Nature of Science Review

Why is it important that scientists modify scientific theories when important new information is discovered?

• to confuse other scientists
• to keep the theory interesting and fresh
• to keep the theory as accurate and effective as possible
• to make sure the general public does not understand the theory

 A biologist is investigating the effects of growth hormone on the rate of metamorphosis in butterflies. Which of the following methods of investigation would work best for the biologist investigating any possible effects?

• models
• controlled experiments
• systematic observations
• random sampling of populations

Eduardo is a conservation biologist. He needs to develop a plan to preserve wetlands. He begins his project by studying the data in the following chart. How is Eduardo using scientific methods in developing a plan?

• He is analyzing data about causes and effects.
• He is analyzing a hypothesis about causes and effects.
• He is proposing an experiment about causes and effects.
• He is using intuition to determine causes and effects.

Waldriana would like to investigate the effect of temperature on the amount of food birds eat.  What should she do first to begin her investigation?

• develop a question 
• conduct background research
• design an experiment
• come up with a theory

Which question would be best to answer using a scientific investigation?  

• Why are people afraid during thunderstorms?
• How easy is it to shovel snow?
• Are some clouds prettier than others?
• Does temperature affect the amount of rain?

A scientist says that she has made an important discovery about sound waves.  What needs to happen for most other scientists to accept her results?

• The scientist has to explain her results to other scientists.
• Many scientists need to review the results.
• The scientist needs to publish her results in a journals.
• Other scientists need to be able to get the same results.

Convert 17 m to cm:

• 0.17 cm
• 0.017 cm
• 1,700 cm
• 170 cm

Convert 5 cm to mm:

• 5,000mm
• 0.5 mm
• 0.05 mm
• 50 mm

1000 grams = _____ kilograms

• 0.0001
• 1,000,000
• 10
• 1

240 cm = ___________ m

• 2400

• 24

• 2.4

• 0.24