Quick review

What is the BEST definition for science?

• a method to prove something

• the study of the natural world

• the study of beliefs and opinions

• the study of experiments in a lab

Cathy wants to know whether different colors of light affect the growth of plants. She buys four plants and places three of them under lamps with different-colored light bulbs. She places the fourth plant in natural light. Which of the following types of scientific investigations is Cathy conducting?

• a model to represent plant growth

• a simulation to imitate plant growth

• a field study to observe plant growth

• a lab experiment to test a hypothesis about plant growth

Karyn is a zookeeper who takes care of baboons. Each day, Karyn writes down how the baboons eat, play, sleep, and wash. She reviews her notes every week to see if the animals are healthy and content. Which statement explains why Karyn's approach is an investigation and NOT an experiment?

• She is measuring variables.

• She is not following the scientific method. (she is only observing)

• She is testing a specific hypothesis.

• She is not attempting to change outcomes.

Brittney, an astronomer, measured the spectrum of a star. She took detailed notes about the type of equipment and method she used. She made four observations of that star on different evenings and recorded her results. She shared the information with another astronomer, Peter who followed Brittney's detailed notes and confirmed her results. Which statement below best explains the scientific process Peter used to confirm her results?

• Peter replicated Brittney's experiment and got the same results.

• Peter made multiple observations of Brittney's experiment and agreed with her results.

• Peter and Brittney discussed her experiment at length and Peter confirmed her results.

• Peter repeated Brittney's experiment using the same method but a different type of equipment.

Scientists frequently repeat the experiments of others scientists. Why is this important in science?

• Scientists often ask each other for help in performing experiments.
• Replication of experiments helps to confirm and verify results.
• Scientists frequently perform other scientists’ experiments in order to practice their technique.
• Repeating experiments is an effective way to make sure a laboratory is in optimal condition.

Josue goes to Silver River each week for 4 weeks and collects 5 samples of water to test the pH.

• repetition
• replication

Scientists frequently repeat the experiments of others scientists. Why is this important in science?

• Scientists often ask each other for help in performing experiments.
• Replication of experiments helps to confirm and verify results.
• Scientists frequently perform other scientists’ experiments in order to practice their technique.
• Repeating experiments is an effective way to make sure a laboratory is in optimal condition.

Match the following

• Scientist who studies plants and animals

• Meteorologist

• Scientist who study the weather

• Astronomer

• Scientist who studies the stars

• Biologist

• Scientist who studies rocks

• geologist

Caira reads in a science journal that replication and repetiton are so important, but she did not understand the  difference between them. Which of the following best explains the two terms?

• Repetition is when a scientist repeats an experiment; replication is when a scientist conducts an experiment on genetic material.
• Repetition is when a scientist does the same experiment a number of times; replication is when other scientists reproduce a scientist’s experiment.
• Repetition is when a scientist publishes in more than one scientific periodical; replication is when another scientist reproduces another scientist’s results.
• Repetition is when a scientist commits an error in an experiment the first time and must repeat it; replication is when a scientist repeats an experiment to make sure it is valid.

A student is planning an experiment to find out how the height from which he drops a ball affects how high the ball bounces. The dependent variable is the _____.

• Diameter of the ball
• Force acting on the ball
• Height that the ball bounces
• Height from which the ball is dropped