Attached is practice work to help prepare students who are entering 6th grade.

This will be a review of scientific

principles, and other information that will help students to be successful in 6th grade science. We recommend that
students complete the activities during the summer. Students who turn in this packet to their science teacher on the
first day of school will receive extra credit.

There are a variety of activities like reading passages with questions, matching activities, and links to videos. The
answers for the packet can be found in the back, with the intention of parents checking their student’s answers.

Contents:

Scientific method reading passage (for reference) ……...................….page 1-2

Hypothesis Activity………………………………………………………..page 3

Scientific Method Matching Activity……………………………..........…page 4

Science Investigations and Safety Crossword Puzzle……....................page 6-7

Graphing Practice (2 pages)………………………………………….…pages 7-8

Scientific Method Practice………………………………………....……...page 9

Scientific Variables parts 1 and 2……………………………….........……page 10

Types of Data and Making Inferences ………………………...........….…page 11

Nature of Science Reading and Activity…………………..............…...pages 12-13

The Scientific Method Reading with Questions………..................…..pages 14-15

Exploring the Scientific Method……………………..........………..…pages 16-18

Answer Key for Parents………………………………......………..….pages 16-18

Science_Grade 6_ Scientific method_ summer booklet

The Scientific Method

The basic scientific method includes the steps scientists use and follow when trying to solve a
problem or prove or disprove a theory. The methods are used by scientists all over the world. This is
done so scientists can work together to solve some of the same problems.

There are usually five steps which are a part of the scientific method. The steps can occur in any
order, but the first step is usually observation. An observation is the use of one or more of the
five senses, which include seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling, and tasting. The five senses are
used to learn about or identify an event or object the scientist wants to study. For example,
while observing a spider a scientist may observe the pattern or size of the spider's web.
Observations lead to questions.

The second step of the scientific method is the statement being researched, the hypothesis. A good
hypothesis includes three things; the explanation for the observations, if it is able to be tested by other
scientists and it will usually predict new outcomes or conclusions. The scientist observing the spider
building the web may have a question about the strength of the web.
Usually a hypothesis is written as: “If…then…because” statement.
An example of the hypothesis might be: If the spider is larger, then the web will be stronger
because the silk is bigger.
This hypothesis includes the explanation for the observation, it can be tested, and new conclusions may
be reached.

The third step of the scientific method is the experiment. An experiment is a test which will either
challenge or support the hypothesis. The hypothesis will then be true or false. Using the spider
hypothesis, a scientist may experiment by measuring spider webs in relation to a spider's size.
Often, even when a hypothesis is disproved much can still be learned during the experiment. For
example, while measuring the strength of spider webs the scientist may discover something new about
them. It is important to test only one variable at a time. If we test several different things in an
experiment it will be very difficult to understand which variable caused the change. We collect data
during an experiment. Data can be recorded through written words, graphs, charts, and/or illustrations.

The final step in the scientific method is the conclusion. The conclusions will either clearly support the
hypothesis or it will not. If the results (data) support the hypothesis, a conclusion can be
written. If it does not support the hypothesis, the scientist may choose to change the
hypothesis or write a new one based on what was learned during the experiment. In the
example, if the scientist proves that larger spiders build stronger webs, then that is the conclusion. If it
was not proven, the scientist may change the hypothesis to: The size of a spider has no bearing on the
strength of its web.

Page 1 of 25
Science_Grade 6_ Scientific method_ summer booklet

The scientific method is used for simple experiments students may do in the classroom or very complex or
difficult experiments being done all over the world. The spider experiment may be done by a scientist in
Jacksonville, Washington D.C., or Brazil.

In summary, the scientific method includes the steps scientists use to solve a problem or to prove or
disprove a theory. There are five basic steps involved with the scientific method. The usual steps include
observation, hypothesis, experiment, collecting data and making a conclusion. The steps may not always
be completed in the same order. Following the five steps, the results of the experiment will either
support the hypothesis or will not support the hypothesis. Scientists are always free to change or write a
new hypothesis and start the five steps all over again. The scientific method is used for simple
experiments or for more difficult experiments.

