EOY REVIEW STAAR TAKS 5

Read the lesson summary. Choose the correct answer to the question.

A scientific investigation begins with a question that can be tested. A scientific question can be answered by conducting an investigation.

To begin an investigation, scientists research information about what is already known, using reliable reference materials and the Internet to find out about the work of other scientists. Reference sources include books and scientific journals.

Before beginning an investigation, scientists often form a hypothesis, or prediction, about what they think will happen during an investigation. One way to state a hypothesis is to use an if…then... because statement. A sample hypothesis is, “If I place this cup of water on the window sill, then the water will evaporate because it absorbs energy from sunlight.”

Scientists often make observations while testing a hypothesis. An observation is something that you find out by using your senses. Scientists then analyze and interpret the information gained by observation to draw a conclusion.

The conclusion may indicate whether the hypothesis was supported or unsupported by the evidence the scientists gathered.

When scientists conduct an experiment, they use a scientific investigation to test a hypothesis. There are different methods that scientists use to conduct experiments, but they all include collecting information, making predictions, testing ideas, and sharing results. In some cases, a controlled experiment is the best way to investigate, but there are other ways to test a hypothesis

Models are objects or ideas that represent something else and that make it easier to study things that are difficult to observe directly. Some models are physical representations that are larger, smaller, or simpler than the actual object. Other models are computer programs that represent the object.

In some investigations, scientists use surveys to collect information about people. In other investigations, they use a technique called sampling. In sampling, scientists collect information about a few individuals and then use it to draw conclusions about a larger population.

When they follow scientific methods, scientists use a sequence of steps to guide their investigation, analysis, and conclusions. The specific steps and their order vary from one investigation to another. The steps you may want to use in your investigations include asking questions, forming a hypothesis, identifying variables, testing the hypothesis, recording data, and reporting results. During any investigation, it is important to keep accurate records.