Science Fusion Unit 1

In science, we often gather information with our senses by watching, listening, smelling and touching . For example, you may record how the color of a flower changes. What is this process called?

• stating the hypothesis

• forming a conclusion

• making observations

• performing experiments

A doctor explains that drinking two glasses of milk in the morning will give students more energy. Which of the following could be used to analyze, evaluate and critiques this scientific explanation?

• a brochure from the doctor stating the benefits of milk

• a TV advertisement that says drinking milk in the morning gives people plenty of energy

• statements from 5 people about how drinking milk in the morning gives them energy

• data from experimental testing about drinking milk in the morning.

Which of the following is an experiment in which a person can control a variable?

• observe the behavior of ants around an anthill.

• Determine whether plants grow better in full sunshine or partial sunlight.

• Tell whether it rained every Wednesday for an entire month.

• Count the number of insects in a piece of ground measuring 1 m. square.

Suppose that a scientist suggests that the size of an insect population depends on the temperature. What observational testing could you use to analyze, evaluate, and critique this explanation?

• I could observe the insect population only in the winter.

• I could observe the insect population in the laboratory.

• I could observe the insect population in different areas.

• I could observe the insect population throughout the year.

It rarely rains in deserts. Based on logical reasoning, which of the following statements is true?

• Prickly plants are best suited for life in deserts

• small animals are best suited for life in desesrts

• desert organisms get moisture from the air

• desert organisms can go a long time without water

Taylor wants to know how quickly certain plants grow in her garden. What should Taylor do to collect information about their growth?

• From an opinion about them

• Measure the plants accurately.

• Analyze evidence of insects.

• Draw conclusions and communicate results.

A student wonders what kinds of birds live in a neighborhood. What skill will be used to collect information about the variety of birds in his neighborhood?

• observe

• order

• infer

• communicate

Why do scientists conduct investigations?

• to practice doing experiments

• to learn about recent discoveries

• to demonstrate scientific procedures

• to answer questions about the natural world

Scientists often perform repeated investigations. What is the main reason for this?

• to increase the reliability of results

• to form new theories

• to improve their research

• to win prizes for their work

Scientists are not the only ones who gather information, For example, historians gather information to describe what has happened in the past. However, scientists gather information differently than others. Which way of gathering information do only scientists use?

• reading

• observing

• recording

• experimenting