SSA Review: Nature of Science

This is the variable in an experiment that changes on purpose? 

• Independent variable
• Dependent variable
• Control variable
• Constant

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

This is the variable in the experiment that is being measured? 

• Independent variable
• Control variable
• Constant
  
• Dependent variable

An idea or explanation based on observations and reaches general acceptance?

• Dependent variable
• Observation
• Hypothesis
• Theory

 An idea or explanation that is based on observations and that can be test.

• theory
• hypothesis
• scientific law
• dependent variable

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

During which step of the Scientific Method do you propose what you think will happen?

• Ask a question
• Experiment
• Hypothesis
• Conclusion

Newton’s third law of motion states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. How does this law differ from a theory?

• A theory explains a set of well tested observations; a law describes a pattern in nature.
• Laws can be changed with the addition of new evidence but theories cannot.
• A law explains a pattern in nature in more detail than a theory. 
• Theories are based on more evidence than laws.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-1

In which statement does the word theory mean scientific theory?

• In theory, the experiment will work as planned. 
• She has a theory about why the storm arrived later than predicted. 
• The atomic theory explains that material objects are made up of atoms. 
• The doctor’s prescription for curing a cold is based on his best theory or guess. 

Joe tells Mai his theory about why sea turtles nest on the beach instead of in the ocean. He says, “The turtle eggs would sink to the bottom of the ocean, and the baby turtles would drown.” Joe says his uncle is a fisherman, who told Joe this information. Mai tells Joe that his theory is not scientific. Which explanation supports Mai’s evaluation of Joe’s theory?

• Joe’s idea is already a scientific law. 
• Joe’s idea is not supported by scientific evidence. 
• Joe’s idea is a good guess that can be tested by experiments. 
• Joe’s idea accurately explains why sea turtles nest on the beach. 

Scientists discuss and debate experimental results and possible explanations in studying phenomena. Which best explains why scientists debate while searching for explanations?

• because debating helps scientists focus on empirical evidence, analyzing both the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence
• because debating helps the scientific community to present interesting and exciting science to the public
• because debating gives scientists an opportunity to express their feelings and opinions about the subject
• because every scientist wants to find an accurate explanation and disprove others’ explanations

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NGSS.MS-PS2-4

Unprotected exposure to the sun’s rays is a factor in the development of skin cancer. Which   of the following is an example of empirical evidence that supports this hypothesis?

• a model of a skin cell showing where DNA is in the cell
• a skin cancer survivor’s recollection that he had a bad sunburn as a child
• data demonstrating a relationship between amount of sun exposure and incidences of skin cancer
• an advertisement for a sun block product that claims it protects skin for ultraviolet rays

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4