Question

the moral of the tale
theres a very good science lesson to learn here.

1. what traits does pierre demonstrate that are characteristic of good scientists (name 3 traits)?
2. what was wrong with pierres first dog food experiment?
3. what two mistakes did he make in his second experiment?
4. what does it mean to control variables?

what is it you are controlling in a controlled experiment?

1. what is a control, and why is it important in a scientific experiment?
2. which dog was the control dog and which dog was the experimental dog in pierres third attempt?
3. what is a variable?
4. what is a dependent variable?
5. what is an independent variable?
6. what kind of records did pierre keep?
7. why is it important to keep records?
8. what scientific instruments did pierre use?
9. what does calibration mean, and why is it important to reduce mechanical error?
10. could you re - create pierres experiment?
11. why is repeatability important in science?
12. what other kinds of experiments could you do to test pierres conclusion about the effect of his dog vitamins?

Explanation:

1. Good - scientist traits: Curiosity (desire to test dog food), perseverance (keeps trying experiments), and attention - to - detail (should record accurately).
2. First experiment: Lack of a control group, no variable control, and small sample size (maybe just one dog).
3. Second experiment mistakes: Could be improper variable manipulation and not having a proper control.
4. Controlling variables: Keeping all factors except the one being tested constant. In a dog food experiment, it could be factors like dog breed, age, and exercise level.
5. Control: A standard for comparison. Important to isolate the effect of the variable being tested.
6. Without more context, assume one dog gets normal food (control) and one gets food with vitamins (experimental).
7. Variable: A factor that can change in an experiment. In dog food, it could be the type of food, amount of food.
8. Dependent variable: The outcome that is measured, e.g., dog's weight, energy level in a dog food experiment.
9. Independent variable: The factor that is deliberately changed, e.g., type of dog food, presence of vitamins.
10. He might have kept records of dog's eating habits, weight changes, activity levels.
11. Records are important for data analysis, to reproduce the experiment, and to draw valid conclusions.
12. Likely simple instruments like a scale to measure dog's weight, measuring cups for food.
13. Calibration: Adjusting an instrument to a standard. Reduces mechanical error for accurate measurements.
14. Yes, by following proper experimental design with control and experimental groups, controlling variables.
15. Repeatability ensures results are not due to chance, validates findings, and allows for verification by others.
16. Long - term studies, studies with different dog breeds, or studies varying other aspects like exercise while controlling food.

Answer:

1. Curiosity, perseverance, attention - to - detail
2. Lack of control group, no variable control, small sample size
3. Improper variable manipulation, no proper control
4. Keeping all factors except the one being tested constant; factors like dog breed, age, exercise level
5. A standard for comparison; to isolate the effect of the variable being tested
6. One dog gets normal food (control), one gets food with vitamins (experimental) (assuming)
7. A factor that can change in an experiment
8. The outcome that is measured
9. The factor that is deliberately changed
10. Records of dog's eating habits, weight changes, activity levels
11. For data analysis, to reproduce the experiment, to draw valid conclusions
12. Scale, measuring cups
13. Adjusting an instrument to a standard; for accurate measurements
14. Yes
15. Ensures results are not due to chance, validates findings, allows for verification
16. Long - term studies, studies with different dog breeds, studies varying exercise while controlling food