Gardening Science: Observations and Experiments in Plant Growth

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 uses a garden scenario to illustrate these concepts, emphasizing the importance of controls and variables in experiments. It concludes by highlighting that observations are integral to both types of investigations.

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

• They were all the same height.

• They were all dying.

• Some bushes seemed different.

• They had no flowers.

What is the primary method used in observational investigations?

• Using experiments to test hypotheses.

• Using the five senses to gather information.

• Using mathematical models to predict outcomes.

• Using computer simulations to analyze data.

How can observations be described in scientific investigations?

• Only with numbers.

• With colors and shapes.

• Only with words.

• With both words and numbers.

What is the role of the independent variable in an experiment?

• It is the variable that is kept constant.

• It is the variable that is measured.

• It is the variable that is changed by the scientist.

• It is the variable that is ignored.

In an experiment, what is the purpose of a control?

• To change the outcome of the experiment.

• To ensure that only one variable is tested at a time.

• To make the experiment more complex.

• To provide a backup in case the experiment fails.

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

• The type of plant used.

• The amount of sunlight received.

• The growth rate of the plants.

• The type of soil used.

Why can't an experiment exist without observations?

• Because observations are needed to gather evidence.

• Because experiments are not part of scientific investigations.

• Because observations are irrelevant to experiments.

• Because experiments are only theoretical.

What is the main difference between observational and experimental investigations?

• Experimental investigations do not require controls.

• Experimental investigations do not involve observations.

• Observational investigations involve changing variables.

• Observational investigations rely solely on observations.

What is the significance of objective observations in scientific investigations?

• They offer reliable evidence for answering questions.

• They provide biased data for analysis.

• They are not necessary for scientific investigations.

• They are subjective and vary from person to person.

What should you do to practice scientific thinking and experiment design?

• Ignore the practice questions and activities.

• Only read about scientific investigations.

• Engage with practice questions and activities.

• Avoid any form of scientific inquiry.