Page 2 of 25
Science_Grade 6_ Scientific method_ summer booklet

Hypothesis Activity

The format for writing a hypothesis is: If (describe specifically what you will do in the experiment) then (predict the
outcome of the experiment based on your “if” statement.)

For each problem or question write a hypothesis.

Example: I wonder if chocolate may cause pimples.

If I eat a chocolate candy bar , then

I will get pimples .

1. Will plant growth be affected by the color of the light?

If ,
then .

2. Which lunch will give me more energy, chicken sandwich or pizza?

If ,
then .

3. Does caterpillar poop weigh the same as the leaf it eats?

If ,
then .

4. Bob wondered if giving detentions for missing homework would lower the amount of homework missed
in his local middle school. He recorded the number of missed homework for 30 days, and then the school agreed
to assign detentions for each missed homework assignment. He then compared the numbers to see if the policy
had any effect.
If ,
then .

5. Does T.V. time seem to affect the reading scores of fourth graders?
If ,
then .

6. Does wing length affect the distance a plane flies?

If ,
then .

7. Bob wants to see if different smells travel at the same speed. He sprays a can of hairspray, peppermint air
freshener, and insect repellant at the same time. Six friends stand around him in a large circle, five feet from the
center of the circle where Bob stood.
If ,
then .
Page 3 of 25
Science_Grade 6_ Scientific method_ summer booklet

Scientific Method

For each experiment, fill in the correct step of the Scientific Method on the blank line above the description. Use the
words below.

Bean Plants
1.
Measure the growth of the bean plants and determine how the plants in both environments progressed over the course
of the three weeks. Find an average between the two indoor plants to determine the "typical" indoor plant growth,
doing the same for the two outdoor plants to calculate the "typical" outdoor plant growth.
2.
I want to know if a bean plant will grow more quickly outside or inside.
3.
Based on the data you collected, determine if a bean plant placed inside or outside will grow more quickly.
4.
If I plant bean plants outside, then they will grow more quickly than if I planted them inside.
5.
Plant four bean plants in identical pots using the same type of soil. Place two of these in an outdoor location and place
the other two in an indoor location. Choose locations where the plants will get a similar amount of sunlight. Care for the
plants in an identical way, like giving the same amount of water. Then, each day for the three-week experimental
period, observe and measure plant growth. Carefully record the size of each plant in a notebook.

Sugar Water & Plants

1.
Look at the time it took for each container of water to freeze. Write down your observations in a table and then graph
your results in a line graph. Did the water with sugar added take a significantly longer or shorter amount of time to
freeze?
2.
If water has sugar added to it, then it will not freeze as fast as plain water.
3.
Fill two identical containers with the same amount of room temperature water. Add a measured amount of sugar to
one of the containers. Place the two containers into the freezer. At regular intervals of 15 minutes, open the freezer and
observe the status of the water in each container. Continue until both have completely frozen. Write down the time it
took for each container of water to reach a fully frozen level.
4.
Based on the results of your experiment, decide if water with sugar freezes faster, slower, or at the same rate as water
without sugar added.
5.
I have noticed that popsicles that have lots of sugar don’t seem to freeze as fast plain ice cubes. I wonder if the amount
of sugar has an effect on freezing time.

Page 4 of 25
Science_Grade 6_ Scientific method_ summer booklet

Science Investigations and Safety Crossword Puzzle

Page 5 of 25
Science_Grade 6_ Scientific method_ summer booklet

Across Down
2. Repeating another scientist’s experiment to test its 1. Observations in the written form that are
validity usually descriptions of features like color,
texture, smell, taste.
4. Testable idea or explanation that leads to a scientific
investigation 3. Doing an experiment many times to increase
its validity
5. The same throughout and easy to reproduce
8. The factor being measured or observed
6. Observations that are made in number form - usually
from timing, counting, or measuring 10. A decision arrived at by logical reasoning
7. Factor that is deliberately changed
9. All the measurements and data scientists
gather in support of a scientific explanation
11. Very long lasting
12. The part of an experiment that is kept the same.

Page 6 of 25
Science_Grade 6_ Scientific method_ summer booklet

Graphing Practice (page 1 of 2)

Watch the following Study Jams: Bar Graphs, Circle Graphs, and Choosing the Correct Graph. Follow the instructions
below for each of the sections.

