16 Questions
What is a testable question in science?
A question that can be answered by designing and conducting an experiment
What do testable questions always involve?
Changing one thing to observe the effect on another
Which format is commonly used for testable questions in scientific experiments?
Does changing _____ affect _____?
What is a variable in the context of a scientific experiment?
Something that can change
What is an independent variable in a scientific experiment?
A variable that will be changed by the scientist
What is a dependent variable in a scientific experiment?
The variable being measured in the experiment
Which part of a testable question identifies the factor that is intentionally changed?
Independent variable
In the question 'Does changing the height of the ramp affect the speed of the car going down the ramp', what is the dependent variable?
Speed of the car
What is the independent variable in the question 'Does changing the amount of light affect the growth rate of plants'?
Amount of light
Identify the dependent variable in the question 'Does the temperature of water affect the time it takes a sugar cube to dissolve'?
Time it takes a sugar cube to dissolve
What are the two parts needed in a testable question?
Independent and dependent variables
In a testable question, what are the factors that are kept constant called?
Control variables
What is the first step to turn a general question into a testable question?
Think of a cause and effect related to the question
What are examples of things you can change to make 'What makes plants grow best' a testable question?
"Amount of water" and "Amount of light"
"What specific effects can you look for" when turning a general question into a testable one?
"Height of plant" and "Speed of growth"
"Controls" in an experiment refer to:
"Controls" are factors that are kept constant in an experiment
Study Notes
Testable Questions in Science
- A testable question is a question that can be answered through experimentation and data collection.
- Testable questions always involve variables that can be manipulated and measured.
Format of Testable Questions
- A commonly used format for testable questions is: "Does [independent variable] affect [dependent variable]?"
Variables in Scientific Experiments
- A variable is a factor that can be changed or manipulated in an experiment.
- An independent variable is the factor that is intentionally changed or manipulated in an experiment.
- A dependent variable is the factor that is being measured or observed in response to the independent variable.
Identifying Variables in Testable Questions
- The independent variable is the factor that is identified as being changed or manipulated in the testable question.
- In the question "Does changing the height of the ramp affect the speed of the car going down the ramp", the dependent variable is the speed of the car.
- In the question "Does changing the amount of light affect the growth rate of plants", the independent variable is the amount of light.
- In the question "Does the temperature of water affect the time it takes a sugar cube to dissolve", the dependent variable is the time it takes for the sugar cube to dissolve.
Parts of a Testable Question
- A testable question requires two parts: the independent variable and the dependent variable.
Controlled Variables
- Factors that are kept constant in an experiment are called controlled variables.
Creating a Testable Question
- The first step to turn a general question into a testable question is to identify the variables that can be manipulated and measured.
- Examples of things you can change to make "What makes plants grow best" a testable question include light, water, and temperature.
- When turning a general question into a testable one, you need to identify specific effects that can be looked for.
Controls in an Experiment
- Controls in an experiment refer to the standard or normal conditions under which the experiment is conducted.
Learn the principles of writing testable questions in science with this quiz. Explore the concept of testable questions and understand how to design and conduct experiments to answer specific scientific inquiries.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
