Practice using the steps of the scientific method to ask questions, plan investigations, identify variables, and interpret results.
Read each problem carefully. Answer in complete sentences when needed. Show your thinking and use science vocabulary.
Observations, hypotheses, variables, and conclusions
Science - Grade 6-8
- 1
List the scientific method steps in a reasonable order from beginning to end.
- 2
A student notices that a plant near a window grows taller than a plant on a shelf. Write a scientific question the student could investigate.
- 3
Write a hypothesis for this question: Does the amount of water affect how fast bean seeds sprout?
- 4
In an experiment, a student changes only the amount of light each plant receives. What is the independent variable?
- 5
In the same plant experiment, the student measures how many centimeters each plant grows in two weeks. What is the dependent variable?
- 6
A student tests paper towel brands to see which absorbs the most water. Name two variables that should be kept constant for a fair test.
- 7
A class wants to test whether music affects quiz scores. Why is it important to have a control group in this experiment?
- 8
A student says, "My experiment proved my hypothesis was correct." Rewrite this statement so it is more scientifically accurate.
- 9
Look at this result: Plants given 6 hours of light grew 9 cm, plants given 8 hours grew 12 cm, and plants given 10 hours grew 11 cm. Which light amount produced the greatest growth?
- 10
If a scientist repeats an experiment three times and gets similar results each time, why does that make the conclusion stronger?
- 11
A student observes that ice melts faster on metal than on plastic. Identify one observation and one inference in this situation.
- 12
After completing an experiment, what information should be included in a good conclusion?