Construct a Pie Chart A pie chart is useful when you want to show data for parts of a whole (for example, groups
of students within a class). The following data table shows the results from a survey done from a class of 30
students.
Directions:
​ Use the data table to the right to construct a pie chart
​ Include a title and key
​ The dotted lines have divided the chart into 25% sections, so use
these lines to help you estimate where to draw lines. Your chart
does not have to use these lines.

Construct a Bar Chart Bar charts are useful when you want to show comparison between groups, such as comparing how
many students like different kinds of pizza. The following data table shows the results of a survey done from a class of 30
students.
Directions:

​ Use the data table to the right to construct a bar chart

​ Include a title

Page 7 of 25
Science_Grade 6_ Scientific method_ summer booklet

Graphing Practice (page 2 of 2)

Construct a Line Graph Line graphs are useful when you want to show change in data over time, such as showing
how the number of followers you have on social media changes over time.

Directions:

​ Use the data table on the right to construct a line graph

​ Include a title

Favorite Percentage of
App Class
Facebook 10%

Page 8 of 25
Science_Grade 6_ Scientific method_ summer booklet

Instagram 20%
SnapChat 30%
TikTok 40%
Favorite Number of
Pizza Students
Topping
Cheese 9
Peppero 10
ni
Veggie 3
Supreme 6
Ham & 2
Pineapple
M Number of Followers
o
n
t
h
January 65
February 100
March 120
April 250
May 600
June 750
July 650
August 800
September 950
October 900
November 850
December 1,000

Page 9 of 25
Science_Grade 6_ Scientific method_ summer booklet

Page 10 of 25
Science_Grade 6_ Scientific method_ summer booklet

Scientific Method Practice The scientific method is a process that scientists follow in order to determine the answer to a
problem. You are probably familiar with learning the scientific method as a process with a fixed number of steps, but the
actual steps a scientist takes may change depending on the type of experiment that they are performing. The scientific
method can be flexible, but usually follows the same basic order.
Directions: Put the steps of the scientific method in order from 1 to 8.

Do Research Determine if the hypothesis is rejected or accepted

Design an experiment Analyze data

Modify of repeat experiments Form a hypothesis

State the problem Perform Experiment

Using your knowledge of the scientific method, match the steps to the
parts of the scenario below.

1. Katie makes a bar graph showing the number of times her

brother eats all, part of, or none of each category of snack.

2. Katie is a nice sister who always fixes a snack for her little brother
after school. One day, he does not want to eat the snack that she prepared.
She wonders why.

3. Katie plans a menu for the next two weeks, dividing each
snack two categories: “sweet” or “salty”. She prepares a data table,
where she will mark if he eats all, part, or none of his snack.

4. Looking over her data, Katie sees that there is no clear trend as
to whether her brother prefers sweet or salty snacks. She decides that she
was wrong.

5. After determining that her original hypothesis was wrong, Katie decides that she will next measure how
her brother eats after days he has gym class. Perhaps he is hungrier after gym class. She plans a new
menu and makes a new data table to fill out.

6. Katie looks in the kitchen cabinets at home to see what food is available. She makes a list of all the
snacks that she has prepared for her brother over the last month.

7. She hypothesizes that her brother prefers salty snacks.

8. Katie follows the menu for two weeks and makes observations after her brother finishes eating. She
marks on her data table whether he eats all, part, or none of his snack.

Page 11 of 25
Science_Grade 6_ Scientific method_ summer booklet

Scientific Variables (Part 1) Read the paragraph below, and then identify the variables in each experiment.

Being able to identify the scientific variables in an experiment is an important skill for any scientist. When designing
an experiment, it is important that you only test one variable at a time. The variable that you are testing is known as
the independent variable, or IV. The part of the experiment that responds to the IV is known as the dependent
variable, or DV. The dependent variable is usually the part of the experiment that you measure to see if your
hypothesis worked or not.

Independent variable – part of the experiment that is tested or changed by the scientist (starts with the letter ‘i’; “I
change”) Dependent variable – part of the experiment that responds to changes in the independent variable; is
measured for results

1. You decide to test whether charcoal helps purify water or not. You design a filter that contains charcoal and run
water from a nearby stream through the filter. Afterward, you test the water for contaminants.

