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Scientific Method Worksheet
[Scientific Process Objectives]
[Scientific Process Notes]
[Fall Semester]
[Home]
Match the terms below to the statements that follow.
A. Dependent Variable
B. Control Group
C. Controlled Experiment
D. Experimental Group
E. Independent variable
- In an experiment, the group in which all variables remain constant.
- In an experiment, the group in which the indepdent variable is changed or manipulated.
- In an experiment, the variable being tested (independent or dependent).
- In an experiment, the variable being measured or observed for changes.
- A procedure that tests a hypothesis by collecting information under controlled conditions.
Read each of the following statements. If it is a testable hypothesis write yes. If it is not a testable hypothesis write no and explain why.
- Breathing rate will increase when a person exercises.
- Cats make better pets than dogs.
- There is life in other solar systems.
- Plants grow taller if fertilized.
- It is wrong to steal.
Identify each of the two bolded items as either an independent or a dependent variable. Then rewrite each problem statement as a testable hypothesis.
- What is the optimal amount of water for bean plant growth?
- How far can our new car travel on a tank of gas?
- Which dog food promotes the most growth in puppies?
- How is fungus growth affected by light?
- How does radiation affect a bacteria culture?
Multiple Choice
- Science is ultimately based on:
A. Beliefs
B. Observations
C. Models
D. Experiments
- A control in an experiment is important because it:
A. Provides a means of comparison for the experimental group.
B. Provides a way to check for error in the experiment by monitoring other factors present.
C. Keeps all variables in the control group the same throughout the experiment.
D. All of the above reasons are true.
- To test the effectiveness of a new drug against bacteria, a biologist would:
A. Take 100 cultures of bacteria and put a new drug in 50 of them.
B. Take 100 cultures of bacteria and put the new drug in all of them.
C. Put the new drug in none of the 100 cultures.
D. Avoid using cultures consisting of animal cells.
A girl wants to determine which of two foods produces the greatest weight gain in gerbils. She takes two gerbils of identical weight from the same litter and feeds the first gerbil 20g of food "A" each day. She feeds the second gerbil "20g" of food "B" each day. After 30 days, she weighs the two gerbils and finds that the one fed food "A" has gained 50g and the one fed food "B" has gained 80g.
- Which of the following is a control in this experiment?
A. Gerbils of indentical weight.
B. The food fed the gerbils.
C. The gerbil's weight gains.
D. The color of gerbil's fur.
- What is the independent variable?
What is the dependent variable?
Identify the constants, independent, and dependent variables for each hypothesis below.
Then, design a controlled experiment (experimental set-up) that could test each.
- If you add salt to a bacterial culture in a petri dish, it will decrease the amount of growth.
- If you decrease the amount of water given to ferns, then it will negatively affect plant growth.
Using the Scientific Method:
Laws were enacted due to the large amount of turtles being killed in shrimping nets. Now, shrimpers must connect a turtle excluder device (TED) to the opening of their shrimp nets. The TED has a metal grate, which allows shrimp to enter the net. When turtles enter the TED, the weight of the turtle pushes a trap door open where it escapes.
Using the steps of the scientific method, describe how you would determine what effect the TED will have on shrimp harvest. List the steps of the scientific method first, and then discuss what you would do at each step.
A. Observations/State the Problem
B. Hypothesis
C. Experiment
D. Analyze data
E. Conclusion