U0: The Nature and Practice of Science

Unit 0: The Nature and Practice of Science

MKMS 7th Grade Science

​Benchmark Standards

​SC.7.N.1.1 Define a problem from the seventh grade curriculum, use appropriate reference materials to support scientific understanding, plan and carry out scientific investigation of various types, such as systematic observations or experiments, identify variables, collect and organize data, interpret data in charts, tables, and graphics, analyze information, make predictions, and defend conclusions. (DOK 4)

SC.7.N.1.2 Differentiate replication (by others) from repetition (multiple trials).  (DOK 2)

SC.7.N.1.3 Distinguish between an experiment (which must involve the identification and control of variables) and other forms of scientific investigation and explain that not all scientific knowledge is derived from experimentation. (DOK 2)

SC.7.N.1.4 Identify test variables (independent variables) and outcome variables (dependent variables) in an experiment. (DOK 1)

SC.7.N.1.5 Describe the methods used in the pursuit of a scientific explanation as seen in different fields of science. (DOK 2)

SC.7.N.1.6 Explain that empirical evidence is the cumulative body of observations of a natural phenomenon on which scientific explanations are based. (DOK 2)

SC.7.N.1.7 Explain that scientific knowledge is the result of a great deal of debate and confirmation within the science community. (DOK 2)

SC.7.N.2.1 Identify an instance from the history of science in which scientific knowledge has changed when new evidence or new interpretations are encountered. (DOK 1)

SC.7.N.3.1 Recognize and explain the difference between theories and laws and give several examples of scientific theories and the evidence that supports them. (DOK 3)

SC.7.N.3.2 Identify the benefits and limitations of the use of scientific models. (DOK 2)

​Key Concept Summary

Students should complete this unit with a basic understanding of how the process of science works.  When a question is asked, researched, and a hypothesis proposed, scientific experimentation is one of the most common methods by which it is tested.  During experimentation, an independent variable is manipulated purposefully by scientists and the resulting change in the dependent variable is measured.  Metric units and measurement tools are used to produce objective, quantitative data to create graphical models to make inferences and predictions.  The experiment is repeated and then others replicate it to increase confidence in the conclusions.  Groups of scientists will use supported hypotheses from related experiments to form a theory which can explain a wide variety of other phenomena.  Theories are the best scientific explanation based on the available evidence.  Because theories are based on such large amounts of empirical evidence, they are rarely completely wrong, rather they are incomplete, requiring modification after further experimentation and additional evidence is obtained. Scientific theories NEVER become laws, because law describe something that occurs in nature, rather than explaining why it is happening.

Video Review

​Amoeba Sisters: Nature of Science

Click on the link above to watch the Amoeba Sisters video about the Nature of Science for further review.

Multiple Choice

Natalie is using a three-dimensional representation to study the parts of the human heart. Isaiah is working in a laboratory to test the hypothesis that plants grow taller in green light than in white light. Which of the following best

compares their activities?

• Natalie is conducting a scientific investigation, and Isaiah is not.

• Natalie is not conducting a scientific investigation, and Isaiah is.

• Natalie is conducting an experiment, and Isaiah is conducting a field study.

• Natalie is investigating a scientific model, and Isaiah is conducting

  an experiment.

Multiple Choice

Nicholas is conducting an investigation to determine how the number of turtles in a pond changes over several months. Which of the following would be the best way for Nicholas to organize and show his data?

• in a circle graph

• in a line graph

• in a bar graph

• in a diagram

Multiple Choice

Jacob conducted an investigation to determine the effect of acid on different types of rocks. He found that the data he collected do not support his hypothesis. Why would Jacob's hypothesis still have some value?

• It might lead to the development of new investigations.

• It demonstrates that Jacob needs more practice investigating.

• It might encourage Jacob to investigate the effect of bases instead.

• It shows that Jacob's investigation could have been better planned.

Multiple Choice

The test of a hypothesis is called a

• control
• dependent variable
• conclusion
• experiment

Multiple Choice

Dr. Rodriguez conducts an investigation to test her ideas about what causes tornadoes to form. She shares the results of the investigation with other scientists, who then replicate her investigation. Which of the following best explains why

the other scientists do this?

