The Scientific Method and Science Tools

What's the difference between a hypothesis and a theory?

• "Theory" is another word for "fact;" "hypothesis" is another word for "guess."

• Hypotheses can't be proven; theories can

• Theories have been confirmed through tests; hypotheses haven't.

• Theories contain many hypotheses; a hypothesis only contains one theory.

Place the following steps in sequence: A) Recognizing a problem; B) Testing a hypothesis; C) Drawing inferences

• A, C, B

• A, B, C

• B, C, A

• C, B, A

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

In the phrase, "The scientific method is an analytic process for determining why things happen," what's the best synonym for "analytic?"

• Probable

• Amazing

• Incoherent

• Logical

What must you do before you make a hypothesis?

• Run an experiment

• Make observations

• Form a theory

• Draw conclusions

If you were running an experiment to determine the temperature at which beans sprout the fastest, what would be the variable?

• The number of beans you plant.

• The height of the sprouts you grow

• The amount of water you give the beans.

• The temperature at which each bean is kept.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

You should run an experiment several times to make sure your results are consistent. In the preceding phrase, what does "consistent" mean?

• Obvious

• Perfect

• Unchanging

• Testable

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

What might cause a theory to change over time?

• New laws passed by the government

• New but untestable ideas

• Changes in public opinion

• The discovery of new evidence

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Cell division is one example of a theory. From what you know about the scientific method, what can you conclude about this biological theory?

• It's been tested many times

• Scientists don't need to test it anymore.

• No one is allowed to test whether it's true or not.

• There is very little evidence to support it

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-1

Which of the following is a testable hypothesis?

• Roses are more beautiful than violets

• A plant needs at least five hours of sunlight per day to grow.

• Ice cream is delicious.

• Humans will someday land on Mars.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

What happens if you test a hypothesis multiple times and the data doesn't support your prediction?

• Change the data to support your prediction

• Run the experiment again until you get the results you're looking for

• Conclude that your hypothesis cannot be proven

• Re-think your hypothesis

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-4