FINALS Flashcards
(30 cards)
What are the steps of the scientific method in order? (5)
Observing and asking questions
Forming hypotheses
Designing controlled experiments
Collecting data
Analyzing data and forming conclusions
What happens during the observing and asking questions stage of the scientific method?
Take note of an event or process that leads to a question
What happens during the forming hypotheses stage of the scientific method?
Make an inference, then form an explanation
Define inference
A logical interpretation for the question being asked based on the information you already know
What happens during the designing controlled experiments stage of the scientific method?
Create an experiment in which only one variable is changed to prove your hypothesis right or wrong
What happens during the collecting data stage of the scientific method?
Measure the change you were studying in the experiment and observe how your control and experimental groups were different
What happens during the analyzing data and forming conclusions stage of the scientific method?
Organize your data, typically on a graph and using statistics, and decide whether your data proves or disproves your hypothesis and whether your hypothesis should be accepted or rejected
What is a controlled experiment?
An investigation in which only one variable is changed between the control and experimental groups in order to test that variable’s effect on the test subject
What are the parts of a controlled experiment? (5)
Independent variables
Dependent variables
Constants
Control group
Experimental group
What is an independent variable?
The thing you are changing in the experiment
What is a dependent variable?
The thing that changes in response to the changing of the independent variable
What is a constant?
Variables that stay the same throughout the experiment
What is a control group?
The group in an experiment that nothing is changed in
What is an experimental group?
The group in an experiment that includes the independent variable
What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative data?
Qualitative data describes what is happening, whereas quantitative data provides numbers and measurements of what is happening
What is a scientific hypothesis?
A logical, simple, and testable prediction/explanation of what is happening based on information you know and inferences you have made
What is a scientific theory?
A highly tested and reliable explanation of how or why natural events occur based on repeated and well supported observations and hypotheses
What is a scientific law?
A statement that describes what is happening in the natural world
Can theories become laws or vice versa?
No; laws can’t become theories and theories can’t become laws because theories only describe why or how something happens, whereas laws describe what is happening
Can theories change? Can laws change?
Theories can can grow and change
Laws can be adjusted, but it’s rare
How are theories and laws related?
Developments in the study of a law or theory may affect developments in the other
What organelle is involved in the process of photosynthesis?
Chloroplasts
What are the two parts of the chloroplast?
Thylakoid
Stroma
What are the thylakoids? What structures do they form?
Sacklike membranes containing chlorophyll and other pigments
Stacks called grana
