Student studio / GED / Science

Think like an investigator.

Compare a controlled experiment, interpret a small data table, and decide what the results do and do not prove.

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Lesson 1 / Science / Scientific Reasoning

Variables, data & scientific conclusions

I can identify a variable, read a data table, calculate a change, and evaluate whether a conclusion is supported.

About 15–20 minutes6 practice questionsExperiment, variables, averages, evidence

01 / WARM UP

Start with key terms.

Read each term and think about its meaning. Open the card for an explanation before moving on.

Independent variable

The condition the investigator intentionally changes.

Controlled variable

A condition kept the same so groups can be compared fairly.

Average

A representative value calculated from a set of measurements.

02 / STUDY THE INFORMATION

Read the information.

Work through the short situation and any table before answering the practice questions.

LIFE SCIENCE / EXPERIMENT DESIGNFictional investigation

Does fertilizer affect basil growth?

A gardening club wanted to test whether adding fertilizer increases the growth of basil plants. The club used 12 basil plants, each 10 cm tall at the beginning. The plants were randomly divided into two groups of six.

Group A received a measured amount of fertilizer each week. Group B received no fertilizer. Both groups had the same pot size, soil, water, daily light and four-week growing period.

Average plant heights after four weeks
Group	Fertilizer?	Starting average	Final average
A (6 plants)	Yes	10 cm	19 cm
B (6 plants)	No	10 cm	15 cm

The club concluded that the group receiving fertilizer grew more on average in this trial. The group also noted that more plants and repeat trials would improve confidence in the finding.

WORKED EXAMPLE / HOW TO REASON

Worked example: Calculate growth.

1 · Identify

Growth is the change from starting to final height.

2 · Subtract

For a sample plant that started at 8 cm and finished at 13 cm: 13 − 8 = 5 cm.

3 · Interpret

The plant grew 5 cm. Do not confuse its final height with how much it grew.

Strategy: When evaluating an investigation, ask what changed, what stayed the same, and whether the conclusion applies only to the observed evidence.

03 / TRY → CHECK → REVISE

Practice with feedback.

Choose an answer first. Select Check answer to see why it is supported or not. If you need help, show a hint and try again.

PracticeQuestion 1 of 6

04 / APPLY WHAT YOU LEARNED

Write a scientific conclusion.

In 1–3 sentences, explain what the basil results suggest and name one limitation of the experiment. Include a number from the data table.

My answer and evidence

Write before opening the model. Your answer stays in this browser tab; it is not submitted or graded.

Learning note: This original practice is not affiliated with GED Testing Service, is not an official GED test, and cannot estimate readiness. Answers are not stored or sent to wil. learning. Ask about personalized GED tutoring ↗