Nature of Science

When new evidence is discovered that disagrees with a scientific theory, what happens?

• the new evidence is ignored and the theory continues to be accepted.

• the theory will either be modified or rejected.

• science does not change so the new evidence will be thrown out.

• the theory will immediately be discarded.

True or False: Science knowledge changes because it is open to new evidence as it is discovered and observed.

• True

• False

Which describes a scientific theory?

• tests performed by scientists for the purpose of confirming or denying a hypothesis.

• explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.

• statements, based on repeated experiments or observations, that describe or predict a range of natural phenomena.

• a broad explanation of an aspect of the natural world that has been studied and supported by lots of scientists.

My son wants to test how a type of bait affects how many fish he catches in the pond. What is the manipulated variable?

• how many fish he catches

• the type of pole he uses

• the type of bait

• the time of day he fishes

What is it called when another scientist completes your experiment for the purpose of confirming the results of the experiment conducted by the original scientist?

• repetition

• replication

• hypothesis

• conclusion

True or False: A good investigation must be conducted in a big lab, by a university scientist using expensive equipment.

• true

• false

Which phrase defines the limits of what science can study?

• Any phenomenon that a scientist can observe or model

• Only a phenomenon that a scientist can observe with instruments

• Only a phenomenon that a scientist can observe without instruments

• Only a phenomenon that a scientist will be able to explain with certainty

True or False: Keeping accurate records is a technique that must be a part of ALL good investigations.

• True

• False

I observe two dog foods that claim to be the best for dogs with severe allergies. How could I compare these dog foods scientifically?

• I could set up a controlled experiment in which the independent variable is the brand of dog food.

• I could survey 50 people and conclude that the one with the most votes is the better dog food.

• I could feed my dog dog food A on one night and dog food B the next night and see if he breaks out in a rash.

• I could choose the one with the better price.

Under what conditions can a scientific theory become a scientific law?

• a theory can become a law when it is confirmed through extensive experimentation

• a theory can become a law if a major discovery validates the theory.

• a theory cannot become a law. only a law can become a theory.

• a theory cannot become a law or vice versa. they each have different jobs in the world of science.