Scientific Method Worksheet

Scarlett wants to find out why plants grow towards sunlight. Which of the following is the first step she should take in the scientific method?

• Hypothesis

• Experimentation

• Observation

• Conclusion

Answer explanation

The first step in the scientific method is observation. Scarlett should observe how plants respond to sunlight before forming a hypothesis or conducting experiments.

Grace wants to find out if plants grow faster with music. What should her hypothesis be?

• A random guess

• Testable and falsifiable

• A proven fact

• A summary of results

Answer explanation

Grace's hypothesis should be testable and falsifiable, meaning it can be supported or refuted through experimentation. This allows her to determine if music affects plant growth, unlike a random guess or a proven fact.

Charlotte has completed an experiment and is preparing to share her results with other scientists. Why is the 'Communication' step important in the scientific method?

• It allows for data collection

• It helps in forming a hypothesis

• It is crucial for peer review and further validation

• It ensures variables are controlled

Answer explanation

The 'Communication' step is crucial for peer review and further validation, as it allows other scientists to evaluate, replicate, and build upon Charlotte's findings, ensuring the reliability and credibility of the research.

Isla is conducting an experiment to find out if a new type of fertilizer helps plants grow taller. During which step are data collected and analyzed to determine if the hypothesis is supported?

• Research

• Data Collection and Analysis

• Reevaluation

• Question

Answer explanation

Data Collection and Analysis is the step where Isla gathers measurements on plant growth and evaluates the results to see if the new fertilizer supports her hypothesis.

Aria is working on a science project and wants to ensure her results are reliable. What is the main reason she should use the scientific method in her research?

• It provides a structured approach to problem-solving and discovery.

• It allows scientists to guess outcomes.

• It eliminates the need for experimentation.

• It focuses only on mathematical calculations.

Answer explanation

The scientific method provides a structured approach to problem-solving and discovery, ensuring that Aria's research is systematic and her results are reliable.

Jackson notices that a certain plant in his garden grows faster when placed near the window. What is the primary purpose of a hypothesis in Jackson's scientific inquiry?

• To propose an explanation for a phenomenon that can be tested

• To describe observed patterns in nature

• To provide mathematical formulas for natural events

• To summarize previous research findings

Answer explanation

The primary purpose of a hypothesis is to propose an explanation for a phenomenon that can be tested, such as Jackson's observation of plant growth near the window.

Evelyn is learning about science in school. Her teacher asks her to identify which of the following is an example of a scientific law. Which should she choose?

• Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation

• A hypothesis about plant growth

• A scientific guess about weather

• A theory about animal behavior

Answer explanation

Evelyn should choose Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation because it is a scientific law that describes the gravitational force between two masses, while the other options are hypotheses or theories, not laws.

Michael is learning about scientific laws in his science class. He wonders what feature is common to all scientific laws. Which feature is it?

• They apply universally under specific conditions.

• They are always untestable.

• They explain why phenomena occur.

• They are based on guesses.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is that scientific laws apply universally under specific conditions. This means they consistently predict outcomes in similar situations, unlike the other options which are incorrect.

Olivia is discussing scientific theories with her classmates. Which of the following best describes the robustness of scientific theories?

• They are based on personal beliefs

• They are supported by a substantial body of evidence

• They are always temporary

• They lack predictive ability

Answer explanation

Scientific theories are robust because they are supported by a substantial body of evidence, which distinguishes them from personal beliefs and ensures their predictive ability, even if they may evolve over time.

Noah and Lily are discussing climate change. Noah says that scientific theories are just guesses, while Lily argues that they are based on rigorous research and evidence. Why is it important for Noah to understand the distinction between scientific theories and guesses?

• It helps in memorizing facts

• It is crucial for appreciating the rigorous nature of scientific inquiry

• It makes experiments easier

• It allows for more guessing in science

Answer explanation

It is crucial for appreciating the rigorous nature of scientific inquiry because scientific theories are based on extensive research and evidence, distinguishing them from mere guesses and enhancing understanding of climate change.