Nature of Science

Front

The following bar graph shows the population of bacteria under different temperature ranges.  What can be concluded about the bacteria from reading this graph?

Back

They prefer temperatures between 20°C and 30°C.

Front

What is the outcome variable (dependent variable) in the hypothesis: “Drinking too many soft drinks causes calcium deficiency in teens.”?

Back

the level of calcium in the teens

Front

Helen is studying the growth of two different types of plants. She planted two of each type of plant in locations with different levels of sunlight: full sun, partial shade, and full shade. For five weeks, Helen records the number of new leaves on each plant. Which of the following statements correctly describes the independent and dependent variables in Helen's experiment?

Back

The independent variable is the amount of sunlight, and the dependent variable is the number of new leaves

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Front

What is Gabriella doing by recording flight times for each wing shape three times and finding the average?

Back

She is performing repeated trials of the experiment to increase the reliability of the results.

Front

Which of these experimental procedures is most likely to produce reliable data?

• Detergents are tested against warm water for their ability to remove bacon grease from a pan. One trial is performed for each brand of detergent.
• A metal coil is tested for elasticity by measuring both its stretch distance and its recoil with a 5kg weight. The results are verified by replication by another scientist.
• A material is tested for friction by recording the time it takes a ball of the material to roll one meter down an inclined plane. The time measurements are averaged over three trials.
• A fertilizer is tested for its ability to increase height of tomato plants. Plant height of several treatment groups are averaged over three trials. The experiment is sent to two other labs for replication.

Back

A fertilizer is tested for its ability to increase height of tomato plants. Plant height of several treatment groups are averaged over three trials. The experiment is sent to two other labs for replication.

Front

Which conclusion is best supported by the results of a field test comparing GizmoBar and Whizobops Bar preferences among different age groups?

Back

GizmoBars were preferred by those between 10 and 35 years old.

Front

What should Samuel do if his experiment data does not support his hypothesis?

Back

Report his observations and conclusions honestly, clearly stating that the data do not support the hypothesis.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-6

Front

What should a scientist do if a hypothesis is NOT supported by data?

Back

Carry out further investigations.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Front

Which of the following statements about hypotheses is true?

• Hypotheses can never be changed.
• Hypotheses are always proven to be true.
• Hypotheses can be accepted or rejected.
• Hypotheses can be proven true without evidence.

Back

Hypotheses can be accepted or rejected.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-3

Front

Why was it important that identical twins be involved in the 2017 NASA experiment involving Scott Kelley and Mark Kelley?

Back

Identical twins both have similar physical characteristics for scientists to test.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-2