Unit 1.2 Evaluating Resources REVIEW in Enviro Science

1. Which of the following is the best indicator that an internet site is reliable?

• The author links to his or her favorite internet sites.

• The author of the site tells you the information is reliable.

• The author states in bold letters that the site was proofread by a librarian.

• D. The author of the site provides contact information and his or her qualifications.

1. Rachel is conducting a science experiment in which she examines the amount of methane released into the atmosphere from farming. She recently read an online article stating that scientists saw a decrease in methane when they substituted traditional grass for a dry seaweed product to use as food for cows. Rachel is not certain if the original online article can be trusted but she thinks it is a good basis for an experiment. What should be Rachel’s next step before she begins experimenting?

• A. Rachel should decide the independent variable for her experiment.

• B. Rachel should decide and create a hypothesis based on her research.

• C. Rachel should get the opinion of other scientists upon the validity of the experiment.

• D. Rachel should look for other published scientific journals or articles that provide information relating to this experiment.

1. A group of students are researching the best methods for converting algal oils into bio-diesel. Which of the following would be the best reliable source of information to use in the investigation?

• A. step by step instructions from a blog on social media.

• B. a magazine found in the school library regarding the economic cost of bio-fuels.

• C. a university study surveying the known methods for converting algae to bio-fuel found through a Google search engine.

• D. a pamphlet distributed at a local gas station claiming that bio-fuels degrade cars more quickly therefore making it more expensive.

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1. Scientists are doing an experiment to see which brand of 30 SPF sunscreen works best. They applied the different brands of sunscreen to an object that measures the amount of UV rays (sunlight) that gets through the sunscreen. The scientists will use the data to compile a list of the best sunscreen brands. They also run a tests with no sunscreen. Why is it important that the scientist gather empirical data in order to make their decisions?

• A. Data allows scientific theories and laws to form.

• B. Data provides evidence to conclude their observations and hypothesis.

• C. Data allows the scientists to gain all credit for experiments taking place.

• D. Data ensures that scientists are following the scientific method in the proper order.

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1. Scientists are trying to design a new shape for a boat that holds more weight for its size. After testing their hypothesis 10 times they analyze their data and see the boat they tested held less weight than the average boat currently does. What might these scientists do differently after they analyze their results.

• A. Make boats with their test design.

• B. Publish a journal on their findings.

• C. Use the data they collected to make a new hypothesis.

• D. Contact other scientist willing to retest their hypothesis and compare data samples.

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1. Cholera is a bacteria that causes an infection of the intestine. A person can contract cholera by drinking water or eating food contaminated with the cholera bacterium.Scientists at the University of Central Florida (UCF) are studying a theory of the transmission of the bacteria Cholera. They have predicted the conditions needed in the water to avoid the transmission. Which of the following statements explains how the UCF scientists will be able to prove this theory true to the scientific community?

• A. The scientists will have to prove that most doctors believed cholera was an airborne illness.

• B. The scientists will determined that cholera didn’t affect the lungs, so it couldn’t be airborne.

• C. The scientists will write a paper on cholera and the transmission through contaminated food or water.

• D. The scientists will have to show data providing evidence for the 500 cases where cholera in water was not transmitted.

There are six criteria in evaluating web resources. One of these has the following questions. Which criterion is this talking about?

1.Is it clear who is responsible for the contents of the page?

2.Is there a way of verifying the legitimacy of the organization, group, company or individual?

3.Is there any indication of the author's qualifications for writing on a particular topic?

4.Is the information from sources known to be reliable?

• Authority

• Accuracy

• Objectivity

• Currency

There are six criteria in evaluating web resources. One of these has the following questions. Which criterion is this talking about?

1.Are the sources for factual information clearly listed so they can be verified in another source?

2.Is the information free of grammatical, spelling, and other typographical errors?

• Authority

• Accuracy

• Objectivity

• Coverage

There are six criteria in evaluating web resources. One of these has the following questions. Which criterion is this talking about?

1.Does the content appear to contain any evidence of bias?

2.Is there a link to a page describing the goals or purpose of the sponsoring organization or company?

3.If there is any advertising on the page, is it clearly differentiated from the informational content?

• Authority

• Accuracy

• Objectivity

• Currency

There are six criteria in evaluating web resources. One of these has the following questions. Which criterion is this talking about?

Are there dates on the page to indicate when the page was written, when the page was first placed on the Web, or when the page was last revised?

• coverage

• currency

• accuracy

• Authority