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In a hypothesis, “If” identifies what is changed, the independent variable.
In a hypothesis, “Then” identifies what is expected to happen, the dependent variable.
In a hypothesis, “Because” gives the reason the predicted outcome is expected to happen.
If sets the change, then predicts the outcome, because gives the reason.
A plant-growth hypothesis predicts that if a plant gets more sunlight, it will grow taller because sunlight helps plants make food.
A water-temperature hypothesis predicts that if water temperature increases, sugar will dissolve faster because warmer water helps sugar dissolve more quickly.
1. A student investigates how warming water affects sugar dissolving and expects warmer water to make the sugar dissolve faster. Which hypothesis matches this example?
2. A student is planning an experiment and states what they expect will happen when they change a condition. What is this prediction called?
3. In the hypothesis “If the amount of sunlight increases, then a plant will grow taller because sunlight helps plants make food,” what is the independent variable?
What does a hypothesis predict about an experiment?
What will happen in the experiment.
What does a plant-growth hypothesis predict when a plant gets more sunlight?
The plant will grow taller.
What does a water-temperature hypothesis predict when water temperature increases?
Sugar will dissolve faster.
What does “If” identify in a hypothesis?
The independent variable being changed.
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