Science benchmark practice part 1

What type of investigation should Jill perform to test her hypothesis that individual volcanoes produce igneous rocks with a certain chemical signature, and that scientists could use this to determine the rock's origin?

• Historical study of volcanic eruptions

• Experimental investigation comparing rock samples from multiple volcanoes

• Field study to observe volcanoes over time

• Laboratory analysis of the chemical composition of rock samples from various volcanoes

Answer explanation

Jill should perform laboratory analysis of the chemical composition of rock samples from various volcanoes. This will directly test her hypothesis about the chemical signatures and origins of igneous rocks.

Can a scientific inquiry be constructed about any question?

• Yes, as long as the question is interesting

• No, only questions that involve personal opinions

• Yes, as long as the question can be answered by testing and gathering evidence

• No, only questions that have already been researched

Answer explanation

A scientific inquiry can be constructed about any question that can be tested and supported by evidence. This allows for objective investigation, making the correct choice: 'Yes, as long as the question can be answered by testing and gathering evidence'.

What does Johannes Kepler's guess that planets move around the Sun in elliptical orbits show about how science works?

• Only scientists with special tools can make important discoveries.

• Creative thinking and combining new ideas with what we already know can lead to amazing discoveries.

• Science is only about collecting data and numbers.

• Scientists never need to change their ideas once they are made.

Answer explanation

The example of Kepler illustrates that scientific breakthroughs often arise from creative thinking and the ability to compare new ideas, like elliptical orbits, with existing observational data, leading to significant advancements in understanding.

Which of the following is the best type of investigation for Maria to perform to test her hypothesis that the amount of light in an environment affects the growth of algae?

• Conducting field observations of algae in various environments

• Reviewing scientific literature on algae growth

• Performing a controlled experiment where light exposure is varied

• Studying algae samples from different lakes and rivers

Answer explanation

Performing a controlled experiment where light exposure is varied allows Maria to isolate the effect of light on algae growth, providing clear evidence to support or refute her hypothesis.

How does the flat Earth theory help us understand how science works?

• Science is not based on evidence but on popular beliefs

• Science progresses by disproving incorrect hypotheses through observation and experimentation

• Scientific ideas remain unchanged through time

• Once a theory is proposed, it is always correct

Answer explanation

The flat Earth theory illustrates how science advances by testing and disproving false ideas through observation and experimentation, leading to a better understanding of the world.

In what aspects of science is creativity involved?

• Only in designing experiments

• In coming up with new ideas and forming hypotheses

• Only in writing scientific papers

• Only in gathering data

Answer explanation

Creativity is essential in science for generating new ideas and forming hypotheses, which are foundational for research. It goes beyond just designing experiments or writing papers, as it fuels innovation and discovery.

Will someone else be able to repeat Jordan's experiment and find reliable results if he does not write down the types of seeds he planted?

• Yes, because the plant food is the only variable that matters

• No, because the types of seeds are an important factor for plant growth

• Yes, as long as the plant food is measured accurately

• No, because the amount of sunlight is more important than the seed types

Answer explanation

No, because the types of seeds are an important factor for plant growth. Without this information, others cannot replicate the experiment accurately, as different seeds can yield different results.

Which of the following experiments would help Anna collect the best data on how weather affects cell phone reception?

• Testing cell phone reception at various outdoor locations during different weather conditions

• Using different types of cell phones and checking reception in one location

• Measuring reception only on sunny days

• Testing cell phone reception inside a building during different weather conditions

Answer explanation

Testing cell phone reception at various outdoor locations during different weather conditions allows Anna to observe how different weather impacts reception in real-world scenarios, providing the most comprehensive data.

What is the outcome variable (dependent variable) in Ben's experiment measuring how a toy car's initial speed affects the distance it travels?

• The initial speed of the car

• The type of car used

• The force applied to the car

• The distance the car traveled

Answer explanation

In Ben's experiment, the outcome variable is the distance the car traveled, as it measures the effect of the initial speed on this distance. The other options are independent variables or factors, not the outcome.

What is the test variable (independent variable) in Jeremiah's experiment about deposition with sand and water?

• The amount of sand deposited

• The speed of the water flow

• The type of sand used

• The length of the tube

Answer explanation

In Jeremiah's experiment, the independent variable is the speed of the water flow, as it is manipulated to observe its effect on the amount of sand deposited. The other options are dependent variables or constants.