Scientific Method
Fill in the blanks (1 mark each)
1. The scientific method is a __________ process used to answer questions and solve
problems.
2. The first step of the scientific method is to __________ a question or problem.
3. An educated guess or possible explanation that can be tested is called a __________.
4. A good hypothesis should be __________ and testable.
5. The variable that is changed in an experiment is called the __________ variable.
6. The variable that is measured or observed is called the __________ variable.
7. The variables that must be kept the same in an experiment are called __________
variables.
8. A controlled experiment changes only __________ variable at a time.
9. The step in which you perform the experiment and gather measurements is called
__________.
10. The data collected in an experiment can be shown in tables, charts, or __________.
11. The process of looking for patterns or trends in the results is called __________ the
data.
12. The step in which you state whether your hypothesis was supported or not is called
drawing a __________.
13. If the results do not match the hypothesis, you may need to __________ the hypothesis.
14. An experiment should be __________ to check if the results are reliable.
15. The group in an experiment that does not receive the variable being tested is called the
__________ group.
16. The group that receives the variable being tested is called the __________ group.
17. Observations can be __________ (using numbers) or __________ (using descriptions).
18. In science, a theory is an explanation supported by many __________ and a lot of
evidence.
19. Recording the exact method used in an experiment ensures that others can __________
the investigation.
20. The scientific method helps reduce __________ and improve the accuracy of results.
Scientific Method – Short Answer Questions (2 marks each)
1. Define the scientific method.
2. What is the purpose of making an observation in the scientific method?
3. Differentiate between a hypothesis and a theory.
4. Why must a hypothesis be testable?
5. What is a variable in an experiment?
6. Distinguish between independent and dependent variables with examples.
7. What is meant by a “controlled variable”?
8. Why is it important to have a control group in an experiment?
9. Give one example of a fair test.
10. Why is recording data important in scientific investigations?
11. What is the purpose of analysing results in the scientific method?
12. Why must experiments be repeatable?
13. Explain the role of conclusions in scientific investigations.
14. What should a good conclusion be based on?
15. What is meant by “peer review” in science?
16. Give an example of how the scientific method is applied in daily life.
17. How can graphs help in presenting results?
18. Why is it important to communicate results?
19. What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative data?
20. Why must scientists avoid bias during experiments?