• If they get different results, then they will know that Dr. Rodriguez's

  conclusions apply only to her region.

• If they get the same results, then they will know that Dr. Rodriguez's

  conclusions are most likely correct.

• If they conduct the same investigation, then they can publish an article in a scientific journal.

• If they conduct the same investigation, then they can share credit with Dr. Rodriguez.

Multiple Choice

Scientists often replicate experiments to verify the findings. Winch of the following is an example of replication?

• A scientist repeats another scientist's experiment on how sound waves travel.

• A scientist conducts three trials of her own experiment on the behavior of light.

• A scientist heats two different metals to compare the temperatures at which they melt.

• A scientist conducts a different experiment on heat after his first one does not support his hypothesis.

Multiple Choice

Destiny conducted an experiment to test which of four types of batteries lasts longest in a flashlight. She used four identical flashlights and placed a different type of new battery in each flashlight. She turned the flashlights on at the same time, and she recorded the time when each flashlight stopped giving off light. Destiny's data are shown.

What is the independent variable in this experiment?

• the type of battery used

• the type of flashlight used

• the total amount of time each battery lasts

• the starting time when each flashlight is turned on

Multiple Choice

A scientist conducted an investigation to determine the relationship between algae growth and available light at increasing ocean depths. The scientist lowered a light meter into the ocean and recorded the amount of light at different depths. The scientist also collected a water sample at each depth to count the number of algae present. The table below shows the results.

Based on the information in the table, which of the following statements best describes the relationship between light and the density of the algae population?

• As the light level decreases, the density ofthe algae population decreases.

• As the light level decreases, the density of the algae population increases.

• As the density of the algae population increases, it reduces the light level.

• Light level has no effect on the density ofthe algae population.

Multiple Choice

objects or ideas that represent other things; they help us to understand objects or ideas that are too small or too big to see with our eyes

• investigation

• model

• experiment

• research

Multiple Choice

Christian conducts an experiment to test the hypothesis that adding sugar to water increases its boiling point. Christian conducts several trials of the experiment. What does conducting the trials allow Christian to do?

• choose different variables to test

• make sure the results are reliable

• change the hypothesis based on the results

• change the results at the end of the experiment

Multiple Choice

Hannah conducted an experiment to determine the temperature at which an unknown substance freezes. She conducted multiple trials of her experiment. Then Angel followed Hannah's procedure to verify her results. Which of the following statements best compares what Hannah and Angel did?

• Hannah repeated her experiment, and Angel replicated it.

• Hannah replicated her experiment, and Angel repeated it.

• Hannah and Angel both replicated the experiment.

• Hannah and Angel both repeated the experiment.

Multiple Choice

Mr. Benjamin asked his class to form four groups. He provided the groups with identical balances, rulers, and metal blocks. He asked each group to use the tools to determine the mass, volume, and density of its block. The table below shows each group's data.

Mr. Benjamin informed the class that the actual density of each metal block was 3.21 g/cm³. Which of the following is most likely responsible for differences in the data?

• Group 2 calculated incorrectly.

• Group 2 measured incorrectly.

• Group 3 measured incorrectly.

• Group 3 recorded data incorrectly.

Multiple Choice

A scientist is investigating two unknown organisms. She plans to use the characteristics of the organisms to classify them. She has observed each organism and samples of its cells and has recorded her observations. The table lists some of her observations.

An experiment is only one of several different kinds of investigations that scientists conduct. Which of the following statements best describes why the scientist's investigation is NOT an experiment?

• She did not conduct a carefully controlled test.

• She did not take measurements and record data.

• She did not display her observations in a line graph.

• She observed the characteristics of only two organisms.

Multiple Choice

independent variable 

• condition or factor that is manipulated by a scientist during an experiment. 
• experimental data collected through observation and measurement. 
• condition that is controlled so that it does not change during an experiment. 
• proposed explanation or answer to a scientific question. 

