Name: __________________________________
Scientific Method Study Guide
Quiz will be on Friday, October 13th
Completed study guide is due Tuesday, October 10 th
Part 1: Match the step of the scientific method to their descriptions. WRITE THE
LETTER ON THE LINE.
A. Experiment B. Conclusion C. Hypothesis
D. Background E. Observe and F. Question
Research Record Results
1. __________ The step of the scientific method when you summarize your
experiment, share your data, decide if your hypothesis was correct,
and determine what could be improved for next time.
2. __________ The step of the scientific method when you wonder about a
problem that will become the purpose of the experiment.
3. __________ The step of the scientific method that is an educated guess
about the outcome of the experiment, written as an If.. then…
because statement.
4. __________ The step of the scientific method when you watch what
happens and write down qualitative and/or quantitative data in a
chart or table.
5. __________ The step of the scientific method when you find out more
information about the experiment and what has been done before.
6. __________ The step of the scientific method when you perform the
procedure and list materials.
Part 2: Use the word bank from the previous page to list the steps of the
scientific method in the correct order.
Step 1: ________________________________
Step 2: ________________________________
Step 3: ________________________________
Step 4: ________________________________
Step 5: ________________________________
Step 6: ________________________________
Part 3: Write the definitions for the following terms: You may use your
science notebook to help you.
Variable: ______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Dependent Variable: __________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Control Variables: ______________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Independent Variable: _________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Qualitative Data: ______________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Quantitative Data: ____________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Part 4: Identifying Variables in an Experiment
Question: How quickly does bread mold depending on the temperature?
Hypothesis: If I put the bread in the refrigerator it will grow mold slower than if
it is left out on the counter because the cold temperature will make the mold
grow slower.
Experiment: Place one piece of bread in a plastic bag and leave it on the
counter. Place one piece of bread in a plastic bag and leave it in the
refrigerator. Observe the bread every day and record when it starts to mold.
What is the independent variable in the experiment above?
Think: what is changing?
___________________________________________________
What is the dependent variable in the experiment above?
Think: what data is being measured or observed and recorded?
___________________________________________________
What would be some control variables?
Think: what needs to be kept the same so that there is only one independent variable.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Part 5: Scientific Skills – Fill in the blank with the correct scientific skill being
described.
______________________ Sharing results in a conclusion so
Inferring/Predicting that other scientists can learn from the outcome of the
experiment.
______________________ Using as many senses as possible to
Classifying gather and record information
______________________ Using various scientific tools to
Communicating collect and record data
______________________ Putting information into groups
Observing depending on traits and similarities
______________________ Using observations and your
Measuring knowledge to identify what might happen next or why a
result occurred