8th Grade Scientific Investigations/Lab Tools and Safety

Which of the following types of investigation focuses on keeping most variables the same so the effects of changing one variable can be determined?

• field studies

• reviews of existing work

• development of models

• controlled experiments

Science is a way of generating knowledge about the natural world. Which of these are required for generating scientific knowledge? (There are three)

• Empirical Data

• a laboratory

• Logical argumentation

• Skeptical review

• Supernatural explanations

Which of the following types of investigation takes place in a natural setting?

• reviews of existing work

• development of models

• field studies

• controlled experiments

Which of the following investigates a system by creating and studying a system that resembles it?

• controlled experiments

• field studies

• reviews of existing work

• development of models

When developing a question for scientific inquiry, the question will ideally

• identify variables.

• be measurable.

• not just simply ask why.

• all of these.

Which of the following is a testable scientific question?

• Which makes cows happier--sunny weather or cloudy weather?

• Which growth hormone results in larger cows--hormone X or hormone Y?

• Which is more important to humans--dairy cows or beef cattle?

• all of these

Which of the following is a good scientific question?

• How do star fish fall in love?

• Why do crickets chirp?

• Are dragons lizards or birds?

• Does eating less fat increase a mouse's life span?

A scientific question

• involves things that are measurable

• produces repeatable investigations

• is testable

• all of these

Rey lives in Wheaton and is interested in how the climate compares to the climate in Ecuador. Which of the following is a testable question that could help this comparison?

• Are thunderstorms in Ecuador as scary as thunderstorms in Wheaton?

• Are average yearly temperatures in Ecuador greater than in Wheaton?

• Is the climate in Ecuador better than the climate in Wheaton?

• Do high pressure systems prefer forming in Ecuador compared to in Wheaton?

Mrs. E is interested in pottery, plants, and basketball. Which of the following questions would be suitable for use in a scientific investigation?

• How many needles grow on the giant redwoods in California?

• What color of carnation flowers do people find most attractive?

• What is the most number of points ever scored in a professional basketball game?

• What length of time is best to use for the firing of pottery to make it strong?