Identify questions that can be investigated with a set of materials
Given a set of materials, a good scientific question is one that can be answered through a controlled experiment using only those materials. It requires you to think like a scientist and design a testable investigation.
Do this: Read the concept below, then try the quiz or activity.
Concept
This skill involves looking at a list of available materials and brainstorming a scientific question that can be answered by using them.
The Process:
1. Analyze the materials: What do you have? What can they do? 2. Identify potential variables: What can you change (independent variable)? What can you measure (dependent variable)? 3. Formulate a question: Based on the variables, create a question in the format: "What is the effect of [independent variable] on the [dependent variable]?"
Example:
* Materials: Seeds, pots, soil, water, ruler, different types of light (sunlight, fluorescent, red light).
* Potential Independent Variables: Type of light, amount of water.
* Potential Dependent Variables: Plant height, number of leaves.
* Possible Questions:
* "What is the effect of the type of light on the height of the plants?"
* "What is the effect of the amount of water on the number of leaves that grow?"Try it
Practice: Identify questions that can be investigated with a set of materials.