Nature of Science Exam

Tycho Brahe (1546-1601) was a Danish astronomer who observed the planets and stars without the benefit of a telescope. He kept records of planetary motion. His assistant, Johannes Kepler, used these records to formulate his three laws, which accurately predicted planetary motion. What does this suggest is the most important aspect of scientific study?

• Control over the variables of interest.

• Access to modern equipment and research method.

• Ability to make observations and accurately record data.

• Sufficient time to conduct a study and the amount of data recorded.

Which of the following is NOT a quantitative observation?

• a. Blue sky

• b. Three dogs

• c. Round plastic four legs table

• d. Four doors file cabinet

What should a scientist do first if a hypothesis is NOT supported?

• more repetition

• more testing

• gather more info

• modify and revise the hypothesis

A research hypothesis includes the original hypothesis, a method of testing it, and a(n) _____ that supports the hypothesis.

• analysis

• prediction

• observation

• conclusion

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Scientists analyze results by using which tool(s) to help recognize patterns?

• graphing and tables

• models and calculations

• speaking at conferences

• graphing, tables, models and calculations

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Which best describes an experiment?

• A scientist measures the width of a certain type of maple leaf throughout a forest.

• A scientist measures the speed at which a cheetah travels while it is hunting.

• A scientist measures the height of roses in a lab that received different fertilizers.

• A scientist measures the rate at which a population of wild geese reproduces.

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Which of the following describes a pattern or an event in nature that is always true?

• scientific theory

• scientific law

• scientific experiment

• scientific truth

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Laura wants to test the effect of light on the direction a plant’s leaves would grow. She conducts an experiment for this purpose. Her video records each step of her experiment. What would help them replicate the experiment correctly?

• Read an article about how light affects plant growth.

• Talk to Laura’s teacher about Laura’s results.

• Imagine how they would do the experiment differently.

• Watch Laura’s video before conducting their own experiment.

A theory is a well-supported idea that tries to describe observations and make predictions. How theories change?

• Theories change when previous data are combined with new results.

• Theories are always final and never change.

• Theories only change when people force scientists to change them.

• Theories change when scientist vote through a secret ballot.

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Which of the following is a way to test a hypothesis?

• Design and perform an experiment

• Collect data and record their observations

• All are valid ways to test a hypothesis.

• Create a model

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