What is a Science Experiment?

What is a Science Experiment?

• A science experiment is a systematic method to figure out the structure and behavior of the world.
• It involves changing one variable (independent variable) and observing its effect on another variable (dependent variable).
• Everything else must be kept the same to ensure a fair test.

Example of a Science Experiment

• Investigating how the amount of watering affects the height of grass.
• The amount of water used is the independent variable, and the height of the grass is the dependent variable.
• Other factors like sunlight, soil, and location must be kept the same.

Accuracy of Data

• Accuracy refers to how close to being correct the data is.
• Inaccurate data can occur due to measurement errors or uncontrolled variables.
• Examples of inaccurate data include measuring from the edge of a ruler instead of the zero line, or not accounting for external factors like rainfall.

Reproducibility or Precision of Data

• Reproducibility, or precision, refers to how close together the measurements are.
• It is different from accuracy.
• A high level of precision means that the measurements are consistent and close together.

Examples of Precision

• Measuring the length of grass multiple times to ensure accuracy and taking an average of the numbers.
• Using high-tech equipment to measure variables, such as a water collector that measures to the nearest milliliter.
• Precise data appears as data points close to the best-fit line on a graph.

Comparison of Accuracy and Precision

• Accuracy refers to how correct the data is, while precision refers to how similar and close together the data is.
• Data can be accurate but not precise, or precise but not accurate.
• Both accuracy and precision are important in science experiments.

Learn about the systematic method of conducting science experiments, including independent and dependent variables, and controlling variables.