Unit 1: Nature of Science Review

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What is pseudoscience?

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Pseudoscience refers to beliefs or practices that claim to be scientific but lack empirical evidence and cannot be tested or falsified.

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Give an example of a pseudoscientific claim.

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An example of a pseudoscientific claim is 'Aliens Built Stonehenge!'

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What is iridium and why is it significant in the study of asteroids?

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Iridium is a rare element commonly found in asteroids, and its presence in rock layers can indicate an asteroid impact.

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What would scientists expect to find in rock layers from around the time of an asteroid impact?

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Scientists would expect to find greater than usual amounts of iridium in the rock layers.

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What is the main reason astrology is considered a pseudoscience?

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Astrology is considered a pseudoscience because it is not supported by empirical evidence.

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Why might scientific theories be modified?

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Scientific theories may be modified due to new evidence that supports a revision of the earlier theories.

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What is an independent variable in an experiment?

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The independent variable is the factor that is manipulated or changed in an experiment to observe its effects.

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What is a dependent variable in an experiment?

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The dependent variable is the factor that is measured or observed in an experiment, which is affected by changes in the independent variable.

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In Justin's experiment, what was the independent variable?

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The independent variable in Justin's experiment was the temperature of the rooms (80 degrees vs. 60 degrees).

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What is empirical evidence?

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Empirical evidence is information acquired by observation or experimentation that can be verified and is used to support or refute a hypothesis.