Page 120 - Knowledge Organiser Yr9 24-25

Knowledge Base: Science Working scientifically Year 9
5. Planning and recording investigations
5.1
What is the aim of a scientific investigation?
To answer a scientific question.
5.2
What is a variable?
Anything that can be changed to affect the outcome of a scientific investigation.
5.3
What is the independent variable in an investigation?
The factor that you change.
5.4
What is the dependent variable in an investigation?
The factor that you measure
(as a result of making the change).
5.5
What are the control variables in an investigation?
The factors you keep the same to ensure a fair test.
5.6
What is a fair test?
A fair test is one in which only the independent variable has been allowed to affect the dependent variable.
6. Representing data
6.1 What is categoric data?
6.3 What is continuous data?
6.4 What is discrete data?
A variable that has values that are words instead of numbers
A variable that has values that can be any number.
A variable that can only have whole number values.
6.2
What type of graph is best to display categorical data?
A bar chart should be used if the independent variable is categoric.
6.5
What type of graph is best to display continuous data?
A line graph should be used when the independent and dependent variables are continuous.
6.6
What type of graph is best to display discrete?
Discrete or categoric data can also be shown on a pie chart.
6.7
How should you draw a scale?
Choose scales for the axes so that the graph is as big as possible on the page. The scale should span the range of results (or from 0 to the highest number) in an even & repeating pattern
6.8
When drawing a graph, what variable should go along the x-axis?
Independent variable (the factor that you change)
6.9
When drawing a graph, what variable should go up the y-axis?
Dependent variable (the factor that you measure)
6.10
What is a line of best fit?
A smooth line on a graph that goes through the middle of as many points as possible. This can be a curve
6.11
Should we consider anomalies when drawing a line of best fit?
Anomalies should be ignored when drawing the line of best fit
5.7 What is data?
The measurements you make in an investigation.
5.8
What is meant by accurate data?
Data that is close to the true value of what you are trying to measure.
5.9
What is meant by precise data?
Data which gives similar results if you repeat the measurement, the spread of data is small.
5.10
How can data be recorded?
In a table.
5.11
When should a mean be calculated?
If repeats of measurements are taken.
5.12
How do you calculate the mean?
By adding all the numbers together and dividing by the number of repeats you took
120