Question

step 3- hypothesis and variables
think back to the original day of polymers. now we have dehydrated polymers that we are going to make a hypothesis on.

1. what is the difference between an inference and a hypothesis?

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if we add the polymers to the __________ rubbing alcohol/hydrogen peroxide (choose 1), then it will grow _______ more/less (choose 1) compared to when the polymers are put in water because
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1. what is the independent variable?

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1. what is the dependent variable?

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1. what are the constants?

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1. what is the control variable?

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Explanation:

1. Difference between inference and hypothesis

An inference is a conclusion drawn from observations/evidence (e.g., “The plant is wilting, so it needs water”). A hypothesis is a testable prediction (e.g., “If I water the plant, it will stop wilting”) for an experiment.

Choose a liquid (e.g., rubbing alcohol) and growth outcome (e.g., less). Reason: Rubbing alcohol has lower water content, and polymers (like hydrogels) absorb water to grow; less water means less growth.

The independent variable is what we change. Here, it’s the type of liquid (rubbing alcohol/hydrogen peroxide vs. water).

Answer:

Inference: Conclusion from evidence/observations. Hypothesis: Testable prediction for an experiment.

Hypothesis Completion (Example)