Replicating Scientific Experiments

SC.7.N.1.2

Scientists frequently repeat the experiments of others scientists. Why is this important in science?

a. Scientists often ask each other for help in performing experiments.

b. Replication of experiments helps to confirm and verify results.

c. Scientists frequently perform other scientists’ experiments in order to practice their technique.

d. Repeating experiments is an effective way to make sure a laboratory is in optimal condition.

• a

• b

• c

• d

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

SC.7.N.1.2

Cara read an article on why repetition and replication are so important, but she did not understand the difference between them. Which of the following best explains the two terms?

a. Repetition is when a scientist repeats an experiment; replication is when a scientist conducts an experiment on genetic material.

b. Repetition is when a scientist does the same experiment a number of times; replication is when other scientists reproduce a scientist’s experiment.

c. Repetition is when a scientist publishes in more than one scientific periodical; replication is when another scientist reproduces another scientist’s results.

d. Repetition is when a scientist commits an error in an experiment the first time and must repeat it; replication is when a scientist repeats an experiment to make sure it is valid.

• a

• b

• c

• d

SC.6.N.1.2

Experiments are often repeated many times by the same or different scientists. What is the most important reason more than one scientist should conduct an investigation using the same methods?

a. If the results are the same, replication of the investigation helps to confirm the results.

b. The competition makes the scientists work more carefully.

c. More than one scientist is interested in the problem.

d. Different scientists might perform the experiment differently.

• a

• b

• c

• d

SC.6.N.1.4

Ty and Crystal are working together to learn about surface tension. They each add pennies to their own cup of water to see how many they can add before the cup overflows. Ty is able to add 15 pennies. Crystal is able to add 38. What should their next step be?

a. They should discuss differences in their methods.

b. They should each claim that their answer is right.

c. They should record their results and move on to a different investigation.

d. They should repeat the experiment using different pennies.

• a

• b

• c

• d

What is the BEST reason you always repeat an experiment?

• Make sure your data is consistent and accurate

• Make sure your data supports your prediction

• Make sure your experiment is easy to do

• Make sure your experiment has lots of data

When doing an experiment Mrs. Blackman says you should always take careful notes. You were sick and tired of Mrs. Blackman telling you what to do so you didn't take careful notes. In the end Mrs. Blackman is always right and your experiment was a disaster. What do you think went wrong with your experiment since you didn't take careful notes?

• Mrs. Blackman gave you a bad grade

• You have to take detailed notes so that your experiment can be repeated

• Detailed notes let others know that you did an experiment

• Detailed notes are important so that you can change data

What is the best way to make sure your data is accurate in an experiment?

• Do research

• Do your experiment multiple times

• Make a prediction

• Form a conclusion

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

Replication is when one scientist

• copies another scientist's experiment.

• laughs at another scientist's experiment.

• repeats their own experiment several times.

• clones another scientist.

Repetition is when one scientist

• copies another scientist's experiment.

• bumps into another scientists.

• repeats their own experiment several times.

• clones a T. rex.

Scientists repeat scientific studies to validate results

• True

• False

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-4