Question | Answer |
Hypothesis | the predicted outcome of an experiment; the possible explanation or solution to a problem. |
Independent (manipulated) Variable | factors or conditions in an experiment that can be changed by the person performing the experiment; The condition you are testing for (color of light; type of soil, etc.) |
Dependent (responding)Variable | Conditions that change as a RESULT of a change in the independent variable (the DATA); Ex: height plants grew or number of tomatoes etc. |
Control Group | Group in the experiment that serves as a comparison. The control group is usually the "natural" condition (In an experiment to see if colored light affects plant growth, the control would be plants grown under natural light). |
Model | a description, representation, or imitation of an object, system, process or concept. Used to visualize things that are very big, small, or complex. |
Scientific Theory | a scientific explanation that is based on data, observations, and results from MANY, MANY experiments. |
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Scientific Method | An organized plan for gathering, organizing, and communicating information. |
Controlled Experiment | Experiment in which only ONE variable (manipulated) is deliberately changed at a time. Responding variable is observed for changes. All other conditions are kept constant. |
Constant Conditions | All of the conditions that remain the same for all groups in the experiment. |
In an experiment designed to determine how different salt concentrations effect the growth of corn plants, what would be the independent (manipulated variable)? | The different salt concentrations the plants are grown in. |
In an experiment designed to determine how different salt concentrations effect the growth of corn plants, what would be the dependent (responding variable)? | The growth of the corn |
In an experiment designed to determine how different salt concentrations effect the growth of corn plants, what would be the control group? | The corn grown under normal or natural conditions (without any salt). |
How many variables should an experimenter change or vary when setting up a controlled scientific experiment? | One - only one condition should be changed; all others should remain the same. |