ESA Final

What is science?

• A way to learn the truth about a question in nature.

• A series of topics you are required to learn for a high school diploma or GED.

• A way to learn to do critical thinking that will help you in life.

• All of these answers.

Answer explanation

Science encompasses various aspects: it is a method to uncover truths about nature, a curriculum for education, and a means to develop critical thinking skills. Therefore, 'All of these answers' is the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-6

Why do scientists practice the scientific method?

• It doesn't really work; they just do it out of habit.

• Because it is often the easiest way to do an experiment.

• To earn more money.

• To learn the truth about something in nature.

Answer explanation

Scientists practice the scientific method to learn the truth about something in nature. This systematic approach helps them gather evidence, test hypotheses, and draw conclusions based on observations.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-2

A hypothesis is an educated what?

Answer explanation

A hypothesis is an educated guess, meaning it is a reasoned assumption based on prior knowledge or evidence. The term 'guess' is appropriate here, as it reflects the nature of forming a hypothesis.

How is a hypothesis different from a theory?

• A hypothesis is always true, but a theory is not.

• A hypothesis explains everything, while a theory only explains small parts.

• A hypothesis is a guess that can be tested, while a theory is a well-tested idea.

• There is no difference. A hypothesis is the same as a theory.

Answer explanation

A hypothesis is an initial, testable guess about a phenomenon, while a theory is a comprehensive explanation supported by extensive evidence and testing. Thus, the correct choice highlights this distinction.

What is peer review?

• When other scientists look at your hypothesis.

• When other scientists look at your conclusion and experimental setup for mistakes.

• When non-scientists read about your experiment.

• When non-scientists decide if your conclusion is true.

Answer explanation

Peer review involves other scientists evaluating your conclusion and experimental setup for errors, ensuring the research is valid and reliable. This process helps maintain scientific integrity.

This word means everything on Earth and in space. Another word for it is Cosmos.

• Planet

• Galaxy

• Universe

• Solar System

Answer explanation

The term 'Universe' encompasses everything on Earth and in space, making it synonymous with 'Cosmos'. Other options like 'Planet', 'Galaxy', and 'Solar System' refer to specific components, not the entirety.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-2

Which of the following does science show to be true?

• The universe is unbelievably large and very old.

• The universe is small and the Earth is a huge part of it.

• The universe is only a few thousand years old.

• The universe is shrinking.

Answer explanation

Science shows that the universe is vast, with estimates of its age around 13.8 billion years. This supports the statement that the universe is unbelievably large and very old, making it the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-2

The idea that the Universe exploded into being and is still expanding today.

• The Theory of Relativity

• The Theory of Evolution

• The Big Bang Theory

• The Theory of Averages

Answer explanation

The Big Bang Theory explains that the Universe originated from a singular explosion and continues to expand. This concept is distinct from the Theory of Relativity, Evolution, and Averages, making it the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-2

How old is the Universe?

• 13.7 million years.

• 13,700 years.

• 13.7 billion years.

• 13.7 trillion years.

Answer explanation

The Universe is approximately 13.7 billion years old, based on measurements of cosmic microwave background radiation and the expansion of the Universe. The other options are significantly lower and incorrect.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-2

What did Edwin Hubble discover when observing distant galaxies?

• The Universe always stays the same.

• The Universe is getting smaller.

• The Universe is cooling.

• The Universe is expanding.

Answer explanation

Edwin Hubble discovered that distant galaxies are moving away from us, indicating that the Universe is expanding. This observation led to the conclusion that the Universe is not static, but rather growing over time.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-2