Independent variable:

Dependent variable:

2. You decide to test whether an insect repellant is effective or not. You apply insect repellant to your right arm
and count how many insects land on your arm over an hour.

Independent variable:

Dependent variable:

Scientific Variables (Part 2) Identify the variables in the experiment.

You decide to test whether plants help prevent erosion of soil or not. You
take two samples of soil, and plant grass in one of the samples. Once the
grass has taken root, you pour water through both soil samples and
measure how much soil is removed from each sample.
1. If you were to perform this experiment, what would your hypothesis be?

2. Independent Variable:

3. Dependent Variable:

4. Control:

5. Constants:

Page 12 of 25
Science_Grade 6_ Scientific method_ summer booklet

Different Types of Data Read the paragraph below, then identify each data set as quantitative (write the letter N) or
qualitative (write the letter L).

In an experiment, a scientist can collect different kinds of data. Sometimes data is measured with a tool like a
thermometer or ruler. This kind of data is called quantitative data. Some examples of quantitative data include the
number of leaves on a plant or the temperature of a liquid. Sometimes data consists of observations that cannot be
measured. This kind of data is called qualitative data. Some examples of qualitative data include the color of a leaf or
smell of a mineral.
7. Temperature of a substance
1. Length of a piece of rope
8. How a student feels after taking a test
2. Amount of food a dog eats
9. Scent of a leaf
3. Color of a mineral
10. How many students like each type
4. Number of insects attracted to a location of pizza topping?
5. Density of a liquid 11. If an animal’s fur is soft or spiky
6. Shape of a cloud 12. Mass of a rock

Making Inferences Read the paragraph below, then write an inference based on each observation.
Sometimes scientists must consider facts and draw conclusions based on those facts. When a scientist does this, a
scientist is making an inference. For example, you might walk into your classroom and see an empty candy wrapper
on your teacher’s desk. You observe the candy wrapper and infer that your teacher just ate a candy bar, even though
you didn’t see it.

Write inferences based on the observations below.

1. Looking at your desk, there is a ring of liquid on the desk.

2. When you walk into your classroom, you see a person that you don’t recognize at the teacher’s desk.

3. When you leave school, the sidewalk and roads are wet.

4. When you get home from school, the house smells like tacos.

5. You hear someone honking their car horn in the parking lot.

6. When you get to gym class, you see basketballs on the floor.

Page 13 of 25
Science_Grade 6_ Scientific method_ summer booklet

Nature of Science Reading and Activity (Page 1 of 2)

Read the passage below and then answer the questions.

What is the NATURE OF SCIENCE?

When you hear someone talk about the Nature of Science, just what do they mean? That is a very good question.
The Nature of Science is all about how science works and why is it important. The Nature of Science helps us to
understand who scientists are and what scientists do. The Nature of Science is the background information that will
help us to understand where scientific knowledge comes from. As you can probably tell, the Nature of Science
means a lot of different things.
What is SCIENCE?
Science is what we call it when people use evidence (observations) to answer questions. Sometimes these questions are
big questions and sometimes they are small questions. An example of a big science question is: How do living things
change over time from generation to generation. An example of a small science question is: What kinds of vegetables
grow well in Bend, Oregon during the summer? Gathering data or making observations can answer both of these
questions.
Why is SCIENCE important?
Science is important because it is one of the most powerful ways that we can learn things about our World. By
gathering evidence and using it to answer questions, science helps us to create knowledge. This knowledge can help
us to do many new things, such as creating new medicines, discovering other planets, travel into space, understand
why people get sick, and create new technology and many other things! Without science, we would not have cell
phones, computers, electricity, light bulbs and many other things we use every day.
What are the BACKGROUND rules of science?
In order to better understand the things we learn from science, you should know that there are a few important
rules of science.
1. When doing science, you need to use plenty of IMAGINATION and CREATIVITY. These two important skills
help us to see things differently and come up with better inferences. By the way, an inference is when you put all
of the clues together to make an explanation.
2. What we learn from science can change over time – our understanding grows! As we discover new ideas and
technology we are able to get more evidence that can help us to make better inferences. An example is Pluto. Scientists
used to call Pluto a planet, and then they got more evidence that helped them to decide that it really did not deserve to
be called a planet.
3. Because we all have different backgrounds, we all see things a little bit differently. No two scientists
think the exact same way. This is important because as a team, we can come together and share our ideas to
come up with the best possible explanation

4. There is no such thing as the Scientific Method. What this means is that there are many different steps
that are used when you do science. You don’t always have to do those steps in a particular order to do science.

