📚 Topic Summary
In Grade 7, we learn about different ways to gather information, also known as data. Three common methods are surveys, observations, and experiments. A survey involves asking people questions to collect their opinions or information. Observations involve watching and recording what happens in a specific situation. An experiment involves changing something to see what happens and learn about cause and effect. Understanding these methods helps us analyze the world around us and make informed decisions.
📊 Part A: Vocabulary
Match the term with its correct definition:
- Term: Survey
- Term: Observation
- Term: Experiment
- Term: Data
- Term: Variable
Definitions:
- A factor that can change or be changed in an experiment.
- The process of watching something or someone carefully to gain information.
- Information collected for analysis.
- A set of questions asked to gather information from people.
- A scientific procedure to test a hypothesis.
Answers:
1. Survey - A set of questions asked to gather information from people.
2. Observation - The process of watching something or someone carefully to gain information.
3. Experiment - A scientific procedure to test a hypothesis.
4. Data - Information collected for analysis.
5. Variable - A factor that can change or be changed in an experiment.
📝 Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the missing words in the paragraph below:
When conducting a __________, researchers often use a __________ to collect information from a group of people. In contrast, an __________ involves manipulating one or more __________ to see their effect on another. __________, on the other hand, involve watching and recording behaviors or events without intervention.
Word Bank: Survey, questionnaire, experiment, variables, observations
Answer:
When conducting a survey, researchers often use a questionnaire to collect information from a group of people. In contrast, an experiment involves manipulating one or more variables to see their effect on another. Observations, on the other hand, involve watching and recording behaviors or events without intervention.
🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking
Think about a question you would like to answer about your school. Describe how you would use a survey, observation, and an experiment to collect data to answer that question. Which method do you think would give you the best data and why?