Nature of Science

Which is the dependent variable in Amelia's experiment?

• the number of bean plants in each group 

• the amount of water given daily to each plant 

• the height of each bean plant 

• the amount of fertilizer given to each group of bean plants

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

An idea, event or object that can be used to represent something you are trying to explain is a ________________.

• scientific model

• scientific method

• scientific theory

• scientific law

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

A statement that describes what scientists expect to happen every time under a particular set of conditions is called this.

• scientific model

• scientific method

• scientific theory

• scientific law

Scientists frequently repeat the experiments of others scientists. Why is this important in science?

• a. Scientists often ask each other for help in performing experiments.

• b. Replication of experiments helps to confirm and verify results.

• c. Scientists frequently perform other scientists’ experiments in order to practice their technique.

• d. Repeating experiments is an effective way to make sure a laboratory is in optimal condition.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

Cara read an article on why repetition and replication are so important, but she did not understand the difference between them. Which of the following best explains the two terms?

• a. Repetition is when a scientist repeats an experiment; replication is when a scientist conducts an experiment on genetic material.

• b. Repetition is when a scientist does the same experiment a number of times; replication is when other scientists reproduce a scientist’s experiment.

• c. Repetition is when a scientist publishes in more than one scientific periodical; replication is when another scientist reproduces another scientist’s results.

• d. Repetition is when a scientist commits an error in an experiment the first time and must repeat it; replication is when a scientist repeats an experiment to make sure it is valid.

Experiments are often repeated many times by the same or different scientists. What is the most important reason more than one scientist should conduct an investigation using the same methods?

• a

• b

• c

• d

Models can be helpful in scientific investigations because

• It may not be possible to work safely with the real thing.

• They can be smaller and easier to study than the real thing.

• They can be larger and easier to examine than the real thing.

• all of these answers are correct.

All models have _______________. Even good models can often be made better.

• replicas

• computer simulations

• limitations

• drawings

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-4

Whether paint is oil-based or water-based could determine how long it takes to dry. Liliana found two pieces of the same kind of pine wood and painted one with oil based blue paint and the other with water-based blue paint. Then she timed how long it took for each piece to dry.

What is a constant in the experiment?

• her hair color

• oil-based or water-based paint

• drying time

• kind of wood

Scientists frequently repeat the experiments of others scientists. Why is this important in science?

• Scientists often ask each other for help in performing experiments.

• Replication of experiments helps to confirm and verify results.

• Scientists frequently perform other scientists’ experiments in order to practice their technique.

• Repeating experiments is an effective way to make sure a laboratory is in optimal condition.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4