Exploring the Scientific Method worksheet - Free Printable

Let's solve this step by step.

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Part 1: Matching

We are given a list of scientific terms and definitions. We need to match each term (6–13) with the correct definition (A–H).

#### Definitions:
- A. This group shows the effect of the variable being tested
- B. This is the one variable that is changed
- C. A well-tested explanation for experimental results
- D. The many ways in which scientists study the natural world
- E. A possible answer to a scientific question
- F. This describes an observed pattern in nature
- G. This group is left alone and not experimented on
- H. This is the variable that gets measured

Now, let’s match each term:

6. Scientific inquiry → D. The many ways in which scientists study the natural world
*(Scientific inquiry refers to the methods scientists use to investigate the natural world.)*

7. Hypothesis → E. A possible answer to a scientific question
*(A hypothesis is a testable prediction or educated guess.)*

8. Control group → G. This group is left alone and not experimented on
*(The control group does not receive the experimental treatment.)*

9. Experimental group → A. This group shows the effect of the variable being tested
*(This group receives the treatment or intervention.)*

10. Independent variable → B. This is the one variable that is changed
*(The independent variable is what the experimenter manipulates.)*

11. Dependent variable → H. This is the variable that gets measured
*(The dependent variable is the outcome that is observed or measured.)*

12. Scientific theory → C. A well-tested explanation for experimental results
*(A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation based on evidence.)*

13. Scientific law → F. This describes an observed pattern in nature
*(A scientific law describes what happens under certain conditions, often expressed mathematically.)*

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✔ Matching Answers:

6. D
7. E
8. G
9. A
10. B
11. H
12. C
13. F

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Part 2: Identifying Variables

We have three scenarios. For each, identify:

- Independent Variable (what is changed)
- Dependent Variable (what is measured)
- Experimental Group (group receiving treatment)
- Control Group (group not receiving treatment)

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#### Scenario 1: Dog Food Test

> A company wants to test a new dog food that is supposed to help overweight dogs lose weight. 50 dogs are chosen to get the new food, and 50 more continue their normal diets. After one month, the dogs are checked to see if they lost any weight.

- Independent Variable (14): Type of dog food (new food vs. normal diet)
- Dependent Variable (15): Weight loss (amount of weight lost)
- Experimental Group (16): Dogs that received the new dog food
- Control Group (17): Dogs that continued their normal diet

✔ Answers:
14. Type of dog food
15. Weight loss
16. Dogs receiving new food
17. Dogs on normal diet

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#### Scenario 2: Sunscreen Test

> A new sunscreen has been developed that is supposed to be more effective at preventing sunburn. 30 participants spray one arm with the new formula, and spray the other arm with the leading formula. After 4 hours in the sun, their skin is evaluated for any redness.

Note: Each person is their own control and experimental group (within-subjects design). But we can still identify:

- Independent Variable (18): Type of sunscreen (new vs. leading formula)
- Dependent Variable (19): Skin redness (sunburn level)
- Experimental Group (20): Arm sprayed with new sunscreen
- Control Group (21): Arm sprayed with leading (existing) sunscreen

✔ Answers:
18. Type of sunscreen
19. Skin redness
20. Arm with new sunscreen
21. Arm with leading sunscreen

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#### Scenario 3: Plant Growth & Sunlight

> A student wants to study the effect of sunlight on plant growth. In his experiment, 12 plants receive normal amounts of sunlight, but half of them are kept under bright sun lamps all night long. After 6 weeks, the plants' heights are measured.

- Independent Variable (22): Amount of light (normal sunlight vs. extra light from lamps)
- Dependent Variable (23): Plant height (growth)
- Experimental Group (24): Plants kept under sun lamps all night
- Control Group (25): Plants receiving only normal sunlight

✔ Answers:
22. Amount of light
23. Plant height
24. Plants under sun lamps
25. Plants with normal sunlight

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✔ Final Answers:

#### Matching:
6. D
7. E
8. G
9. A
10. B
11. H
12. C
13. F

#### Identifying:
| Scenario | Independent Variable | Dependent Variable | Experimental Group | Control Group |
|--------|----------------------|--------------------|---------------------|----------------|
| 1 | Type of dog food | Weight loss | Dogs receiving new food | Dogs on normal diet |
| 2 | Type of sunscreen | Skin redness | Arm with new sunscreen | Arm with leading sunscreen |
| 3 | Amount of light | Plant height | Plants under sun lamps | Plants with normal sunlight |

So the numbered answers are:

14. Type of dog food
15. Weight loss
16. Dogs receiving new food
17. Dogs on normal diet
18. Type of sunscreen
19. Skin redness
20. Arm with new sunscreen
21. Arm with leading sunscreen
22. Amount of light
23. Plant height
24. Plants under sun lamps
25. Plants with normal sunlight

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