Scientific Method & Variables

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What is a hypothesis?

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A possible explanation to a problem that has not yet been tested; an educated guess.

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What is the first step in the scientific method?

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The first step is to identify a question or problem.

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What are the two essential components of a testable question?

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An independent variable and a dependent variable.

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How do scientists validate their claims?

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Scientists prove their claims with evidence.

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What is the purpose of asking a question in a scientific experiment?

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To identify what you want to investigate or understand.

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What is an independent variable?

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The variable that is changed or controlled in a scientific experiment.

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What is a dependent variable?

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The variable that is measured or tested in an experiment.

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What is the role of data in scientific research?

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Data is collected to support or refute a hypothesis.

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What is the conclusion in a scientific experiment?

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The summary of the results and whether the hypothesis was supported or not.

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What is the difference between a theory and a hypothesis?

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A hypothesis is a testable prediction, while a theory is a well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world.