Scientific Theories and Inquiry Concepts

The video covers key vocabulary for the science and technology unit, including scientific inquiry, hypothesis, variables, controlled experiments, data, and the distinction between scientific theory and law. It provides definitions, examples, and instructions for students to follow along and take notes.

What should you do if you need more time to write down information during the video?

• Ignore the information

• Watch the video at double speed

• Pause the video

• Skip ahead to the next section

What does scientific inquiry involve?

• Conducting experiments without a hypothesis

• Ignoring evidence

• Studying the natural world and proposing explanations

• Memorizing scientific facts

What is a hypothesis?

• A random guess

• A possible answer to a scientific question

• An unchangeable fact

• A detailed experiment plan

What is a manipulated variable?

• A variable that is ignored

• A variable that is purposefully changed

• A variable that changes in response to another

• A variable that is kept constant

In a controlled experiment, how many variables should be changed at a time?

• None

• One

• All variables

• Two

What is the purpose of collecting data in an experiment?

• To gather evidence and observations

• To make the experiment more complicated

• To avoid drawing conclusions

• To confuse the results

What is a scientific theory?

• A statement that describes a pattern

• A random idea

• A well-tested explanation for observations

• A prediction without evidence

How does a scientific law differ from a scientific theory?

• It is less reliable than a theory

• It describes what will happen under certain conditions

• It is a hypothesis

• It explains why things happen

What does a scientific law allow scientists to do?

• Change the results of experiments

• Ignore evidence

• Predict outcomes based on patterns

• Explain the reasons behind phenomena

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a scientific theory?

• Well-tested

• Based on evidence

• Explains observations

• Describes patterns without explanation