Exploring the Scientific Method

A scientist wants to test the effect of sunlight on plant growth. Which of the following is the best way to set up the experiment to ensure reliable results?

• Use one plant and expose it to sunlight for 8 hours a day.

• Use multiple plants, expose half to sunlight for 8 hours a day, and keep the other half in the dark.

• Use multiple plants and expose all of them to sunlight for 8 hours a day.

• Use one plant and keep it in the dark.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Which of the following best describes the role of a control group in an experiment?

• It is the group that receives the experimental treatment.

• It is the group that is used to compare the results of the experimental group.

• It is the group that is not necessary for the experiment.

• It is the group that receives double the experimental treatment.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

A student hypothesizes that increasing the amount of water given to a plant will increase its growth rate. How should the student test this hypothesis?

• Water one plant more than usual and observe its growth.

• Water multiple plants with different amounts of water and measure their growth over time.

• Water all plants the same amount and measure their growth.

• Water one plant less than usual and observe its growth.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

In an experiment, a student measures the temperature of water at different times of the day. What is the independent variable in this experiment?

• The temperature of the water

• The time of day

• The amount of water

• The location of the water

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

A researcher is testing the effect of different fertilizers on plant growth. Which of the following should be kept constant to ensure a fair test?

• The type of fertilizer used

• The amount of sunlight each plant receives

• The growth rate of the plants

• The height of the plants

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Which of the following is a valid conclusion if a scientist finds that plants grow taller with fertilizer A than with fertilizer B?

• Fertilizer A is better for all types of plants.

• Fertilizer A causes plants to grow taller than fertilizer B in this experiment.

• Fertilizer B is ineffective for plant growth.

• Fertilizer A should be used for all agricultural purposes.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

A student conducts an experiment to see if the color of light affects plant growth. What is the dependent variable in this experiment?

• The color of light

• The type of plant

• The growth of the plant

• The amount of water given

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

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

• The plant grew 5 cm in one week.

• The leaves of the plant are green and glossy.

• The plant received 200 ml of water daily.

• The plant's height is 15 cm.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

A scientist observes that a certain chemical speeds up the growth of bacteria. What should be the next step in the scientific method?

• Formulate a hypothesis about the chemical's effect.

• Publish the findings immediately.

• Ignore the observation as it might be incorrect.

• Change the chemical and observe again.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

In an experiment to test the effect of temperature on the solubility of a substance, which of the following should be the controlled variable?

• The temperature of the solution

• The amount of substance used

• The solubility of the substance

• The type of substance used

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept