Scientific Method Review (VA SOL Dr. Culverhouse Questions)

A student states that plants grow taller when grown in natural light than they do in artificial light. Which method is the BEST way to determine if the statement is fact or opinion? (BIO.1.c)

• conduct a controlled experiment

• discuss the statement with other students

• ask several teachers their thoughts

• propose a scientific conclusion

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

The graph shows the effect of light intensity on photosynthesis. An increase in light intensity will result in an increase in the rate of photosynthesis as shown in the graph. Which is another valid conclusion based on this graph? (BIO.1.e)

• A decrease in temperature stops photosynthesis.

• An increase in temperature increases the rate of photosynthesis.

• An increase in photosynthesis reduces the intensity of light.

• A decrease in photosynthesis increases the intensity of light.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

In a city-wide investigation conducted by a veterinarian group, 1,500 dogs in specific areas were examined for the presence of fleas. The investigation revealed that about twelve percent of the dogs showed some evidence of flea infestation. What statement BEST describes the investigation? (BIO.1.g)

• The investigation is valid because the entire city was involved in the investigation.

• The investigation is valid because there was a large enough sample size taken.

• The investigation is invalid because heartworm infestation was not included.

• The investigation is invalid because cats were not included in the study.

A student conducts an investigation using mold spores. In one part of the investigation, he needs to closely examine a spore sample. Which piece of equipment does the student need to use to keep mold spores from entering his respiratory system? (BIO.1.h)

• breathing mask

• safety goggles

• rubber gloves

• lead smock

A student looks at the graph below and concludes that this experiment has found the ideal temperature for hatching frog eggs. Which statement BEST explains the weakness of this conclusion? (BIO.1.f)

• There is no ideal temperature for hatching frog eggs.

• The graph does not include sufficient precision in temperature measurements.

• The graph does not tell the number of eggs that hatched at each temperature.

• There is incomplete data for the number of eggs hatching at 0ºC and at 40ºC.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Which equipment would BEST be used for an activity on a biochemistry unit? (BIO.1.h)

• meter stick, microscope, and test tubes

• test tube, hot plate, and safety goggles

• balance, telescope, and graduated cylinder

• Petri dish, dissecting equipment, and spring scale

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

Some researchers believe that beta-carotene, which is found in carrots, may help humans live longer lives. A few scientists designed an experiment in which one-hundred people would be asked to take a double dose of beta-carotene daily for two years and another hundred people were given a placebo, a sugar pill, for the same amount of time. After the two years, the scientists planned to collect the data and draw a conclusion. This is NOT a good example of a scientific study and was not done because (BIO.1.f)

• there is no control group.

• there are too many variables.

• there is no experimental group.

• it does not have a testable hypothesis.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ETS1-3

A plant sitting on a windowsill has wilted. A student explained that the plant wilted because it is in direct sunlight. What is another possible reason the plant wilted? (BIO.1.l)

• The noise in the room was too loud.

• There was too much space for the plant to grow.

• The plant did not receive enough water.

• There was too much carbon dioxide in the room.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Carbon dioxide is an atmospheric gas that contributes to global warming. Animals release carbon dioxide and plants take in carbon dioxide as part of their life processes. Using this information, which is a statement of fact?

• Carbon dioxide levels will decrease in the next 100 years.

• Carbon dioxide can be converted to oxygen by trees.

• Global warming will decrease by 50 percent if more crops are planted.

• Global warming can be stopped by deforestation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

A researcher observes that an organism placed in a glass container filled with water moves away when a penlight is focused on the container. The researcher concludes that the organism is light sensitive. Which other explanation for the organism’s response to the light is MOST possible?

• The organism avoids radio waves.

• The organism avoids gamma rays.

• The organism moves away from vibrations.

• The organism moves away from heat sources.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-8