1. Methods of Science

2. I. Scientific Inquiry 1.Ask a question a.Begins with observations b.Involves processing information from a variety of reliable sources

3. II. Form a Hypothesis 1.A hypothesis is a testable explanation of a situation a.Supported by data from additional investigations i.Usually considered valid and is accepted by the scientific community

4. III. Collect the Data 1.Conduct an experiment a.Investigates a phenomenon in a controlled setting b.Used to test a hypothesis

5. IV. Controlled Experiments 1.A control group a.A group for comparison 2.The experimental group a.A group exposed to the factor being tested

6. V. Experimental Design 1.Independent variable: Only one factor in a controlled experiment can change at a time. (I change) 2.Dependent variable: Results from or depends on changes to the independent variable.

7. VI. Data Gathering 1.Data… Information gained from observations a.Quantitative Data i.Measurements of time, temperature, length, mass, area, volumes, density, or other factors b.Qualitative Data. i.Descriptions of what our senses detect

8. VII. Analyze the Data 1.A graph of the data makes the pattern easier to grasp 2.Even when a hypothesis has not been supported, it is valuable

9. VIII. Report Conclusions 1.If the reviewers agree on the merit of the paper, then the paper is published for review by the public and use by other scientists.

10. Why is the metric system preferred by scientists? Answer: Using the same system of measurements allows a scientist to repeat another’s work knowing that he or she is performing the experiments exactly the same.

11. What is a testable explanation? A.Observation B.Hypothesis C.Experiment D.Constant Answer: B. Hypothesis

12. What is a theory? A.A body of knowledge about a natural phenomenon B.A creative tool for designing investigations C.A scientific inquiry that seeks to provide an explanation D.An explanation supported by observations and experiments Answer: D.

13. True or False Scientists discard observations and data that are not consistent with current scientific understanding Answer: False

14. True or False In order for scientific experiments to be valid, they must be based on scientific methods that use controlled experiments. Answer: False

15. In a controlled experiment, which factor can change? A.Control group B.Experimental group C.Dependent variable D.Independent variable Answer: D.

16. Look at the figure below. Why is scientific data often displayed in graphs?

17. Graphs help show patterns in the data and make it easier to understand

18. Scientists use laboratory rats to test the effects of a new drug, Razatrin. What do rats in the control group receive? A.Food containing Razatrin B.Food without Razatrin C.Food containing another drug D.Food containing a variety of drugs Answer: B.

19. Which is the dependent variable in this experiment? A.Mass B.Number of days Answer: A. mass