Scientific Method Test

A scientist makes an observation about the natural world. She asks a question about what she observes, and forms a hypothesis. What is a hypothesis?

• A collection of evidence

• A prediction of the correct answer to a question

• Telling others about the results of an experiment

• Trying to decide what the results of an experiment mean

Francisco uses a model to investigate volcanoes. Francisco mixes baking soda and vinegar to make his volcano erupt. Francisco’s volcano model is shown below. How is the model like a real volcano?

• It looks just like a real volcano

• It erupts like some volcanoes

• It sparks fire like a real volcano

• It shoots out magma

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

Jen compares how fast a tomato plant grows with how fast a pepper plant grows. Which of these would be the best way to show her data to the class?

• A graph

• A question

• Another experiment

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

Kim places a cup of water and a cup of cooking oil in the freezer. Every 30 minutes, Kim checks the cups. She records the time when the liquid in each cup freezes. Which question is Kim investigating?

• Which liquid freezes faster, water or oil?

• Which liquid tastes better, frozen water or oil?

• Which item floats better, frozen water or frozen oil?

• Which item melts faster, frozen water or frozen oil?

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

A scientist points out that the trees on the north side of the forest are dying. He sees something unusual growing on the tree trunks. He asks, “Why are the trees dying?” Which part of the scientific method has the scientist completed?

• Drawing a conclusion

• Forming a hypothesis

• Observing and questioning

Frank wants to investigate Moon craters. He drips water into a shallow pan of flour. He holds the dropper at a different height each time he moves to a new area of the pan. Frank observes that the water drops make dents of differing sizes in the flour. Which type of experiment is Frank conducting?

• Modeling

• Directly studying

• Classifying

Sarah is studying water. She writes “If I add salt to water then it will freeze faster because it will decrease the temperature.” Which word describes her statement?

• Conclusion

• Hypothesis

• Investigation

• Variable

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Abby is studying parts of a plant. Which tool would be most useful if Abby wants to see parts of a leaf?

• Telescope

• Scale

• Microscope

After gym class, Julia came back to class with an ice pack on her arm. What could be an inference you could make?

• Julia might have injured her arm during gym class.

• Julia is feeling cold and needed an ice pack.

• Julia is using the ice pack as a fashion accessory.

• Julia is practicing first aid skills.

Someone who makes a statement that explains an observation is making a(n)___________.

• Observation

• Hypothesis

• Inference