Science and Environmental Science Quiz

Which phrase best describes the scientific method?

• always organized

• always random

Answer explanation

The scientific method is a systematic approach to inquiry that involves organized steps such as observation, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, and analysis. Therefore, it is best described as 'always organized'.

Identify the three correct statements about environmental science.

• Environmental science tries to find ways to live sustainably.

• Environmental science helps people learn about the natural world.

• Environmental science is focused on developing new technologies to improve human life.

• Environmental science is only concerned with nature.

• Environmental science is made of several sciences.

Answer explanation

Environmental science aims to promote sustainability, educates about the natural world, and integrates various scientific disciplines. It is not solely focused on nature or just on technology.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

Select the correct answer. Based on the different interests for various careers in environmental science, identify which would be the best fit for someone with the following scientific interests: toxicology, epidemiology, and virology.

• mathematician

• human health scientist

Answer explanation

The interests in toxicology, epidemiology, and virology align closely with the role of a human health scientist, who studies health impacts and disease patterns, making it the best fit compared to a mathematician.

Select all the correct answers. Kylee tells you that she has a theory about recyclable materials. What would have to be true to make this theory a scientific one?

• It must not have been proven wrong yet.

• It must be a broad explanation with evidence supporting it.

• It must be a testable explanation.

• It must be based on a mathematical formula.

• It must be a fact.

Answer explanation

For Kylee's theory to be scientific, it must not have been proven wrong yet and should be a broad explanation supported by evidence. These criteria ensure it is testable and grounded in scientific inquiry.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Which environmental issue is caused by increased fishing in lakes and oceans?

• Various marine populations are now extinct

• Increase in demand for resources

Answer explanation

Increased fishing leads to overexploitation of marine species, resulting in the extinction of various populations. This choice highlights the severe impact of unsustainable fishing practices on biodiversity.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS3-3

NGSS.HS-LS2-6

NGSS.HS-LS4-5

What is a probable cause of climate change according to the given information?

• Increase in the levels of carbon dioxide

• Increase in the human population

Answer explanation

The increase in levels of carbon dioxide is a major contributor to climate change, as it enhances the greenhouse effect, trapping heat in the atmosphere. This makes it the correct choice over the increase in human population.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

What environmental issue is linked to ozone depletion?

• Higher levels of UV light reach Earth

• Various marine populations are now extinct

Answer explanation

Ozone depletion allows higher levels of UV light to reach Earth, which can lead to increased skin cancer rates and harm to ecosystems. The extinction of marine populations is not directly linked to ozone depletion.

Select the correct answer. During photosynthesis plants release oxygen. Which spheres interact in this example?

• biosphere to atmosphere

• hydrosphere to biosphere

Answer explanation

During photosynthesis, plants (biosphere) take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the air (atmosphere). This interaction highlights the transfer of oxygen from the biosphere to the atmosphere, making 'biosphere to atmosphere' the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Select the correct answer. Which of these is an abiotic factor?

• temperature

• animals

Answer explanation

Temperature is an abiotic factor, meaning it is a non-living component of the environment. In contrast, animals are biotic factors, as they are living organisms. Therefore, the correct answer is temperature.

Hurricanes require access to warm ocean water in addition to unstable air conditions. Using the map below, which state can you infer would have the highest number of hurricanes?

• California (CA)

• Florida (FL)

Answer explanation

Florida (FL) is located in a region that frequently experiences warm ocean waters and unstable air conditions, making it more prone to hurricanes compared to California (CA), which has a cooler coastal climate.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2