5. Science has nothing to do with believing. Science is based on evidence, not the supernatural. Scientists
must use data and evidence to support their conclusions.

6. The more evidence you have, the stronger your explanation will be.

7. A scientific theory is not just a guess. Scientific theories are strong inferences that are based on
multiple lines of evidence. Examples of scientific theories include evolution, gravity, and atomic theory.

Page 14 of 25
Science_Grade 6_ Scientific method_ summer booklet

Nature of Science Reading and Activity (Page 2 of 2)

Who are SCIENTISTS?

There are many different kinds of scientists in the world. Scientists are people who work in their own special area of
science, based on years of college training. Most scientists finish high school and then go to college from four to ten
years in order to get trained to become scientists. Scientists are problem solvers who love to answer questions that
help us better understand things. Here are just a few different types of scientists:
​ Chemists -study atoms, elements, and chemistry
​ Astronomers - study space
​ Geologists - study what the Earth is made of
​ Archaeologists -study ancient cultures
and how it changes over time.
​ Biologists -study living things
​ Oceanographers -study the ocean and its currents
​ Ecologists -study living things and the environment
​ Computer Scientists –study computers
​ Geneticists –study genetics
​ Physicists –study forces, motion, and really
​ Herpetologists -study reptiles
small things like atoms.
​ Lepidopterists -study butterflies
​ Criminologists –study crime
​ Marine Biologists -study life in the sea
​ Zoologists – study animal
​ Paleontologists -study ancient life and fossils

Reading Comprehension Questions

1. When you hear someone say, “The Nature of Science”, what are they talking about?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. What do scientists use to answer questions?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. What is an inference?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Does scientific knowledge ever change? (circle one) Yes No
5. Give an example to support your last answer:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
6. Do scientists use their imaginations (circle one) Yes No
7. What is the difference between a scientific theory and a guess?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
8. List four different names of scientists that you have never heard of before. Also, write down what it is that
they study.

Page 15 of 25
Science_Grade 6_ Scientific method_ summer booklet

The Scientific Method Reading with Questions (Page 1 of 2)

Read the passage and then answer the questions.

You may not realize it, but you are a scientist. Even though you do not have college or university training, you
practice scientific skills everyday of your life. Every time you wonder how to fix or repair something, you are being a
scientist.

Observations are a large part of science, but there is more to science than observation. The word science is from the
Latin word “scire,” which means “to know.” Scientists attempt to know things. They want answers to questions.

After facts are studied, observations taken, and experiments done, a theory is developed. A theory is the most
logical explanation of events that occur in nature. A theory must be tested over and over again. When a theory has
been tested many times and is accepted as true, it is called a law. Sometimes theories have to be changed, based on
new evidence from observation and experimentation. But this is the heart of science:
Allow questions to be asked and new scientific explanations to be developed. When scientists try to solve a problem
they do it in an orderly and systematic way. The method the use is called the scientific method. The steps are
described in the paragraphs below.

Suppose you tried to start your car on a cold morning. The car will not start and you notice ice frozen on the
pavement underneath the car. You realize that you forgot to put anti-freeze in the car.

Step one: Stating a problem or question clearly. Why does anti-freeze mixed with water in the engines cooling
system keep the water from freezing and cracking the block of the car? This is the type of questions that a
scientist would ask.

Step two: Research your problem. Use the library, the Internet, and interview people. You may have an answer
without testing.

Step three: Form a hypothesis. Once the problem has been stated and researched, a hypothesis is formed. A
hypothesis is an educated guess to a possible solution to the question or problem being studied. It should be in the
form “I think , because .” For example, your hypothesis could be: “I
think that anti-freeze keeps the water from freezing and cracking the block, because the chemicals create a
chemical reaction causing heat.”

