Concept 1 Notes - Nature of Science

Multiple Choice

According to the National Academy of Sciences, what is a key characteristic of scientific explanations?

• They are based on observations and experiments.

• They are based on personal beliefs.

• They are based on traditions.

• They are based on opinions.

Open Ended

Why is it important for scientific explanations to be based on empirical evidence?

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the difference between a fact and a principle in science?

• A fact is an objective, verifiable observation, while a principle is a statement based on repeated experimental observation.

• A fact is a guess based on observations, while a principle is always subjective.

• A fact is a broad concept, while a principle is a specific observation.

• A fact is an explanation, while a principle is a law.

Multiple Select

Based on the definitions provided, which of the following statements are true about scientific laws and theories?

• A law describes patterns in nature and is often accepted as fact.

• A theory explains why phenomena occur and organizes facts and research.

• A theory can become a law if enough evidence is gathered.

• A law is a specific observation, while a theory is always subjective.

Open Ended

Describe the general sequence of steps followed in the investigative process of scientific experimentation.

Fill in the Blank

Fill in the blank: An ___ is a guess about an object or outcome based on your observations.

Open Ended

Looking at the photo, what are two objective observations you can make, and what are two possible inferences you could draw from those observations?

Multiple Select

Which of the following are examples of quantitative observations?

• Green liquid

• 4 feet long

• Sour taste

• 7.2 grams

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the difference between precision and accuracy in quantitative data?

• Precision is about how close measurements are to each other, while accuracy is about how close measurements are to the correct value.

• Precision is about how close measurements are to the correct value, while accuracy is about how close measurements are to each other.

• Precision and accuracy mean the same thing in science.

• Precision is not important in scientific measurements.

Multiple Choice

Based on the target diagrams, which scenario represents data that is precise but not accurate?

• All shots are close together and centered on the target.

• Shots are close together but far from the center.

• Shots are spread out but centered on the target.

• Shots are spread out and far from the center.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements about the purpose/objective in a scientific investigation is correct?

• It is a statement that clearly shows what question you are trying to answer in your investigation.

• It is a guess about the outcome of the experiment.

• It is a summary of the results.

• It is a list of materials needed for the experiment.

Open Ended

Explain why it is important to conduct background research before starting a scientific investigation.

Fill in the Blank

A testable prediction based on observations that describes a cause and effect relationship between variables is called a ___.

Multiple Choice

What is the correct format for writing a hypothesis according to the slides?

• If (IV) then (DV)

• If (DV) then (IV)

• IV causes DV because of the hypothesis

• DV causes IV if the hypothesis is correct

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the independent variable in an experiment?

• The variable that is measured in response to changes

• The variable that is deliberately changed or manipulated by the experimenter

• The variable that remains constant throughout the experiment

• The group used for comparison with the experimental group

Open Ended

Explain the difference between an independent variable and a dependent variable using your own words.

Fill in the Blank

What is the dependent variable in the running experiment example discussed in the slides?

Multiple Choice

Which of the following should be included when listing the materials needed for an experiment?

• Only the names of items

• Amounts, brands (if important), and specifics

• Just the brands of items

• A general description of items

Multiple Select

When writing procedures for an experiment, which of the following are important to include?

• Start with an action word

• Include every step for replication

• Make it a numbered list

• Only write the most important steps

Open Ended

Describe the roles of the experimental group and the control group in an experiment. Why is it important to have both?

Multiple Choice

Why is it important to have as many repeated trials as possible in an experiment?

• To ensure results aren’t due to chance and to eliminate errors

• To make the experiment longer

• To use more resources

• To increase the number of variables

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the purpose of keeping constants in an experiment?

• To ensure that only the independent variable affects the dependent variable

• To increase the number of variables tested

• To make the experiment more complicated

• To reduce the number of repeated trials

Open Ended

Describe the difference between results and analysis in a scientific investigation.

Multiple Choice

What are two things you should do when drawing conclusions from experimental data?

• Make an explicit statement about your hypothesis and describe real world applications

• Ignore the data and guess the outcome

• Only focus on errors and ignore trends

• Only describe the procedure

Open Ended

Explain how engineering is related to both science and technology, using examples from daily life.

Fill in the Blank

Science answers questions based on our ___, while technology solves problems based on our needs.

Open Ended

How has your understanding of the nature of science changed after this lesson?

Multiple Choice

Based on the definition provided by the National Academy of Sciences, which of the following is NOT considered a part of science?

• An explanation based on repeated experiments and observations

• A theory that can be substantiated by other scientists

• A claim that cannot be supported by empirical evidence

• A hypothesis tested and confirmed by data

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a step in the technological design process as described in the image?

• Problem Identification

• Solution Design

• Implementation

• Marketing