Standard 4
SC.7.N.1.3
Distinguish between an experiment (which must involve the identification and control of variables) and other forms of scientific investigation, and explain that not all scientific knowledge is derived from experimentation.
Distinguish between an experiment (which must involve the identification and control of variables) and other forms of scientific investigation, and explain that not all scientific knowledge is derived from experimentation.
Standard Summary
This standard asks us to identify the differences between experiments and investigations. Also, we need to realize and understand that not all the things we know from science come from experiments alone, but that investigations play a large role in our scientific understanding of our universe.
This standard asks us to identify the differences between experiments and investigations. Also, we need to realize and understand that not all the things we know from science come from experiments alone, but that investigations play a large role in our scientific understanding of our universe.
Vocabulary!
Investigation: A method of answering a question by observations, including modelling, researching and collecting data. It does not involve testing a hypothesis by changing one variable while keeping the other factors constant.
Experiment: A controlled method of answer a question by forming a hypothesis, running fair tests by controlling only one variable at a time. Follows the scientific process.
Variables: Anything that could be changed in an experiment that could effect the results. Examples include independent and dependent variables.
Control: A variable that is not being tested, which is used for comparison
Constant: A variable that is not changed. For example, if the experiment is performed in a lab, the lab's temperature should be constant throughout the experiment.
Model: a physical or digital representation of a complex object or process. A model is always simpler than the thing it represents.
Observation: using one of more of your senses to gather information. Also includes using tools to help your senses (like a microscope).
Research
Experiment: A controlled method of answer a question by forming a hypothesis, running fair tests by controlling only one variable at a time. Follows the scientific process.
Variables: Anything that could be changed in an experiment that could effect the results. Examples include independent and dependent variables.
Control: A variable that is not being tested, which is used for comparison
Constant: A variable that is not changed. For example, if the experiment is performed in a lab, the lab's temperature should be constant throughout the experiment.
Model: a physical or digital representation of a complex object or process. A model is always simpler than the thing it represents.
Observation: using one of more of your senses to gather information. Also includes using tools to help your senses (like a microscope).
Research
Notes:
An experiment is a type of investigation, the most involved and accurate type. An experiment follows a set template of how to run. Scientists running experiments also have a question, but they predict the outcome by making a hypothesis. They also identify the variables in their experiment and try to control all these variables so that only one is changed. Because of the way experiments are operated, they are often very accurate ways of understanding a phenomenon. Science helps us understand the nature of the world around us. Long before the scientific method was established, people learned things about the natural world through investigations. An investigation starts with an observation and a question (like an experiment), but doesn't require the scientist to make a hypothesis about the outcome. Most investigations are based on observing things, doing research on your question or making a model or graph to answer your question. |
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