Multiple Choice

constant

• process that test a hypothesis by collecting information under controlled conditions. 
• condition that is controlled so that it does not change during an experiment.
• is a logical interpretation based on prior knowledge. 
• process that test a hypothesis by collecting information under controlled conditions. 

Multiple Choice

theory

• process that test a hypothesis by collecting information under controlled conditions. 
• proposed explanation or answer to a scientific question.
• is a statement about an observed phenomenon or a unifying concept
• a well tested explanation for a wide variety of observations and experimental results. 

Multiple Choice

Keesha did an experiment to study the rate of photosynthesis in the water plant Elodea. She placed a piece of Elodea in a beaker of water and set the beaker 10 centimeters (cm) from a light source. Keesha counted the bubbles released from the plant every minute for five minutes (min). She repeated the process two more times. First, she moved the light to 20 cm from the beaker, and then she moved the light to 30 cm from the beaker. Keesha’s setup and data are shown below.

What is the outcome variable (dependent variable) in this experiment?

• the number of bubbles produced

• the type of plant placed in the beaker

• the amount of time the bubbles were counted

• the distance of the light source from the plant

Multiple Choice

law

• a well tested explanation for a wide variety of observations and experimental results. 
• is a statement about an observed phenomenon or a unifying concept
• proposed explanation or answer to a scientific question.
• condition that is controlled so that it does not change during an experiment.

Multiple Choice

The statements in the chart were taken from the procedures of four different investigations. The statement from which investigation is an example of repetition?

• Investigation 1

• Investigation 2

• Investigation 3

• Investigation 4

Multiple Choice

dependent variable 

• a well tested explanation for a wide variety of observations and experimental results. 
• condition that is controlled so that it does not change during an experiment.
• variable that is observed and changes in response to the variable manipulated by a scientist, variable that is measured.
• is a statement about an observed phenomenon or a unifying conceptproposed explanation or answer to a scientific question.condition that is 

Multiple Choice

Grace wants to find out how many kinds of organisms live in tide pools on a certain rocky shore. Which of the following would be the best investigation for Grace to conduct?

• survey

• observational study

• experiment

• laboratory study

Multiple Choice

Christopher states the hypothesis that a mouse's body temperature decreases as the air temperature around the mouse decreases. He wants to design an experiment to test his hypothesis. What should the dependent variable be in

this experiment?

• the air temperature

• the mass of the mouse

• the mouse's body temperature

• the amount of time for the experiment

Multiple Choice

The following statements were taken from the procedures of four different investigations. The statement from which investigation is an example of repetition?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Multiple Choice

A scientist designs and conducts an experiment to see if a new skin cream heals burns faster than an existing cream. Which of the following should the scientist do next to make sure the investigation and results are valid?

• conduct many trials of the same experiment

• share the results right away with other scientists

• design and conduct a new experiment to test a different cream

• design and conduct a new experiment to test more than one variable

Multiple Choice

Which type of sugar dissolves the fastest?

Which is the independent variable?

• The temperature of the water

• The amount of water

• The type of sugar

• The type of cup you use

Multiple Choice

Two recent models of the atom are shown below. The modem model has replaced the Bohr model in current scientific thinking. Which of the following statements explains why the atomic model has changed?

• Evidence from new investigations led to the development of the modern model.

• Scientists developed the modern model to support a new hypothesis.

• Too many years passed after the Bohr model was developed.

• Scientists decided that the Bohr model was too complicated.

Multiple Choice

Science

• The study of the educated guesses

• The study of the sound

• The study of the natural and physical world through observations and experiments

• What you can taste.

Multiple Choice

Qualitative Data

• Descriptive Data

• Data that includes numbers

• The only data use during an experiment

• Data found when you are determining your hypothesis.

Multiple Choice

Quantitative Data

• Data found by using smell

• Numerical Data

• Bad data, not relivable.

• Data that comes from hearing something large.

Multiple Choice

What form of data do scientist prefer?

• Measurable data/empirical evidence
• Qualitative data
• Uncontrolled evidence
• Single trial data/evidence