Replicating Scientific Experiments

Daniel and Alex are both scientists. Daniel conducts an experiment testing different fuel sources for cars in the future. Daniel conducts each test three times in order to compare his data. After he finishes the trials, Daniel showed Alex his results from each trial. Alex is confused about Daniel’s results, so he decides to conduct the experiment for himself. Which scientific process did each scientist use?

• Alex and Daniel used each others data to compare their results.

• Alex and Daniel used the same hypothesis to compare their results.

• Daniel used repetition in his experiment while Alex replicated Daniel's experiment

• Daniel used replication in his experiment while Alex used repetition to conduct Daniel's experiment.

Brittney, an astronomer, measured the spectrum of a star. She took detailed notes about the type of equipment and method she used. She made four observations of that star on different evenings and recorded her results. She shared the information with another astronomer, Peter who followed Brittney's detailed notes and confirmed her results. Which statement below best explains the scientific process Peter used to confirm her results?

• Peter replicated Brittney's experiment and got the same results.

• Peter made multiple observations of Brittney's experiment and agreed with her results.

• Peter and Brittney discussed her experiment at length and Peter confirmed her results.

• Peter repeated Brittney's experiment using the same method but a different type of equipment.

Scientists have MANY trials so their results are

• countable

• graphable

• accurate

• hard to understand

When another scientist does someone's experiment to see if the results are valid?

• repetition

• replication

• experimental method

• controlled variable

Scientists frequently repeat the experiments of others scientists. Why is this important in science?

• Scientists often ask each other for help in performing experiments.
• Replication of experiments helps to confirm and verify results.
• Scientists frequently perform other scientists’ experiments in order to practice their technique.
• Repeating experiments is an effective way to make sure a laboratory is in optimal condition.

Josue goes to Silver River each week for 4 weeks and collects 5 samples of water to test the pH.

• repetition
• replication

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-5

Reggie and Marissa decide to measure the number of stairs a spring toy can travel down. Reggie tries first. Before he tells Marissa what he measured, however, he tries the experiment three different times. When Marissa asks about the result, he tells her the average of his three trials, and the range of his results, from the lowest to the highest value. What would be the most likely scientific reason for Reggie to repeat the experiment so many times?

• He needed to obtain identical results.

• He needed to obtain the result he expected.

• He needed to see how consistent or inconsistent his results were.

• He needed to see how the fundamental principle he was studying changed.

Which statement is necessary in order for a scientific investigation to be valid?

• The investigation must be able to be repeated by others.

• The investigation must produce data that can be graphed.

• The investigation must follow all the steps of the scientific method.

• The investigation must have a conclusion that matches the prediction.

The BEST reason another scientist is unable to replicate an experiment...

• They did it wrong.
• They had variables that were not controlled.
• They didn't follow the procedure.
• They measured wrong.

Scientists frequently repeat the experiments of others scientists. Why is this important in science?

• Scientists often ask each other for help in performing experiments.
• Replication of experiments helps to confirm and verify results.
• Scientists frequently perform other scientists’ experiments in order to practice their technique.
• Repeating experiments is an effective way to make sure a laboratory is in optimal condition.