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Science Processes Guide Independent Variable:
single factor that you change in the experiment a. On a graph, it is the x axis b. On a chart, it is the first column listed. c. Only one variable can be changed at a time. Ex: If I want to know how different types of fertilizers will affect plant height then I would change the types
of fertilizer. Dependent Variable:
factors that are measured in an experiment a. On a graph, it is the y axis b. On a chart, it is the last column used. Ex: If I want
to know how different types of fertilizers will affect plant height then I would measure the height of the plants over several
days or weeks. Constant: Factors that stay the same during each
experiment. Ex: If I am testing
fertilizers then all other factors for the plant must remain the same, same amount of water, same type of plants, same temperature,
same about of light etc…
Control group:
No fertilizer Exp.Group 1 Fertilizer
A
Exp. Group 2 Fertilizer B Ex: If I am testing
fertilizers I should have a group of plants that do not receive fertilizer at all to use as a point of comparison. Observation:
bit of information gathered by the senses. Inference is a conclusion drawn
from an observation. I woke up from a nap, opened the door and looked outside. I saw water running down the street and the air smelled like rain. I inferred that it had rain while I was talking a nap. Measurement a. Use
a triple or double beam balance, or a digital balance to calculate mass. It is
measured in grams or kilograms b. Weight is measured in c. Volume is measured in milliliters or liters and is measured with a graduated cylinder.
Qualitative: Observations that describe an object.
Ex: The plant was pale green and spindly Quantitative: Observations that
show measurements in numbers Ex. The plant was 13.3 cm tall. Organizing data: The independent variable is
listed first in a data table and goes on the x axis.
The dependent variable is listed next
in a data table and is placed on the y axis
Classifying skills a. dichotomous key When you divide items into two sets b. Find similar attributes to classify Problem a. Usually in the form of a question. b. Is stated so an experiment can be performed to answer the questions. Ex: Which fertilizer
will make plants grow tallest? Hypothesis: Is usually in an if and then statement a. The If part contains the independent variable in detail b. The then part contains the dependent variable and your predicted outcome. Ex: If different
types of fertilizers cause plants to grow taller, then fertilizer A will cause plants to grow tallest. Analyze data: Look over the results and determine
if they are valid. Find any trends or patterns and report on them. Ex: According
to the data neither fertilizer A or B appear to affect the height of the plants. Plants
treated with fertilizer A and B were shorter than the control group. Conclusion:
Discuss if your hypothesis is right or wrong and give data to back it up. Ex. The hypothesis was not supported by the data.
Neither fertilizer A or B produced taller plants, |
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