Evaluating Resources in Environmental Science

1. In analyzing a hypothesis on global warming, the average temperature of the earth is used over and over again. One group of scientists claims that global warming is occurring because the average temperature of the earth has increased 0.8 degrees Celsius in the last hundred years. Another group of scientists states that global warming is not happening, due to the fact that the earth’s temperature fluctuates only 0.8 degrees Celsius over the past hundred years. Which statement below best reflects how two groups of scientists can use the same data to justify two different conclusions?

• A. Data can be examined in context with other data points in order to draw valid conclusions.

• B. Data in science is rarely accurate and should not be used in a scientific argument.

• C. The data is false and needs to be corrected since it can’t prove either side of a scientific argument.

• D. Data is frequently used outside of context to benefit the conclusion scientists want to reach.

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NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

1. Scientists performed an experiment addressing the development of the theory of evolution. During the experiment the scientific team found very unusual results. Which statement best reflects what the scientists should do next?

• A. Change variables in this experiment and repeat it until he gets the data he was expecting.

• B. Have other scientists replicate his experiment exactly and see if they get the same results.

• C. Assume the scientists did everything correctly and write up his results to get published in a scientific journal.

• D. The scientists made a mistake somewhere, but should alter the results to better match his original hypothesis.

1. Janelle believes that the results Josh found while doing his experiment are incorrect and not accurate. Which of the following statements explains what Janelle can do to prove that Josh’s results are incorrect?

• A. Janelle can replicate Josh's experiment to see if she gets the same results.

• B. Janelle can do a different experiment and show that the results are different.

• C. Janelle can change variables in Josh's experiment to try to change the results.

• D. Janelle can research what should likely happen in the experiment from an online resource.

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1. Which of the following is the best indicator that an internet site is reliable?

• The author links to his or her favorite internet sites.

• The author of the site tells you the information is reliable.

• The author states in bold letters that the site was proofread by a librarian.

• D. The author of the site provides contact information and his or her qualifications.

1. Read the passage "Cold Fusion" in the box below

Predict the reason the scientific community rejected the idea of cold fusion?

• A. Other scientists were tried to contact them and they would not answer.

• B. Cold fusion was a topic that was cited frequently among the scientific community.

• C. Scientists in the community were unable to replicate the experiment with the same methods and obtain the same results.

• D. The original scientists were unable to attend a science community meeting involving cold fusion to explain their evidence.

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NGSS.HS-ETS1-3

1. Rachel is conducting a science experiment in which she examines the amount of methane released into the atmosphere from farming. She recently read an online article stating that scientists saw a decrease in methane when they substituted traditional grass for a dry seaweed product to use as food for cows. Rachel is not certain if the original online article can be trusted but she thinks it is a good basis for an experiment. What should be Rachel’s next step before she begins experimenting?

• A. Rachel should decide the independent variable for her experiment.

• B. Rachel should decide and create a hypothesis based on her research.

• C. Rachel should get the opinion of other scientists upon the validity of the experiment.

• D. Rachel should look for other published scientific journals or articles that provide information relating to this experiment.

1. A group of students are researching the best methods for converting algal oils into bio-diesel. Which of the following would be the best reliable source of information to use in the investigation?

• A. step by step instructions from a blog on social media.

• B. a magazine found in the school library regarding the economic cost of bio-fuels.

• C. a university study surveying the known methods for converting algae to bio-fuel found through a Google search engine.

• D. a pamphlet distributed at a local gas station claiming that bio-fuels degrade cars more quickly therefore making it more expensive.

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1. Scientists are trying to design a new shape for a boat that holds more weight for its size. After testing their hypothesis 10 times they analyze their data and see the boat they tested held less weight than the average boat currently does. What might these scientists do differently after they analyze their results.

• A. Make boats with their test design.

• B. Publish a journal on their findings.

• C. Use the data they collected to make a new hypothesis.

• D. Contact other scientist willing to retest their hypothesis and compare data samples.

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NGSS.MS-ETS1-3

1. Scientists are doing an experiment to see which brand of 30 SPF sunscreen works best. They applied the different brands of sunscreen to an object that measures the amount of UV rays (sunlight) that gets through the sunscreen. The scientists will use the data to compile a list of the best sunscreen brands. They also run a tests with no sunscreen. Why is it important that the scientist gather empirical data in order to make their decisions?

• A. Data allows scientific theories and laws to form.

• B. Data provides evidence to conclude their observations and hypothesis.

• C. Data allows the scientists to gain all credit for experiments taking place.

• D. Data ensures that scientists are following the scientific method in the proper order.

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1. Cholera is a bacteria that causes an infection of the intestine. A person can contract cholera by drinking water or eating food contaminated with the cholera bacterium.Scientists at the University of Central Florida (UCF) are studying a theory of the transmission of the bacteria Cholera. They have predicted the conditions needed in the water to avoid the transmission. Which of the following statements explains how the UCF scientists will be able to prove this theory true to the scientific community?

• A. The scientists will have to prove that most doctors believed cholera was an airborne illness.

• B. The scientists will determined that cholera didn’t affect the lungs, so it couldn’t be airborne.

• C. The scientists will write a paper on cholera and the transmission through contaminated food or water.

• D. The scientists will have to show data providing evidence for the 500 cases where cholera in water was not transmitted.