Nature of Science

At one point in time, many people thought disease was caused by fate or by incorrect behavior. Following the invention of the microscope, bacteria were discovered. After this, a new theory of what causes disease arose that was known as the germ theory.  Why was the original theory modified? 

• It quickly became obvious that germs cause disease.
• The person who invented the microscope became ill.
• New evidence prompted revision to the original ideas.
• The proponents of the germ theory had political power.

Which of the following is a scientific observation? 

• The potato is brown in color.
• The potato tastes the best.
• The potato may cause allergies.
• The potato smells funny. 

What is another word for hypothesis?

• evidence
• graph
• investigation
• prediction

A scientist is collecting data on the number of times a cricket chips per minute. What sense is the scientist most likely using to make observations?

• hearing
• smell
• sight
• touch

Mr. McNeice wanted to know if different types of music affected people's heart rates, so he played different music and checked their pulses.  What is the dependent variable?

• type of music
• heart rate
• how long they listend to music
• Mr. McNeice

Which question can best be investigated by a scientist?

• Should I buy a red shirt or a green shirt?
• Does chocolate milk or plain milk taste better?
• Does a plant need sunlight to grow?
• Which feels softer, cat fur or dog fur?

Why should an experiment be repeated?

• to form a hypothesis
• to reduce the chance of error
• to change controls
• to identify the problem

The container is filled to the 350 mL mark with water. 

• observation
• inference
• problem
• hypothesis

This is the outcome of the experiment. We get data and results from this.

• Independent Variable
• Dependent Variable
• Control
• Constant

How many independent variables should be tested at a time in a scientific investigation?

• none
• one
• two
• three