Step four: Design and perform experiments. Next, a scientist will test the hypothesis by performing one or more
experiments. In the experiment, a scientist attempts to test only one variable at a time. This is called the INDEPENDENT
VARIABLE – it is the only variable that you change in an experiment. The DEPENDENT variable is the variable that you
measure in the experiment. It is important to keep EVRYTHING ELSE THE SAME IN AN EXPERIMENT. These are called
“control” or “control variables” which is the part of the experiment that is not changed) This is done so that any results
can be attributed to the one and only variable – the independent variable. The also experiment consists of a complete
materials list and a set of detailed, step by step procedures which allow scientists to carry out the experiment.

Step five: Recording and analyzing data and results. In any experiment, the scientist observes and records data.
(Use the rules you have learned about making data tables and graphs) Charts and graphs might be used. Computers
are helpful when there is a large amount of data to be recorded. The scientist would then study the data in order to
make a conclusion.

Page 16 of 25
Science_Grade 6_ Scientific method_ summer booklet

The Scientific Method Reading with Questions (Page 2 of 2)

Step Six: Stating a conclusion. A scientist will run an experiment over and over again. When the data seem to be
accurate, a conclusion can be reached. A conclusion states whether or not the hypothesis was correct. A conclusion
also includes an analysis of errors which occurred during the experiment. After a conclusion has been reached, there
are usually other questions that arise. And the scientific method is used again to answer these new questions.

Questions:
1. What is a theory that is accepted as true called?
2. What is the name of the process that scientists use to solve problems?
______________________________________________________________________________________________
3. What is a hypothesis?
4. Provide an example of a hypothesis about anything.
5. What is the independent variable?
6. Why should there be only one independent variable in an experiment?
7. What is the dependent variable?
8. “What are controls” or “control variables”?
9. Why is it so important to have control variables?
10. When can a conclusion be made?
11. List the steps of the scientific method in order.
1. 2.
3. 4.
5.

Page 17 of 25
Science_Grade 6_ Scientific method_ summer booklet

Exploring the Scientific Method (page 1 of 2) Read the passage and answer the questions about the Scientific
Method.

The scientific method is a process that scientists use to better understand the world around them. It includes
making observations and asking a question, forming a hypothesis, designing an experiment, collecting and
analyzing data, and drawing a conclusion. This, is sometimes also referred to as scientific inquiry. A hypothesis is a
possible explanation for an observation. A good scientist will design a controlled experiment to test their
hypothesis. In a controlled experiment, only one variable is tested at a time. It is called the manipulated or
independent variable. The experimental group will test the independent variable. The control group will be left
alone, so you have something to compare your results to. The variable that determines the data is the responding,
or dependent variable. It responds to the manipulated variable. All other variables in the experiment should remain
the same, because if you change more than one variable, you will not know which variable explained your results.
Once something has been tested many different times by many different scientists, it can become a scientific
theory. It is different from a scientific law, which describes what will happen every time under a particular set of
conditions.

Questions:

True or False if the answer is true, write "true" on the line. If the answer is false, replace the underlined word or
phrase with one that will make the sentence correct. Write the new words on the line.

1. Forming a hypothesis is the first step of the scientific method

2. A scientific law is different from a scientific theory because it describes
something in nature without attempting to explain it.
3. In order for a hypothesis to be testable, scientists need to be able carry out
investigations that will either support or disprove it
4. The experimental group is the group that is left alone during the experiment
5. The manipulated variable is the same thing as the independent variable.

Matching Match the word to the definition. Write the letter on the line.
A. This group shows the effect of
6. Scientific inquiry the variable being tested
7. Hypothesis B. This is the one variable that is changed
8. Control Group C. A well tested explanation
9. Experimental Group for experimental results

10. Independent Variable D. The many ways in which

scientists study the natural world
11. Dependent Variable
E. A possible answer to a scientific question
12. Scientific Theory
F. This describes an observed pattern in
13. Scientific Law nature

G. This group is left alone and not

experimented on

H. This is the variable that gets measured

Page 18 of 25
Science_Grade 6_ Scientific method_ summer booklet

Exploring the Scientific Method (page 2 of 2)

Identifying Read through the following scenarios. Identify the control group, the experimental group, the
independent variable, and the dependent variable.
Scenario Independent Dependent Variable Experimental Group Control Group
Variable
A company wants to 14. 15. 16. 17.
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.

