The Scientific Method is a process to acquire knowledge, using the following steps:
- Question
- Hypothesis
- Experiment
• test group
• control group
• independent variable
• dependent variable - Results
- Conclusion
Scientific Method
Question: What will prevent infection by a virus?
Hypothesis: VaccineX is capable of preventing infection by a virus.
Experiment: Two groups of 1000 people each are set up. An injection of VaccineX is given to one of the two groups, known as the test group. An injection of a placebo (a harmless substance not containing VaccineX) is given to the other group, known as the control group. The independent variable in the experiment is the people in each group. The dependent variable is the response of the people in the test group (in which VaccineX is given) vs. the response of the people in the control group (in which no VaccineX is given).
Results: In the group in which VaccineX is given, nobody contracts the virus. In the group in which VaccineX is not given, 100 people contract the virus.
Conclusion: VaccineX is capable of preventing infection by a virus.
Scientific Method
Question: What will kill bacteria?
Hypothesis: AntibioticX is capable of killing bacteria.
Experiment: Two petri dishes in which identical bacteria are growing are set up. An injection of AntibioticX is added to one of the two petri dishes. An injection of a placebo is added to the other petri dish.
Results: In the petri dish in which AntibioticX is added, the bacteria die. In the petri dish in which AntibioticX is not added, the bacteria live
Conclusion:
Practice – Questions
1. In the use of the Scientific Method above, what is the test group?
A. The petri dish in which AntibioticX is given.
B. The petri dish in which AntibioticX is not given.
C. The bacteria already growing in the petri dishes.
D. The response of the bacteria.
2. In the use of the Scientific Method above, what is the control group?
A. The petri dish in which AntibioticX is given.
B. The petri dish in which AntibioticX is not given.
C. The bacteria already growing in the petri dishes.
D. The response of the bacteria.
3. In the use of the Scientific Method above, what is the placebo?
A. AntibioticX.
B. A harmless substance.
C. Bacteria.
D. A petri dish.
4. In the use of the Scientific Method above, what is the independent variable?
A. The petri dish in which AntibioticX is given.
B. The petri dish in which AntibioticX is not given.
C. The bacteria already growing in the petri dishes.
D. The response of the bacteria.
5. In the use of the Scientific Method above, what is the dependent variable?
A. The petri dish in which AntibioticX is given.
B. The petri dish in whch AntibioticX is not given.
C. The bacteria already growing in the petri dishes.
D. The response of the bacteria.
6. In the use of the Scientific Method above, what is the Conclusion?
A. Bacteria are everywhere.
B. Petri dishes are good at growing bacteria.
C. AntibioticX is capable of killing bacteria.
D. AntibioticX is incapable of killing bacteria.
Practice – Answers
1. A. The petri dish in which AntibioticX is given.
2. B. The petri dish in which AntibioticX is not given.
3. B. A harmless substance.
4. C. The bacteria already growing in the petri dishes.
5. D. The response of the bacteria.
6. C. AntibioticX is capable of killing bacteria.