Understanding Scientific Investigations

The video tutorial by Justin introduces scientific thinking, focusing on how scientists ask and answer questions. It explains two types of scientific investigations: observational and experimental. Observational investigations rely on using the five senses to gather data, while experimental investigations involve changing variables to observe outcomes. The tutorial emphasizes the importance of variables and controls in experiments and concludes with a review of the key concepts discussed.

What initial observation did Justin make about the bushes in his garden?

• They were all dying.

• They had no flowers.

• Some bushes appeared different.

• They were all the same height.

What is the primary method used in observational investigations?

• Reading scientific papers

• Using scientific tools

• Using the five senses

• Conducting experiments

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an experimental investigation?

• It involves changing variables.

• It relies solely on observations.

• It includes controls.

• It tests hypotheses.

In an experiment, what is the term for the variable that the scientist changes?

• Constant variable

• Independent variable

• Control variable

• Dependent variable

What is the role of a control in an experiment?

• To change the outcome

• To keep certain conditions constant

• To eliminate errors

• To introduce new variables

What would be the independent variable in an experiment testing the effect of water on plant growth?

• Growth rate

• Amount of water

• Sunlight exposure

• Type of plant

Why can't an experiment exist without observations?

• Experiments are purely theoretical.

• Observations provide the evidence.

• Experiments are based on assumptions.

• Observations are not needed.

What is the main purpose of scientific investigations?

• To entertain scientists

• To create new technologies

• To prove theories

• To gather information and answer questions

Which type of investigation would be best for answering questions about plant color changes?

• Observational investigation

• Theoretical investigation

• Statistical investigation

• Experimental investigation

What is a key takeaway about scientific investigations from the lesson?

• They are only useful in laboratories.

• They rely solely on experiments.

• They involve both observations and experiments.

• They are not necessary for scientific progress.