Definition: A test under controlled conditions made to either demonstrate a known truth, examine the validity of a hypothesis, or determine the efficacy of something previously untried.
Alright class, settle down, let’s take a look! Today we're tackling “experiment,” a word that sounds quite grand. The dictionary gave us a definition, understand? Let's break it down with a little rhyme – it’ll help you see the time! (Slight pause for effect) “An experiment, a test so neat, Under conditions, oh so complete!” Now listen closely, this is key, It’s about trying things, you see. Let's unpack that definition piece by piece: "A test under controlled conditions..." – That means we carefully choose our surroundings! We want to keep everything the same except what we are testing. Like if we’re baking a cake - we control the oven temperature, ingredients and timing, but change the amount of sugar to see how it affects the taste. We need to be precise! "...made to either demonstrate a known truth..." – Sometimes an experiment proves something we already think is true. Like, testing if water does indeed get colder when you add ice - it’s a well-known fact! "...examine the validity of a hypothesis..." – A hypothesis is just a fancy word for an educated guess! An experiment helps us see if our guess is right or wrong. Think "If I plant this seed, will it grow?" That's your hypothesis - and you need to test it! "...or determine the efficacy of something previously untried." – This means we’re trying something new! We don’t know if it will work, so we test it out to see. Like inventing a new cleaning solution - we need an experiment to see how well it cleans! So, in short, an experiment is like a carefully planned investigation. It’s about trying things and learning from the results. Do you have any questions about this? Don't be shy, let’s discuss! Is there anything that’s still a little fuzzy for you?