Mrs. Williams Practice Test Comprehensive Science

Based on the data from Lin's experiment, which statement supports her hypothesis?

• Increased carbon dioxide supplies more oxygen to the plant.

• Decreased carbon dioxide allows for more energy production.

• Decreased carbon dioxide supplies allows for more water consumption.

• Increased carbon dioxide supplies carbon to increase sugar production.

A student performs an investigation and titles her report: The Effect the Amount of Rain has on the Clarity of Well Water. What is the tested variable (independent variable) in this investigation?

• the well

• the date of rain

• the amount of rainfall

• the clarity of the well water

Which variable must Lynn hold constant in order to accurately investigate the effect of different cooking oils on a water drop falling through the oil?

• the color of the oil

• the type of cooking oil

• the size of the containers holding the oil

• the time for a water drop to fall through the oil

A scientist repeated trials of experiment ten times. What is the most likely reason that the scientist repeat the experiment so many times?

• to make sure the results are consistent and accurate

• to practice an experimental procedure

• to prove her results fit a current theory

• to make the results fit her proposed hypothesis

Which of these statements is an example of replication?

• A. A scientist completes four trials for an experiment.

• B. A scientist repeats calculations before reporting results.

• C. A scientist conducts an experiment using a previously reported method.

• D. A scientist uses three treatment groups in a study to test different variables.

Scientists pursue scientific explanations by using observations and inferences. Which of the following statements is an inference?

• The plant's leaves are green and appear wilted.

• The plant uses water to perform photosynthesis.

• The plant absorbs water through its root system.

• The plant's leaves are wilted due to lack of water.

An amateur astronomer has noticed an object in the sky that could be explained as the discovery of a new comet. What is the most important step needed in an investigation of the object to make a scientifically valid conclusion?

• detailed records of observances

• new computer-controlled equipment

• regular time allotments for observations

• reference material of recent astronomical discoveries

Which statement best describes what this change in ideas tells us about science?

• A. Science ideas do not need to be based only on factual and observable evidence.

• B. Science knowledge changes because it is open to new evidence as it is discovered and observed.

• C. Science ideas are not accurate because they constantly change as new evidence is discovered.

• D. Science is based on factual observations so it should remain the same and not change over time.

Which statement best explains why scientific knowledge improves over time?

• A. Scientific data can be interpreted differently based on personal beliefs.

• B. Scientific ideas change as new information is collected and interpreted.

• C. Scientific theories are considered laws once they are proven by many scientists.

• D. Scientific experiments can be repeated under different conditions with the same results.

Which of the following would be a result of new scientific research and evidence?

• A butterfly emerges from a pupa.

• A new species of plant is identified.

• A rainbow appears in the eastern sky at the end of a rainstorm.