Nature of Science Review

Empirical Evidence is just a fancy word for....

• independent variables

• experiments

• observations

• scientific investigations

Dominic wants to know if milk or water is more effective at growing large watermelons. What is the INDEPENDENT variable in this scenario?

• how large the watermelons are.

• how many times Dominic pours milk on his watermelons.

• How much milk Dominic pours on his watermelons

• The type of liquid used to grow the watermelons

Which of the following is an example of a QUANTITATIVE observation?

• The boy ate 1 sandwich for lunch.

• The boy was wearing a blue shirt

• The boy was the last person to sit down at his table

• The boy's favorite color was green.

One type of scientific investigation is an experiment. What makes experiments different from other forms of scientific investigations?

• Experiments are different because you collect data

• Experiments are different because you have controlled variables

• Experiments are different because you have to repeat them.

• Experiments are different because you are making inferences.

In order for an explanation to be considered scientific, it must be based on...

• inferences

• opinions

• evidence

• personal experiences

What is the difference between a scientific law and a scientific theory?

• A theory describes a natural event, while a law explains it.

• A theory explains a natural event, while a law describes it.

• A theory predicts a natural event, while a law explains it.

• A theory becomes a law when more evidence is collected.

Scientists in all branches of science have developed scientific theories. Which of the following statements is TRUE about all scientific theories?

• Scientific theories will become scientific laws if enough scientists support them

• Scientific theories are based on large amounts of evidence

• Scientific theories are not widely accepted when they are first developed

• Scientific theories are always based on the work of a single scientists

Computer simulations can sometimes be beneficial. Which of these investigations would NOT benefit from a computer simulation?

• training airline pilots

• predicting the path of a hurricane

• designing an earthquake-proof building

• understanding the texture of different materials

The water level in McColm Pond went down drastically during a drought last summer. Some students decide to monitor the water level during a school year. There is a dock over the pond.  Which is the BEST method for collecting data on the level of water in the pond?

• Visit the pond at the end of the year and measure the water depth with a measuring pole at different spots.

• Visit the pond at the end of the year and measure the water depth with a measuring pole at the end of the dock.

• Visit the pond each month and measure the water depth with a measuring pole at the end of the dock. 

• Visit the pond each month and measure the water depth with a measuring pole at a different spot each

Unprotected exposure to the sun s rays is a factor in the development of skin cancer. Which of the following is an example of empirical evidence that supports this hypothesis?

• A model of a skin cell showing where DNA is in the cell.

• A skin cancer survivor s recollection that he had a bad sunburn as a child.

• Data showing a relationship between the amount of sun exposure and the odds of getting skin cancer.

• An advertisement for a sun block product that claims it protects skin against ultraviolet rays by a certain percentage.