Exploring the Scientific Method

Which of the following is an example of a control group?

• The group that receives the experimental treatment

• The group that does not receive the experimental treatment

• The group with the highest number of variables

• The group that collects the data

What is the independent variable in an experiment?

• The variable that is measured

• The variable that is kept constant

• The variable that is changed by the experimenter

• The variable that is ignored

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Which term describes the variable that is measured in an experiment? Think: the result!

• Independent variable

• Dependent variable

• Controlled variable

• Random variable

What is a hypothesis?

• A proven fact

• A testable prediction or explanation

• The data collected in an experiment

• The equipment used in an experiment

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-3

NGSS.HS-PS2-5

Which of the following is a method of data collection?

• Guessing results

• Measuring and recording observations

• Ignoring outliers

• Changing the hypothesis

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

Which of the following best describes a controlled variable?

• A variable that is changed on purpose

• A variable that is measured

• A variable that is kept the same throughout the experiment

• A variable that is ignored

Which of the following is an example of forming a hypothesis?

• "If plants are given more sunlight, then they will grow taller."

• "Plants need water to survive."

• "Plants are green."

• "Plants grow in soil."

You are testing the effect of fertilizer on plant growth. What is the dependent variable?

• The amount of fertilizer used

• The type of plant

• The height of the plants

• The type of soil

In an experiment, why is it important to have a control group?

• To increase the number of variables

• To compare results and determine the effect of the independent variable

• To make the experiment more complicated

• To ensure all variables are changed

A student wants to test if the amount of sleep affects test scores. Which is the independent variable?

• The test scores

• The amount of sleep

• The number of students

• The type of test