Scientific Inquiry

How is a scientific law different than a scientific theory?

A scientific law is a description of an event or events that occurs every time. A scientific theory, on the other hand, is a proposed explanation for an event. A scientific law does not attempt to explain an occurrence. Rather, it states what happens. A scientific theory attempts to explain why the event takes place, or how the event works. An example of a scientific law is that objects at rest stay at rest unless acted on by an outside force. An example of a scientific theory would be Darwin's theory of evolution in which he explains how species evolve

What is the difference between an observation and an inference?

An observation is made through the use of the five senses. It is something seen, smelled, heard, touched, or tasted. An inference is a possible explanation or a deduced possible consequence for the observation.

Which of the following is an observation and not an inference?

Bubbles form when two chemicals are mixed together.

Explain how the first three steps of scientific inquiry are related.

Observation, the first step in scientific inquiry, can lead to the formulation of a scientific question. A scientific question is a question that can be tested through experimentation. Observation of a phenomenon may lead to the question of how the phenomenon occurs. If this question is testable, it can lead to a hypothesis, or an explanation of the phenomenon.

A student is conducting an experiment to determine how far a ball will roll down a ramp based on the angle of incline. What are three possible controls for this experiment?

Student answers will vary. Possible answers include, the ramp, the ball, the distance on the ramp from which the ball is released, the amount of air resistance, and so on.

A student is conducting an experiment to determine how far a ball will roll down a ramp based on the angle of incline. What are the independent and dependent variables for this experiment?

The independent variable is the angle of incline and the dependent variable is the distance the ball rolls.

A scientific theory _______

is an explanation for a set of events

Which type of graph is best for analyzing quantitative dependent and independent variables?

line graph

A dependent variable is

manipulated by changes to the independent variable.

Which of the following is the correct order for the steps of scientific inquiry?

observe, question, hypothesize, experiment, analyze, formulate a conclusion