Physical Science Lesson 1 (The Scientific Process)
Conclusions can be reached before an analysis of the experimental data. Reword the statement so it is true.
Conclusions can be reached after an analysis of the experimental data.
Experimental factors that cannot be changed are called __________.
Constants
A variable that a scientist decides to hold constant is called a _________ variable.
Controlled
The dependent variable __________ the independent variable.
Depends on
Why is detailed and accurate data important?
Detailed and accurate data makes it easier for scientists to understand and communicate the results of their experiments to their peers and the public.
What are some characteristics of scientific thinking?
curious, open-minded, skeptical, unafraid
Identify examples of direct and indirect observations.
direct observations—odor of a chemical reaction, color of a substance, texture of a material, and temperature of a liquid
Scientists revise their hypotheses and conduct further investigation after they __________.
draw conclusions
Constants
experimental factors that cannot be changed and are used just as they are
A hypothesis is a statement of fact. Determine whether the statement is true or false. If the statement is false
explain why it is false., False. A hypothesis is a statement that provides a possible solution or answer to a problem or question that can be tested.
Identify the steps of the scientific method.
make an observation, form a hypothesis, conduct an experiment, analyze the results and draw conclusions, and communicate results
Upon what two things should a hypothesis be based?
observation and research
Why is technology important for making observations?
Technology has increased scientists' ability to make observations beyond their own senses, allowing them to discover more about the world.
What can cause an accepted scientific theory
or even a scientific law, to change?, repeated experimental evidence that does not support the theory or law
State the location of the independent and dependent variables on a graph.
The independent variable is placed on the x-axis, and the dependent variable is placed on the y-axis.
Hypothesis
a possible solution or answer to a problem or question that can be tested
What are the characteristics of quantitative and qualitative data?
quantitative data—numerical; produced through measuring or counting objects
Predictions are not __________ statements
so it does not matter if they turn out to be __________., factual; false
Why do experimenters typically run multiple trials for an experimental group?
to prevent error
A variable that a scientist decides to manipulate on purpose is called a(n) __________ variable
while a variable that is observed or measured is a(n) __________ variable., independent; dependent
What wording should be used for A and B to complete the diagram?
A—changes because of
Why is peer review important to science?
It strengthens the reliability of scientific information and helps scientific ideas progress in an orderly fashion.
A statement that summarizes an observed pattern in nature without providing explanation is a scientific __________.
Law
Distinguish between pure and applied science.
Pure science deals with scientific discovery, while applied science deals with knowledge use.
How do the methods of scientists lead to knowledge?
Researchers in science make observations, design experiments, and collect data. Then they review and use their findings to develop a reasonable explanation for what happened in their experiments. This allows scientists to build knowledge.
What is the difference between a control group and an experimental group?
The experimental group receives the variable that is tested in different amounts, while the control group does not receive or receives a constant amount of the variable that is changed or manipulated.
What are some reasons a scientist's work could be rejected for publication?
The work could contain error or bias, or be based on poor experimental design.
An explanation for observable facts that is supported by experimental evidence is called a scientific __________.
Theory
You are going to conduct an experiment that examines how fertilizer affects plant growth. What are some controlled variables that you could include in your experiment?
There are many factors that could affect plant growth that would need to be controlled. The following are a few examples: amount of light, amount of water, soil type, amount of soil, temperature, plant type, humidity level, time of fertilizer application, and time of watering.
Scientific journals are peer reviewed. What does this mean?
They have a group of scientists that judges the soundness of experiments that are submitted for publication.
Pure Science
a broad branch of science that focuses on knowledge discovery
Applied Science
a broad branch of science that focuses on knowledge use
Scientific Law
a statement that summarizes a pattern observed in nature
Controlled Experiment
a study with set conditions that involves testing only one variable at a time
What is a controlled experiment?
a study with set conditions that involves testing only one variable at a time
Scientific Theory
an explanation for observable facts that is supported by experimental evidence
Control group
the group in a controlled experiment that does not receive or receives a constant amount of the variable that is changed or manipulated
Experimental group
the group in a controlled experiment that receives the variable that is tested in different amounts
Scientific Process
the series of steps scientists use to acquire knowledge about the world
indirect observations—the number of electrons in an element
the shape and size of nebula, and the date of fossils
Dependent Variable
the variable in a controlled experiment that is observed and measured because it changes in response to the independent variable
Independent Variable
the variable in a controlled experiment that is purposely changed or manipulated
Controlled Variables
the variables that are kept the same in an experiment
What do scientists use to make observations?
their five senses: sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch
