Question

Match each description with a step in the scientific method from the key. a. conclusion b. experiment c. hypothesis d. observation c. theory Procedure designed to test a hypothesis

Short answer

The correct matches for each description are: a. Conclusion - Step 5: Analyze data and draw conclusions\n b. Experiment - Step 4: Conduct an experiment\n c. Hypothesis - Step 3: Formulate a hypothesis\n d. Observation - Steps 1 and 2: Ask a question and Conduct background research\n c. Theory - Step 6: Communicate the results

Step-by-step solution

Matching a. Conclusion

In the scientific method, the conclusion refers to analyzing data and drawing conclusions from the experiment. This matches with the step 5 in the scientific method which is "Analyze data and draw conclusions".

Matching b. Experiment

In the scientific method, an experiment is conducted to test the validity of the hypothesis. This matches with the step 4 in the scientific method which is "Conduct an experiment".

Matching c. Hypothesis

Formulating a hypothesis is an essential step in the scientific method. A hypothesis is an educated guess or a testable statement that explains a phenomenon. This matches with the step 3 in the scientific method which is "Formulate a hypothesis".

Matching d. Observation

Observation is the initial foundational step in the scientific method that leads to asking questions, conducting research, and formulating hypotheses. This would correspond with steps 1 ("Ask a question") and 2 ("Conduct background research") in the scientific method.

Matching c. Theory

A theory is a well-substantiated explanation of a phenomenon, based on substantial evidence and repeated testing. In the scientific method, a theory is typically developed after the experiment. It can be aligned with step 6, "Communicate the results", as it often represents a conclusion or a culmination of previous experiments and research.

Key concepts

Hypothesis

In the realm of science, a hypothesis is like a stepping stone towards discovery. It is an educated guess, grounded in existing knowledge and observations. Imagine you notice that plants in a sunny area of your garden seem to grow faster. Based on this observation, you might hypothesize that 'plants grow faster when they receive more sunlight.'

But a hypothesis is more than just a speculative statement; it's formulated to be tested. This means it should be possible to design an experiment that can confirm or refute it through empirical data. Developing a solid hypothesis requires critical thinking and a good understanding of the scientific principles relevant to the topic at hand.

Experiment

The experiment is the heart of the scientific method. It's the part where we roll up our sleeves and put our hypotheses to the test. Following our example, to test the hypothesis about plant growth, you would set up a controlled experiment to see if plants indeed grow faster with more sunlight exposure.

An experiment requires meticulous planning to isolate variables and reduce outside influences that could skew results. For instance, you might place one group of plants in the sun and another in the shade, ensuring that all other conditions such as water and soil quality are the same. This controlled environment helps establish a cause-and-effect relationship between the independent variable (sunlight) and the dependent variable (plant growth).

Observation

Observation is the foundation on which the entire scientific method is built. It all begins with a curious mind noting something of interest or an anomaly. For scientists and learners alike, observation involves engaging all your senses to gather information about the world around you.

Let's relate this to our plant growth example. You might start by seeing (using your sense of sight) that some plants are taller and greener in certain areas. Observations can be continuous and even lead to new questions or hypotheses. It's crucial to be thorough and objective during this stage; precise and accurate observations are key to forming a robust base for further scientific inquiry.

Conclusion

After conducting an experiment and gathering data, the next step is to reach a conclusion. This is where we interpret the results and understand what they mean in the context of the hypothesis. In our example, if the plants in the sunny area grew significantly more than those in the shade, the data would support the hypothesis.

However, it's important not to jump the gun. Even if the results appear to confirm the hypothesis, scientists must analyze the data rigorously, often using statistical methods to ensure that the findings are significant and not due to chance. Conclusions should always be drawn cautiously, with an eye towards replication and peer review for validation.

Theory

In everyday language, the term 'theory' might refer to a guess or a hunch. But in science, a theory is a well-establishment explanation for phenomena that stands up to extensive testing and observation. It's what you get after your hypothesis has been repeatedly confirmed through experiments and has gained widespread acceptance in the scientific community.

A theory is not just one idea; it's a system of ideas that explains a range of observations. Think about the theory of gravity or the theory of evolution - these theories are powerful because they provide comprehensive explanations backed by a substantial body of evidence. Theories are also open to revision and refinement as new evidence comes to light.