Scientific Method Quiz

What is the first step of the scientific method?

• Form a hypothesis

• Draw a conclusion

• Collect data

• Ask a question or identify a problem

Answer explanation

The first step of the scientific method is to ask a question or identify a problem. This step sets the foundation for further investigation and experimentation.

Which step involves making an educated guess to explain an observation?

• Experimentation

• Conclusion drawing

• Hypothesis formation

• Data collection

Answer explanation

Hypothesis formation is the step where an educated guess is made to explain an observation. It sets the stage for further testing and experimentation to validate or refute the proposed explanation.

Which step involves testing the hypothesis through a carefully designed procedure?

• Experiment

• Observation

• Conclusion

• Analysis

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'Experiment' because it is the step where the hypothesis is tested using a structured procedure to gather data and validate or refute the initial assumption.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

What is the final step of the scientific method?

• Collecting data

• Formulating a hypothesis

• Drawing a conclusion and communicating

• Conducting experiments

Answer explanation

The final step of the scientific method is drawing a conclusion and communicating the results. This step involves analyzing the data collected and sharing findings to contribute to scientific knowledge.

Which step involves changing one factor to see how it affects the outcome of an experiment?

• Random variable

• Independent variable

• Control variable

• Dependent variable

Answer explanation

The independent variable is the factor that is changed in an experiment to observe its effect on the outcome. This allows researchers to determine how variations in this variable influence the results.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

What is the term for information gathered using the five senses or scientific tools?

• fiction

• myth

• data

• opinion

Answer explanation

The term 'data' refers to information collected through observation using the five senses or scientific tools. Unlike fiction, myth, or opinion, data is based on factual evidence and measurable observations.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Which step involves analyzing the data collected during the experiment?

• Data synthesis

• Data interpretation

• Data analysis

• Data collection

Answer explanation

The step that involves analyzing the data collected during the experiment is called data analysis. This process helps in understanding the results and drawing conclusions based on the data.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

NGSS.MS-ETS1-3

What is the term for factors that can change in an experiment?

• Constants

• Parameters

• Variables

• Invariants

Answer explanation

In an experiment, factors that can change are called variables. They are essential for testing hypotheses, as they can be manipulated to observe effects, unlike constants which remain unchanged.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

Which step involves drawing a final statement based on the results of the experiment?

• Hypothesis

• Observation

• Data Collection

• Conclusion

Answer explanation

The conclusion is the final step in the scientific method where researchers summarize the results of the experiment and draw a final statement based on the findings, making it the correct choice.

What is the term for a proposed explanation, or educated guess, for an observation?

• conclusion

• theory

• hypothesis

• guess

Answer explanation

The correct term for a proposed explanation or educated guess for an observation is 'hypothesis'. A hypothesis is a testable statement that can be investigated through experimentation.