Methods of Science Test Practice

A measurement, an observation, or a statement that can be strictly defined is

• A. a fact.
• B. an opinion.
• C. a prediction.

Which activity is usually NOT one of the first step of scientific inquiry?

• A. asking a question
• B. gathering information
• C. communicating results

Which tool would a scientist use to measure mass?

• A. thermometer
• B. graduated cylinder
• C. triple-beam balance

Which statement is a fact?

• A. It is 16°C today.
• B. Sunny days are nicer than rainy days.
• C. It is good weather to ride bikes outside.
• D. I like the weather this April better than the weather we had in March.

Which tool is used to measure a quantity?

• A. a compass
• B. a wind vane
• C. a streak plate
• D. an anemometer

Which statement contains a fact and an opinion?

• A. The weather is nice today, but I like rainy days best.
• B. The wind speed is 30 km/h, so it would be fun to fly a kite.
• C. The wind speed is increasing, and the temperature is falling.
• D. One centimeter of rain fell today, and the temperature was 17°C

Scientific inquiry is best described as a set of steps that

• A. are always followed in the same order.
• B. can only be carried out in a laboratory.
• C. can vary from one investigation to another.
• D. always give results that support the hypothesis.

In a controlled experiment, the factor that is measured or observed is the

• Dependent Variable
• Independent Variable
• Hypothesis
• Prediction
• Scientific Law

A possible explanation for an observation that can be tested by scientific investigations is a(n)

• Hypothesis
• Dependent Variable
• Independent Variable
• Prediction
• Scientific Law

A(n)(BLANK) is a rule that describes a pattern in nature.

• Scientific Law
• Dependent Variable
• Independent Variable
• Hypothesis
• Prediction