Scientific Method and Experimentation

The video introduces the scientific method, explaining its steps: asking questions, making observations, forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, analyzing results, and drawing conclusions. It features a real-life application at CSU Spur, where a scientist discusses greenhouse experiments. The video also includes a demonstration of an experiment to determine which substances dissolve in water, emphasizing that incorrect hypotheses are part of learning. Viewers are encouraged to stay curious and continue exploring science.

What is the primary purpose of the scientific method?

• To write scientific reports

• To create new technologies

• To discover and understand how things work

• To memorize facts

Which of the following is the first step in the scientific method?

• Conducting an experiment

• Forming a hypothesis

• Asking a question

• Analyzing results

What is the role of observation in the scientific method?

• To make predictions

• To gather information using senses

• To conclude the experiment

• To write a report

What is a hypothesis?

• A random guess

• A final conclusion

• A detailed report

• An educated guess or prediction

How do scientists at CSU Spur use the scientific method in their research?

• By avoiding experiments

• By memorizing data

• By only using existing theories

• By making observations and testing hypotheses

What is the benefit of growing plants in a greenhouse according to the research scientist?

• It eliminates the need for fertilizers

• It is cheaper than outdoor farming

• Plants can be grown year-round

• It requires no water

In the solubility experiment, which substance was used as a control?

• Plain water

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Flour

Which of the following solutes dissolved completely in the water during the experiment?

• Gelatin mix

• Black pepper

• Flour

• Salt

What should you do if your hypothesis is proven wrong?

• Change the data to fit the hypothesis

• Ignore the results

• Form a new hypothesis and test again

• Give up on the experiment

What advice is given to future scientists?

• Always work alone

• Focus only on successful experiments

• Stay curious and never stop learning

• Avoid making mistakes