Unit 1 test

Which of the following is the BEST definition of science?

• A collection of guesses about the natural world
• The study of the natural world through observation and experimentation
• The process of proving your opinion is correct
• Something only scientists in labs can do

An observation is:

• A guess about what will happen
• Information gathered using your senses
• A statement based on personal opinion
• A conclusion drawn after an experiment

Which of these is a qualitative observation?

• The candle is 10 cm tall
• The liquid has a temperature of 45°C
• The leaves are bright green
• The desk is 1.5 meters long

Which of these is a quantitative observation?

• The dog is very friendly
• The water smells salty
• The rock weighs 50 grams
• The sky is cloudy

An inference is:

• An explanation based on observations and evidence
• Measuring something with a tool
• The same as a hypothesis
• A guess without evidence

Which of these is the dependent variable in an experiment testing how sunlight affects plant growth?

• Amount of sunlight
• Type of soil used
• Type of plant
• Height of the plants

Which of these is the independent variable in an experiment testing different brands of paper towels to see which absorbs the most water?

• Amount of water absorbed
• Brand of paper towel
• Size of paper towel piece
• Amount of water used

Evidence in science must be:

• Based on personal beliefs
• From a source you trust
• Something everyone agrees on
• Testable and observable

Give one qualitative observation and one quantitative observation about this sentence: “The liquid in the beaker is a dark blue color, and there are 4 mL of it.”

Explain the difference between an independent variable and a dependent variable in an experiment.