Analyzing the Elements of a Scientific Method Read the following story and then answer the questions. A scientist wants to find out why sea water freezes at a lower temperature than fresh water. The scientist goes to the library and reads a number of articles about the physical properties of solutions. The scientist also reads about the composition of sea water. The scientist travels to a nearby beach and observes the environmental and atmospheric conditions there. The scientist notes the taste of sea water and other factors such as waves, wind, air pressure, temperature, and humidity. After considering all this information, the scientist sits at a desk and writes, "If sea water has salt in it, it will freeze at a lower temperature than fresh water." The scientist goes into the laboratory and does the following: a. Fills each of two beakers with 1 liter of fresh water b. Dissolves 35 grams of table salt in one of the beakers c. Places both beakers in a freezer at a temperature of -1°C d. Leaves the beakers in a freezer for 24 hours After 24 hours, the scientist examines both beakers and finds the fresh water to be frozen. The salt water is still a liquid. The scientist writes in a notebook, "It appears that saltwater freezes at a lower temperature than fresh water." The scientist continues, "I suggest that the reason sea water freezes at a lower temperature is that sea water contains dissolved salts, while fresh water does not." Questions: 1. Which statement(s) contain conclusions? 2. Which statement(s) contain a hypothesis? 3. Which statement(s) contain observations? 4. Which statement(s) describe an experiment?

1st Edition

ISBN:9781938168130

Author:Kelly A. Young, James A. Wise, Peter DeSaix, Dean H. Kruse, Brandon Poe, Eddie Johnson, Jody E. Johnson, Oksana Korol, J. Gordon Betts, Mark Womble

Publisher:Kelly A. Young, James A. Wise, Peter DeSaix, Dean H. Kruse, Brandon Poe, Eddie Johnson, Jody E. Johnson, Oksana Korol, J. Gordon Betts, Mark Womble