Scientific Methods

Question 1

What is an independent variable?

Answer 1

An independent variable is the variable that is changed in an experiment.

Question 2

What is a dependent variable?

Answer 2

A dependent variable is the variable that is measured.

Question 3

What is a controlled variable?

Answer 3

A controlled variable is the variable/s that stays the same throughout the experiment.

Question 4

What is the purpose of an aim?

Answer 4

The aim identifies what needs to be done, and is where the reason for conducting the experiment is stated.

Question 5

Flip this queue card to see a template of writing an aim.

Answer 5

“To identify/find out/investigate whether [independent variable] affects the [dependent variable].”

Question 6

In order, how should an introduction be written?

Answer 6

1. First, describe the main factor of the experiment. Explain it as you were explaining it to someone living under a rock (broad).
2. Second, explain why the experiment is being done (more specific).
3. Third, list the aim, method and hypothesis.

Other notes:
- NO personal pronouns (eg. I, we, they)
- Full sentences
- Formal language
- PAST TENSE WRITING

Question 7

What are the two types of errors?

Answer 7

Systematic errors - Errors when the equipment is not measuring correctly, and can’t be fixed by repetition and can only be fixed by recalibrating or acquiring new equipment.

Personal errors - Erros made by an individual or research team, including mistakes and miscalculations. Can be fixed by repetition or by adjusting processes in the method.

Question 8

What are the two key science skills?

Answer 8

Accuracy: How close the results are to the true value? Looks for consistent errors that affect all results and can be improved by more sophisticated equipment. Can’t be improved by repeats.

Validity: Does the experiment answer the research question? Does it test what its claiming to test?

Question 9

How do you write methods?

Answer 9

Write them in order and in past tense. The use of personal pronouns (eg. I, we, they) IS NOT ALLOWED.

Question 10

What are notes about writing discussions?

Answer 10

• Discussions are an explanation of results. It should link back to the content.
• Should refer directly to the results (eg. As shown in table…)
• Explain why the results were the case (eg. This is because…)
• Errors that occured (Error, type of error, key skill impacted, possible improvement)
  -Longest part.

Question 11

What are notes about writing conclusions?

Answer 11

• Conclusions sum up the report. It should sum up the results and discussion, specifically (1-2 sentences)
• The aim should be restated
• Talk about if the hypothesis was or was not supported and why/why not?
• Conclusions should be ONLY 4-5 SENTENCES TOTAL.