The Nature of Science

A scientist used a model to predict the path of a hurricane. The hurricane followed a similar path but did not follow the exact path that was predicted. How does this example demonstrate a limitation of models?

• Models cannot be used to predict things.

• Models can be used to predict weather events before the event occurs.

• Models cannot account for how every factor may suddenly change.

• Models can only be used to show physical structures, not events such as hurricanes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

A model of an atom is shown below. This model is used by chemists when studying atoms due to its simplicity. What is the most important reason that scientists find this model useful?

• It explains how atoms behave and their internal structure.

• It is not based on observations.

• It was been developed over a long time.

• It was simple to construct and easy to understand.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

Neil drops a ball from four different heights. The table shows how long it took each ball to reach the ground. Which of the following could be a correct label for the second column?

• Speed

• Mass of the ball

• Height (m)

• Length of drop

A science class is studying seeds. They plan to measure the length, height, and mass of different types of seeds. Which of these items should the class use to record their measurements as the class takes the measurements?

• camera

• drawing

• graph

• data table

Tags

NGSS.5-PS1-2

Jaime planted two seeds. She watered one seed with tap water. She watered the second seed with plant feed. She measured the height of the plant every 2 weeks. She created the graph below to show her results. Which of these items is missing from the graph?

• key

• x-axis

• title

• units

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

A scientist uses a computer to make a model of DNA, the genetic material that determines inherited characteristics in living things. DNA is found inside the cells of all living things. The model looked like the figure below.Which of the following is a reason that a scientist would want to use a model to study DNA?

• DNA does not really exist.

• DNA is very large.

• DNA is very rare.

• DNA is very small.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-2

NGSS.MS-LS3-1

Jim investigates how the angle of a throw affects the distance that the ball travels. The drawings below show three trials from the experiment.

Assuming Jim hurls the ball with the same force each time, what is the dependent variable in the experiment?

• force exerted on the ball

• distance traveled by the ball

• angle at which the ball is thrown

• time it takes the ball to hit the ground

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

Scientific investigations include many different steps. During a scientific investigation, which step occurs after a scientist collects data?

• draw conclusions

• form the hypothesis

• plan the experiment

• follow the procedure

Which description defines an experiment?

• prediction of something that will happen

• observation of results from uncontrolled events

• development of a testable explanation of an event

• procedure applied systematically under controlled conditions

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

A researcher finds that data from her experiment does not support her hypothesis. What should the researcher do?

• Do more trials.

• Change the data to support the hypothesis.

• Change the procedure to obtain the desired result.

• Form a new hypothesis and conduct experiments to investigate it.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5