were planted. What did Stephen do in this example?

• recognize a problem

• test the hypothesis with an experiment

• form a hypothesis

• draw conclusions  

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

Which of the following best describes a hypothesis in the scientific method?

• A detailed procedure for conducting an experiment.

• A testable statement that predicts an outcome.

• A summary of the results of an experiment.

• A variable that is kept constant during an experiment.

In an experiment to test the effect of sunlight on plant growth, which of the following would be considered the independent variable?

• The amount of water given to the plants.

• The type of soil used.

• The amount of sunlight the plants receive.

• The height of the plants.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment?

• To provide a standard for comparison against the experimental group.

• To ensure that the experiment is conducted in a controlled environment.

• To manipulate the independent variable.

• To increase the sample size of the experiment.

In an experiment, if the hypothesis is not supported by the results, what should be the next step?

• Discard the hypothesis and never revisit it.

• Modify the hypothesis and conduct further experiments.

• Publish the results without further investigation.

• Change the data to fit the hypothesis.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

Name one characteristic of a scientific mindset.

• Close-mindedness

• Rigidity

• Open-mindedness

• Superstition

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-1

NGSS.HS-LS4-1

the variable being changed in an

experiment

• Independent Variable

• Dependent Variable

• Frame Quadrat

• Transect

Variables that are not being tested but that

must be kept the same in case they affect the

experiment

• Control Variables

• Null Hypothesis

• Dependent Variable

• Independent Variable

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

the variable being measured in an

experiment

• Dependent Variable

• Independent Variable

• Control Variables

• Null Hypothesis

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2