1. Testable Questions and Hypotheses in Controlled Experiments
Pre-AP Biology

2. Bellwork
Scientists have long wondered whether life exists beyond Earth. One of the planets we have focused our attention on is Mars. When scientists conduct any research whether it be on distant planets or on planet Earth, they ask testable questions. Explain what a testable question means to you. 2

3. Objectives Demonstrate appropriate observational skills
Compose testable questions
Assess how each question could be tested
Define hypothesis
List characteristics a hypothesis should include
Write well-developed hypotheses to testable questions

4. Importance
There are many questions in life but not all can be tested and not all can be tested within a controlled experiment or environment.
The goal of a scientist is to develop questions that are testable and from which a hypothesis can be developed.

5. Key Terminology
Hypothesis
Scientific Theory

6. Developing Testable Questions
When developing questions ask yourself does T.E.R.M. apply? Does it involve an experimental treatment (T), is it ethical (E), is it replicable (R), and is it measurable (M).

7. Alka Seltzer Observation
Get into groups of 2-3.
Get a alka seltzer tablet and place in a small beaker of water.
Write down what you observe happens with the alka seltzer tablet.

8. Alka Seltzer Observation
Relate you observation with the alka seltzer tablet to something you observed previously (your prior knowledge) by completing the following sentence
The dissolving alka seltzer tablet is like__________ because _______.

9. Development of Testable Question
Based on your observation, develop 3 testable questions about alka seltzer that you could answer by conducting an experiment .
Be ready to share

10. Each group will
Select one question that was testable, and design a way to test the question by identifying the experimental group, the control group, fixed variables, independent variable, and dependent variable
Be ready to share.

11. Is your question testable?
Remember T.E.R.M.
Conduct T.E.R.M. Checklist Self Assessment to determine if you have all of the components of a testable question.

12. Definition of Hypothesis
Tentative answer to the biological question that can be tested by experimentation

13. A good hypothesis should contain
Experimental Treatment
Predicted Result
Rationale – Explain why you expect the result

14. Hypothesis should be in the form of
If …. then ….because………..
First blank = experimental group
Second blank= predicted result
Third blank = rationale

15. Example of a Good Hypothesis
If the amount of fertilizer is increased then the seeds will grow faster because they have more nutrients to use.
Circle the key components-
experimental group
Predicted result
Rationale

16. With your Group
Write 3 hypotheses based on the testable questions you created on alka-seltzer observations.
Underline, circle or make a box around the three components of a hypothesis for each hypothesis you wrote
Be ready to share

17. Think-Pair-Share
Write down on your note-taker what you think the difference is between a hypothesis and a scientific theory. Share with a partner.
3. Think-pair-share
teacher presents a question
teacher gives wait time for student to form answer
teacher instructs students to share their answer with a partner
teacher calls on non-volunteers to share with the class 3

18. Definition of Scientific Theory
Explanation for something that has occurred in nature that has been tested by many different experiments and many different experimenters.
This is different from a hypothesis that has been tested by only one experiment

19. Thumbs up- scientific theory / Thumbs down-hypothesis?
Thumbs up- scientific theory / Thumbs down-hypothesis
Is the explanation of evolution by natural selection a scientific theory or a hypothesis?
1. Hand signals:
thumbs up or thumbs down to indicate agreement or disagreement
use fingers to indicate a number selection such as “Which is the correct solution one, two or three?”
teacher gives feedback to the students 19

20. Characteristics of Scientific Theory
Best possible explanation to a certain question based on experiments and data collected
Not the absolute truth
Tentative – theory can be altered, revised or completely abandoned as new data becomes available
Example of Theory: Dinosaur extinction is a result of a huge asteroid that struck the Earth 65 million years ago.

21. Think-Pair-Share
Why is the theory on dinosaur extinction not set in stone? Write your answer on your notetaker. Share with a partner
3. Think-pair-share
teacher presents a question
teacher gives wait time for student to form answer
teacher instructs students to share their answer with a partner
teacher calls on non-volunteers to share with the class 3

22. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010
On a 1/2 sheet of paper
Exit Ticket
Keeping the experiment that your group designed in mind, list some reasons why the question you chose was testable and could generate a hypothesis
Pick 2 products you wrote down.
Turn your responses in.
PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010