Science Test Tomorrow

There is a science test tomorrow on the scientific process. Here is some sample questions answers that have been gone over in class. Today we did some review as a whole class discussion and went over some studying ideas (not just staring at you book). The test is made up of a selection of these questions that were covered as part of the students group research project as well as the fishbone diagram, the flowchart, and the Mythbusters sample lab report that was done as a class.

Review Starts Here -----------------------------------------
Scientific Process Quiz Review

1. Identifying Variables and Controls
Why is it important to identify variables?
It allows you to ask good questions, make predictions, and design a meaningful experiment.

What are independent and dependent variables?
An independent variable is anything that the experimenter may change. A dependent variable is the effect of the changed variable has.

How many variables will a scientist test at one time? Why?
Only one so that they will know which cause produced the effect (change).

Why are these controls necessary? (give an example of not having a good control in an experiment)
To eliminate the possibility of an unknown variable.


2. Asking a Question
Can every question you have be tested? Why or why not?
No, some questions are too vague or too general.

What is a testable question? (explain cause and effect)
A question that is often about the cause-effect relationships. It asks what causes the change in variables and what effects on a variable does changing another variable have.

What is the difference between an independent variable and dependent variable? (use example)
An independent variable is the cause variable and is the one that the scientist will change in the experiment. A dependent variable is the effect variable and it is what a scientist would measure in the experiment – it is affected by the variable changed by the scientist.
For example:
Testing static electricity the independent variable would be how many times you rub the balloon on someone’s head. The dependent variable would be how long the balloon then sticks to the wall.
What does a testable scientific question ask?
A scientific question asks what happens to a dependent variable when we change the independent variable.

3. The Process of Scientific Inquiry
What is science?
Science is the knowledge of the world around us, it is how we learn by observing things, asking questions, proposing answers, and testing those answers.

What is a hypothesis?
An explanation for why you believe something occurs, from this you can make a prediction that you can test through experimentation.

When you make a prediction you state the cause and the effect. These two things are also known as what?
Variables.

Once you have conducted your experiment and recorded your results what must you do with your results?
You must analyze and see if the results support your hypothesis.

Why is it necessary to communicate your procedure and conclusions clearly?
So that the experiment can be repeated and the hypothesis reevaluated.



4. Predicting and Hypothesizing
What is a hypothesis?
An educated guess as to why one variable affects another in a certain way.

What is a prediction usually based on?
Past experience, observations, logic, and on scientific theory you may remember or research.

What is the difference between a prediction and a hypothesis?
A hypothesis is how you explain a prediction that you will test in an experiment. If the experiment confirms your prediction you can be more confident that your hypothesis is correct.

Give an example of a hypothesis for a question and the predictions you could make for the cause and effect.


5. Designing an Inquiry Investigation
What are the four major considerations you must take prior to beginning an experiment?
The variables, observations, equipment, and the procedure.

What is the first step in designing your inquiry investigation? Why is it important?
Defining your variables so you can control them. Dependent and independent.

Prior to making observations what two things do need to think carefully about?
What you are going to measure and how you are going to record your data.

What could you create to assist in deciding what materials and equipment you need and how you are going to use them?
Use a diagram that will illustrate the materials, equipment, and the procedure.

Why is recording your procedure important?
So that anyone will know exactly how to duplicate your experiment.

When writing a procedure what should you use?
Numbered steps, passive voice, and past tense.

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Hope everyone studies and good luck!
Mr.Brooks