Scientific Skills and Inquiry

A student hypothesized that robins prefer large birdhouses to small ones. He build four birdhouses of different sizes to test his hypothesis. What was the independent variable in the students study?

• The size of the birdhouse
• The number of birds in the house
• The location of the birdhouse
• The season of the year

Which of the following describes a scientific theory?

• A scientific theory, once established, can never be changed
• A scientific theory is a good guess made by very smart people
• A scientific theory explains a broad range of observed facts
• A scientific theory is an explanation proven beyond reasonable doubt

which is an example of a quantitative observation?

• the ant is 3 centimeters long
• the clouds are big and white
• the classroom feels cold

Which of the following is an observation about this picture?

• The player is wearing a red jersey
• the red team is going to score a touch down
• the quarterback is getting the ball

Which of the following is an inference about this picture?

• The player is wearing a red jersey
• the red team is going to score a touch down
• the quarterback is getting the ball

The things that may change or vary in an experiment are also known as what?

• hypothesis
• variables
• investigation
• conclusion 

Variables that are kept the same or not changed in an experiment.

• independent variable
• controlled variable
• dependent variable

Which of these is NOT a scientific observation?

• All birds have feathers.
• Some birds have colorful feathers.
• There are many different types of birds.
• Birds are a great pet.

What statement is an inference?

• There are two fish in the bowl.
• They are eating their food.
• They like their food.
• Both fish are blue.

Why do scientists conduct experiments?

• To make a lot of money.
• To ask a question. 
• To make a hypothesis.
• To prove a prediction is correct.