Hypothesis Testing
Hypothesis Testing is a Grade 7 science concept from Amplify Science (California) Chapter 4: Science Seminar on the Orange-Bellied Parrot, introducing how scientists evaluate competing testable explanations using relevant, high-quality evidence. Students assess whether cat predation or resource scarcity better explains the parrot population decline by examining what evidence is needed to support each claim.
Key Concepts
A scientific hypothesis is a testable explanation. Students evaluate two claims: either cats are eating the parrots (Predation), or the parrots are starving (Resource Scarcity).
Determining the answer requires high quality evidence. Not all evidence is equal; it must be relevant to the specific claim being tested.
Common Questions
What is a scientific hypothesis?
A scientific hypothesis is a testable explanation for an observation. It must be specific enough to be supported or refuted by evidence, and it must be relevant to what is being investigated.
How do scientists choose between competing hypotheses?
Scientists evaluate the quality and relevance of evidence for each hypothesis. The hypothesis that is best supported by specific, high-quality data that directly addresses the claim is accepted.
What are the two hypotheses for the Orange-Bellied Parrot decline?
The two competing hypotheses are predation (feral cats are eating the parrots) and resource scarcity (the parrots are starving due to insufficient food supply). Students evaluate evidence to determine which is better supported.
What do Grade 7 students learn about hypothesis testing in Amplify Science?
In Chapter 4 of Amplify Science California Grade 7, students learn to construct and evaluate scientific hypotheses using relevant evidence, distinguishing between strong and weak scientific arguments.