How to Write a Testable
Question
It’s all about the cause & effect!
After all…scientists try to discover patterns in nature!
What is a “Testable Question?”
Note card
A
testable question is one that can be
answered by designing and conducting an
experiment
 It
must contain a cause & effect
relationship
How do we test to see if a question
is a testable question?
Note card
 Does
it contain a cause & effect?
(1st question you should
ask yourself! – If the answer is yes, proceed with the next question)
 Can
you measure the effect?
 Can
it be proven true or false?
 Can
another scientist check the results?
Are these testable questions?

Be sure to ask yourself if there is a cause & effect!
1.
Do worms like to eat garbage?
2.
What effect does a car’s weight have on its gas mileage?
3.
Why do bikes rust?
4.
Why do ants follow each other in a line?
5.
Does the gas pressure inside a basketball affect how it
bounces?
KAHOOT!

Sign into the school’s wireless connection using your device

Go to www.kahoot.it

Type in the pin number found on the screen

Hit enter

Type in your group name when it asks for your “nickname”

Wait for the class to join

Read each question and look for a cause & effect relationship

Vote
**Discuss what makes a testable question & start to form a better
understanding of testable questions**
https://create.kahoot.it/#quiz/4a4036c0-0019-43e68d21-2ff3d5a8e3a4
www.kahoot.it
 As
you were playing, did you start to
notice any patterns?
 What
types of questions words were used
for the testable questions?
How do I write a testable question?
Use the formula below as a guide:
 How
does cause affect effect?
or
 Does
the cause affect effect?
What are they claiming?
Can you create a testable question?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTpXh33Mbeg
What does the commercial claim?
• What is the cause?
• What effect do they promise?
• Can you write a testable question?
What are they claiming?
Can you create a testable question?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULuBlig_JmE
What does the commercial claim?
• What is the cause?
• What effect do they promise?
• Can you create a testable question?
Homework:

Packet page 21

Locate 3 magazine ads or commercials that make claims

Record the name of the product they were advertising

Identify the claim

Create a testable question for their claim