Name:
Additional Study Guide
Benchmark MP 1
(Review the concepts from chapter 14 & 15 Study Guide along with the
following information)
A. Scientific Method: the steps scientists use to solve problems
Review worksheets #5, 6, 7, 8, 14, 15, & 16
Steps of the Scientific Method:
1. State (Identify) the Problem
a. “What are you trying to solve?”
2. Research
a. Use observations and inferences to gain knowledge
3. Create a Hypothesis
a. Make an educated guess to the solution
b. Written in an “If...then” statement
4. Test your Hypothesis
a. Perform the experiment
i. Control group: does not get the independent
variable-only one control group
ii. Experimental group: does get the independent
variable
iii. Independent variable: what “I” change in the
experiment, usually what the control group does
not get
iv. Dependent variable: what is observed or
measured
v. Constants: things that stay the same in an
experiment
5. Analyze the Results
a. Record, look over and understand the information from
the experiment
6. Draw a Conclusion
a. Was your hypothesis correct? Why or why not?
b. Discuss results
c. Discuss patterns or trends
7. Communicate your Results
a. Share your findings with others through the internet,
social networking sites, journals and magazines
8. Repeat the experiment
a. Repeat the procedure to avoid making mistakes
b. Accuracy of results
Review all worksheets including the Spongebob worksheets
applying the steps and information of the scientific method.
B. Observation and Inference Notes (#4)
Review notebook worksheet (#10)
1. Observations
 based on your 5 senses – sight, smell, touch, taste, hear
 a noting and recording of FACTS
 no opinions
 examples:
o A person is wearing a red shirt
o There are 15 tables in the room
2. Inferences
 based on prior knowledge and experiences
 based on your observations
 your interpretation/opinion
 examples:
o If a person wears a red shirt, then their favorite color
is red.
o The students use the tables.
* Observations and inferences are a part of gathering information.
* Remember…
 An observation should be used to help create your
hypothesis
 An inference should be used only in your conclusion
C. Lab Safety Notes
Review the following worksheets:
1. Review and Reinforcement-Safety in the Science Lab/Safety
Symbols (#2)
2. Lab Safety Cartoon (#3)
3. Lab Skills Checkup 7-Safety First (#9)
4. Continuing the Main Idea What’s Wrong With this Story? (#11)