Define the following terms: Write your answers in Science Notebook.
- Scientific Method - A mathematical and experimental technique employed in the sciences. More specifically, it is the technique used in the construction and testing of a scientific hypothesis.
- Identifying the Problem - Data regarding the problem can be collected using a variety of methods. One way we're all accustomed to is the classic: who, what, where, when, how, and to what extent?
- Formulating Hypothesis - A hypothesis is an educated guess about how things work. It is an attempt to answer your question with an explanation that can be tested.
- Gathering Data - Scientists can gather their data by observing the natural world, performing an experiment in a laboratory, or by running a model. Then they plan a procedure and gather their data.
- Testing the Hypothesis - Your experiment tests whether your prediction is accurate and thus your hypothesis is supported or not.
- Independent Variable - In an experiment, the independent variable is the variable that is varied or manipulated by the researcher.
- Dependent Variable - While the dependent variable, is the response that is measured. It also depends on the change in the independent variable.
- Constant Variable - A constant variable is any aspect of an experiment that a researcher intentionally keeps unchanged throughout an experiment.
- Interpreting data/Analyze Data - The results should either confirm the hypothesis as true or false. If by chance, the results aren't confirmed, this doesn't mean the experiment was a failure.
- Draw Conclusion - A conclusion is a statement based on experimental measurements and observations. It includes a summary of the results, whether or not the hypothesis was supported, the significance of the study, and future research.
