Scientific Experiment Fundamentals

In the bubble lab, you recorded the diameter of each bubble.  This was an example of .......

• hypothesis

• prediction

• data

• qualitative observation

Answer explanation

In the bubble lab, recording the diameter of each bubble is an example of data, as it involves collecting measurable information. Other options like hypothesis or prediction do not apply here.

A student wants to graph the number of hours studied and the test scores received. How should the student decide which variable goes on the x-axis and which on the y-axis? Explain your reasoning.

• Place test scores on the x-axis because they are the independent variable.

• Place hours studied on the y-axis because they are the dependent variable.

• Place hours studied on the x-axis because they are the independent variable, and test scores on the y-axis because they are the dependent variable.

• Place both variables on the y-axis.

Answer explanation

The student should place hours studied on the x-axis as the independent variable, which influences the outcome, and test scores on the y-axis as the dependent variable, which is affected by the hours studied.

If the respiration rates for four trials are 78, 78, 77, and 79, what is the average?

• 78

• 77

• 79

• 80

Answer explanation

To find the average respiration rate, add the values: 78 + 78 + 77 + 79 = 312. Then divide by the number of trials (4): 312 / 4 = 78. Thus, the average is 78.

What is the main purpose of the control group in an experiment?

• To remain unchanged and serve as a comparison.

• To test the hypothesis directly.

• To measure the results in metric units.

• To organize data in a graph.

Answer explanation

The main purpose of the control group is to remain unchanged and serve as a comparison to the experimental group, allowing researchers to isolate the effects of the variable being tested.

What are materials in a scientific experiment?

• A list of items needed to conduct the experiment.

• A record of the results observed.

• A step-by-step set of directions.

• A group that remains unchanged.

Answer explanation

Materials in a scientific experiment refer to the list of items needed to conduct the experiment. This is essential for ensuring that all necessary components are available for accurate experimentation.

If you were to create a graph showing the effect of different fertilizers on plant growth, which axis would you use for the type of fertilizer?

• Vertical axis (y-axis)

• Grid line

• Horizontal axis (x-axis)

• Scale

Answer explanation

The type of fertilizer is an independent variable that you manipulate in the experiment. Therefore, it should be placed on the horizontal axis (x-axis), while the plant growth, the dependent variable, would be on the vertical axis (y-axis).

Which part of a graph gives an overview of the information being presented?

• Graph Title

• Grid Line

• Scale

• Label

Answer explanation

The Graph Title provides a summary of the data being presented, allowing viewers to quickly understand the main topic or focus of the graph. Other elements like grid lines, scale, and labels offer details but not an overview.

What is the main purpose of the control group in an experiment?

• To remain unchanged and serve as a comparison.

• To test the hypothesis directly.

• To measure the results in metric units.

• To organize data in a graph.

Answer explanation

The main purpose of the control group is to remain unchanged and serve as a comparison to the experimental group, allowing researchers to isolate the effects of the variable being tested.

What does the asterisk (*) note under the respiration rate table explain?

• How the respiration rate was determined

• The temperature of the water

• The number of fish used

• The type of fish food used

Answer explanation

The asterisk (*) note under the respiration rate table clarifies how the respiration rate was determined, providing important context for understanding the data presented.

What are constants in an experiment?

• Conditions a scientist wants to remain the same during the experiment

• The items needed to conduct an experiment

• The results observed in an experiment

• The group that is changed and tested

Answer explanation

Constants in an experiment are the conditions that a scientist keeps the same to ensure that the results are valid. This allows for a fair test by isolating the effect of the variable being changed.