Nature of Science Exam

Objects and conditions that are moving are easier to observe, because our senses are especially good at noticing changes in our environment. Which condition does not fit into a "moving" category?

• campfire wood

• boiling water

• a rusting hull of a ship

• fireworks display

Choose the item that can only be observed using some kind of instrument (i.e. NOT just with the senses).

• a radio signal

• the planet Venus

• an earthquake

• heat from the Sun

With which of the senses could you determine whether the temperature would support wearing shorts or pants on a given day?

• touch

• hearing

• smell

• sight

Hypothesis: Water is always denser than oil and we can test this by pouring equal quantities of water and cooking oil together in a container. The water sinks to the bottom and the oil is on top because it's less dense. We decide to change one factor: temperature. We put the mixture in a freezer all night. In the morning we notice that the water, now ice with bubbles, has risen to the top of the mixture. The oil is not frozen but is now on the bottom. Choose the best probable analysis to fit result.

• When water freezes gas bubbles form making it less dense than oil and reversing their positions.

• When oil freezes it becomes denser.

• Oil and water don't mix and eventually separate in the cold.

• Oil loses its viscosity when it is cooled and causing it to ooze beneath the ice.

What would be the best design for an experiment that tests how much water expands when frozen?

• Purchase a small plastic container of bottled of water, any brand, commercially sealed. Mark water line with a marker. Place it in the freezing compartment of your refrigerator for 8 hours. Observe the results.

• Purchase a small plastic container and mark increments of volume on the outside. Put in 5 ounces of water and place in the freezing compartment of your refrigerator for 8 hours. Compare the end (frozen) volume with the beginning (liquid) volume.

• Take a small bowl and fill it half full of water. Mark the level. Place it in a freezing compartment of your refrigerator for 8 hours. Observe the results.

• none of the above

If a person wanted to study volcanoes what area of science should he study?

• earth science

• chemistry

• physics

• none of the above

Which of the following life sciences involves the study of fossil remains?

• biophysics

• agronomy

• paleontology

• zoology

If a person wanted to become a physicist, besides physics what other courses of study would be essential areas of study?

• mathematics, statistics, logic, and computer science

• biology, paleontology, biochemistry, and zoology

• chemistry, physics, astronomy, and earth science

• medicine, biotechnology, genetics, and pharmacology

If a someone wanted to construct a telescope to observe infrared light in the galaxy who would best be able to build it?

• physical engineer

• optical engineer

• thermal engineer

• chemical engineer

What advances in technology helped usher in the scientific revolution? Choose the best answer.

• The landing on the Moon by Apollo brought about the scientific revolution.

• The discoveries by ancient Greek, Muslim and Chinese scientists.

• Discoveries by scholars in the Catholic Church revolutionized scientific knowledge.

• The discovery of optics gave scientists instruments such as microscopes and telescopes.