The Scientific Method

Gabriel is wondering: How fast does the average person's hair grow?

Which step of the scientific method did he just complete?

• Step 1 - ask a question

• Step 2 - gather background information

• Step 3 - make a hypothesis

• Step 4 - do an experiment

There was an image in the section "What Are The Steps In The Scientific Method?"

Based on the article, what does the step called "Analysis" represent?

• reporting the results of an experiment

• studying the results of an experiment

• stating an idea based on a question

• thinking about the world to ask a question

Which of the following are true about a hypothesis?

1. A hypothesis is a guess based on facts.

2. A hypothesis is a question about a problem.

3. A hypothesis can be tested.

4. A hypothesis is an experiment.

• 1 and 2

• 2 and 3

• 1 and 3

• 3 and 4

There is an image in the section "Step 4: Design And Perform An Experiment". Below it is the following paragraph:

"Experiments must also be repeatable. We must write down our procedure and follow it carefully. That way someone else can carry out the same experiment and see if they get the same results."

How does the image support the information in the paragraph?

• by showing a scientist carefully following a procedure

• by showing a scientist forming a question about a problem

• by showing a scientist explaining her results

• by showing a scientist writing down a procedure

In the section "Step 4: Design and Perform an Experiment." the word variable is used. Which best describes a variable?

• a controlled observation

• a description of an experiment

• the results of a scientist's hypothesis

• something that changes during an experiment

This article is organized using sequential order.

Why did the author choose to organize the information in this way?

• to show the reader what steps can change in the scientific method

• to help the reader understand problems with the scientific method

• to show the reader why the scientific method is important

• to help the reader understand the steps in the scientific method

Jorge wants to know what kind of bird food attracts the most birds in his backyard. He makes a hypothesis and then sets up four

feeders in his yard. He fills each one with a different type of bird seed. What should he do now?

• observe the feeders and count how many birds visit each one

• choose a type of bird seed to change in one of the feeders

• create a graph showing how much birdseed was taken from each feeder

• tell other scientists what happened with his experiment