A new sunscreen 18. 19. 20. 21.

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.

Page 19 of 25
Science_Grade 6_ Scientific method_ summer booklet

A student wants 22. 23. 24. 25.

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.

Page 20 of 25
Science_Grade 6_ Scientific method_ summer booklet

Answers Key This is for parents to use to check their student’s work.

Page 2: Student answers will vary depending on scenario.

Page 3:

Bean Plants: Sugar Water & Plants:

1. Collect & Analyze Data 1. Collect & Analyze Data

2. Question/Problem 2. Hypothesis

3. Conclusion 3. Experiment

4. Hypothesis 4. Conclusion

5. Experiment 5. Question/Problem

Page 4:
5: Consistent
1: Qualitative-data 9
:
E
v
i
d
e
n
c
e
6: Quantitative-data 10: Conclusion
2: Replication
7: Independent-variable 11: Durable
3: Repetition
8: Dependent-variable 12: Controlled-variable
4: Hypothesis

Pages 5-6: Note that students’ charts may look slightly different. Titles may also vary.

Page 21 of 25
Science_Grade 6_ Scientific method_ summer booklet

Page 22 of 25
Science_Grade 6_ Scientific method_ summer booklet

Answer Key Page 2

Page 7:

2 Do Research 7 Determine if the hypothesis is rejected

or accepted
4 Design an experiment 6 Analyze data
8 Modify of repeat experiments 3 Form a hypothesis
1 State the problem 5 Perform Experiment
1. F 5. H
2. A 6. B
3. D 7. C
4. G 8. E
Page 8:

1: Independent Variable: Charcoal filter Dependent Variable: Contaminants in water

2: Independent Variable: Insect repellant Dependent Variable: Number of insects that land on your arm
Part 2:
1. Answers will vary
2. Grass roots, soil with roots
3. Amount of soil that is removed
4. Soil sample with no plant
5. Type of soil, type of container, amount of water…
Page 9:
Types of Data:

1. N 5. N 9. L
2. N 6. L 10. N
3. L 7. N 11. L
4. N 8. L 12. N
Making Inferences: Note that there will be a variety in answers.
1. The person who sat here before had a cold drink. 4. Your mom is cooking tacos for dinner.
2. There is a substitute for your class. 5. Someone’s ride just got here.
3. It rained while you were in school. 6. You are playing basketball in gym class.
7. That person owns a cat
Page 11:
1. How science works and why is it important
2. Evidence
3. When you put all of the clues together to make an explanation
4. Yes
5. Answers will vary
6. Yes
7. Scientific theories are strong inferences that are based on multiple lines of evidence.
8. Answers will vary.
Page 23 of 25
Science_Grade 6_ Scientific method_ summer booklet

Answer Key Page 3

Page 13:
1. A scientific law
2. The scientific method
3. An educated guess to a possible solution to the question or problem being studied
4. Answers will vary
5. The only variable that you change in an experiment
6. So that any results can be attributed to the one and only variable – the independent variable
7. The variable that you measure in the experiment
8. The parts of the experiment that is not changed
9. So that any results can be attributed to the one and only variable – the independent variable
10. After the experiment has been run over and over again, and the data seems to be accurate.
11. State the problem
12. Research your problem
13. Form a hypothesis
14. Design and perform
experiments 15.Start a conclusion

Page 14:
1. False; making an observation
2. True
3. True
4. False; control group
5. True
6. D
7. E
8. G
9. A
10. B
11. H
12. C
13. F
Page 15:
14. New dog food
15. Weight lost
16. Dogs on new food
17. Dogs on normal diet
18. New sunscreen
19. Redness
20. Arm with new formula
21. Arm with leading formula
22. Sunlight
23. Plant height/growth
24. Plants kept under lamps
25. Plants getting just normal sun

Page 24 of 25