Practice of Science

Best Friends Animal Society conducted an investigation to see where people get their pets. What conclusion can be drawn from the graph ?

• Cats are taken in as a stray less than dogs are.

• Dogs are acquired from a litter or as strays more than cats are.

• Dogs are adopted from shelters and rescues more than cats are.

• Cats are purchased from breeders and pet stores less than dogs are.

Daniel and Alex are both scientists. Daniel is investigating different fuel sources for cars in the future.  He conducts three trials and then shows Alex his results from each trial. Alex is confused about Daniel’s results, so he decides to conduct the investigation for himself.  Which scientific process did each scientist use? 

• Alex and Daniel used each others data to compare their results.

• Alex and Daniel used the same hypothesis to compare their results.

• Daniel used repetition in his experiment while Alex used replication.

• Daniel used replication in his experiment while Alex used repetition.

A team of biology students conducted an investigation to test how four different solutions affect the volume of a raw chicken egg. Four identical raw chicken eggs were placed into four individual containers. Each container had a different solution. After 24 hours, the volume of each egg was measured and recorded. What is the test variable (independent variable) in this investigation?

• type of egg used

• mass of the egg used

• final volume of the eggs

• type of solution in the container

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Kevin wanted to determine the effect of fertilizer on plant growth. He purchased 9 identical plants and separated them into 3 groups. Group 1 did not receive fertilizer, Group 2 received one teaspoon of fertilizer, and Group 3 received two teaspoons of fertilizer. All the plants received the same amount of water and were placed in the same location so they could receive the same amount of sunlight. What was the outcome variable (dependent variable) in Kevin's experiment?

• the type of plant

• the growth of the plant

• the amount of fertilizer

• the amount of sunlight

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

Below is a graph of the data collected by a physicist while investigating the relationship between the wavelength and the frequency of a light wave. Which conclusion is supported by the data the physicist collected?

• A. A wave at low frequency has a short wavelength.

• B. A wave at high frequency has a short wavelength.

• C. A wave with a short wavelength has a low frequency.

• D. A wave with a long wavelength has a high frequency.

What is most likely the cause of the difference in data between Group A and Group B?

• the soil types

• the procedures used

• how data was collected

• the amount of time in the light

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Which statement best explains how this is an example of replication?

• Brittney discusses her experiment to confirm her results.

• Brittney evaluates her experiment by making multiple observations.

• Andre creates his own experiment using his own procedures to compare results.

• Andre conducts Brittney's experiment by following the same procedure in her detailed notes.

A petroleum company wants to know where the greatest amounts of oil are found. The company hired a geologist to locate the oil trapped underground in layers of a rock known as shale. What would be the best method for the geologist to use?

• Complete an experiment that tests what types of rocks contain oil.

• Examine charts of rock layers to identify areas that contain shale and drill in that area.

• Create a survey asking other geologist where they have previously located shale in the US.

• Compare rock samples collected over the past 100 years to determine how oil deposits have changed over time.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

Jen was asked to determine how temperature affects rate of reaction. Jen tested three glow sticks under three different conditions: room temperature water, an ice bath, and boiling water. The glow stick in room temperature water served as her control group. She measured the brightness of each glow stick to determine the rate of reaction. Which of the following correctly identifies the type of investigation?

• It’s a descriptive investigation because data is being analyzed.

• It’s an experimental investigation because it includes collecting data.

• It’s a comparative investigation because multiple trials are being conducted.

• It’s an experimental investigation because it includes control and experimental groups.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

During a study on the effects of light on plant growth, Sarah used three different light colors (red, blue, and green) on three identical sets of plants. What is the independent variable in Sarah's experiment?

• The color of the light used

• The type of plants used

• The growth rate of the plants

• The amount of water given to the plants