Unit 1 Review

Imagine that a scientist suggests that the size of the insect population depends on the temperature. What observations must this scientist use in order to provide evidence to support his claim?

• The scientist must observe the insect population throughout the year

• The scientist must observe the insect population only in the winter

• The scientist must observe the insect population in different areas

• The scientist must observe the insect population in the laboratory

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 hypothesis

• making observations

• performing experiments

• forming conclusions

Which of the following is not a scientific investigation?

• performing a controlled experiment

• writing a letter about why it's important to protect plants and animals

• observing how five caterpillars change into butterflies

• using a model to test a hypothesis

Each measuring tool is designed to measure a specific property of an object. Which of these tools can be used to measure the volume of a material?

• measuring cup

• thermometer

• balance

• spring scale

Scientists communicate their results by publishing their work. What reasoning explains why this is important?

• to keep their work a secret

• to compete with other scientists

• so the experiments are not repeated

• to learn from each other

Which of the following is always an important part of an experiment?

• making a working model

• making drawings of things observed

• identifying and controlling variables

• observing things in nature

A science class went on a field trip to study the organisms that live in a stream. Which of these tools would be the most useful for making observations about the animals living in the stream?

• graduated cylinder

• telescope

• balance

• collecting net

Sanjay inferred that a train was approaching rapidly based on the way the noise from the train sounded. Which other skill is Sanjay using?

• classifying

• planning an investigation

• using time/space relationship

• communicating results

Scientists usually write reports about their investigations. What reasoning explains whey they do this?

• to communicate their work to other scientists

• to classify reults

• to perform experimental trials

• to ask questions

Kyle is wondering what he is getting for his birthday. He decides to shake the box that contains his present. He was acting like a scientist. What was the first step he took in this situation that a scientist also takes?

• collecting evidence

• developing an explanation

• asking a question

• drawing a conclusion