Nature of Science (P.S. Hon.)

What makes a controlled experiment different from other scientific investigations, such as a systematic observation?

• It allows the investigator to make a claim based on evidence gathered during the investigation.

• It uses scientific methods of research to reach a conclusion about the topic of study.

• It provides the investigator with a way to test a hypothesis or confirm the results of a prior investigation.

• It isolates a single variable by controlling all other variables that may affect the outcome of the investigation.

Why is it important to use controlled variables in a scientific experiment?

• To make sure you get the correct results.

• To see how they affect the dependent variable.

• To make sure they don’t affect the outcome.

• To see how they are affected by the independent variable.

How does a scientist know if he/she has run enough trials in an investigation?

• Three trials is the standard expectation

• Ten trials usually gives reliable data

• When the data is consistent and predictable

• When they get the answer they expected

What has to happen for a scientific theory to become a scientific law?

• It has to be confirmed consistently and predictably through repetition and replication

• It must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt by the empirical evidence

• The overwhelming majority of scientists must form a consensus agreeing with it

• It will never become a scientific law because it has a different purpose

How are scientific theories related to scientific laws?

• Theories are used to explain laws

• Theories are less important than laws

• Theories are laws that haven’t been proven yet

• Theories don’t have as much evidence as laws

Which of these is considered a limitation of scientific models?

• Models can be cheaper to study

• Models can allow scientists to study the topic more safely

• Models can create misconceptions

• Models can simplify a complex idea

Alex is testing how the amount of sunlight given to sunflowers affects their growth rate. What is the INDEPENDENT variable in his experiment?

• the type of light

• the type of plant

• the growth rate

• the amount of light

Alex is testing how the amount of water given to sunflowers affects their growth rate. What is the DEPENDENT variable in his investigation?

• the type of water

• the amount of water

• the amount of sunlight

• the growth rate

Alex is testing how the size of the pot affects the growth rate of sunflowers. Which of these steps would improve the reliability of his data?

• He could use pots made from different materials.

• He could give more or less water to plants depending on the size of their pot.

• He could collect data from more sunflower plants in his study.

• He could use different types of flowers.

A representation of an object, idea, or process for the use of testing or communication

• empirical evidence

• scientific model

• scientific law

• data