Exploring the Nature of Science

The video introduces the scientific process, emphasizing its role in understanding the world. It explains how observations lead to testable questions and hypotheses, using examples like sliding rocks and golf balls. The video details the importance of independent and dependent variables in experiments and how scientific theories are formed from extensive evidence. The main theory in earth science, plate tectonics, is highlighted as an example of a well-supported theory.

What is the primary goal of science?

• To prove personal beliefs

• To create new technologies

• To understand and explain the world

• To memorize facts

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of scientific thinking?

• Jumping to conclusions

• Being skeptical

• Using logical reasoning

• Using evidence

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What initiates the scientific process?

• Conducting an experiment

• Making an observation

• Formulating a hypothesis

• Publishing results

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-1

In the example of sliding rocks in Death Valley, what was the first step scientists took?

• Formulating a hypothesis

• Listing questions

• Publishing a paper

• Conducting experiments

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

What makes a scientific question valid?

• It is based on opinion

• It is testable

• It is popular

• It is complex

What is a hypothesis?

• An untestable idea

• A proven fact

• An explanation based on observations

• A random guess

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

In an experiment, what is the independent variable?

• The variable that is measured

• The variable that is changed by the scientist

• The variable that remains constant

• The variable that is dependent on other factors

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

In the Mythbusters car experiment, what was the dependent variable?

• The gas mileage

• The presence of dimples

• The type of clay used

• The speed of the car

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

What is a scientific theory?

• A single experiment's result

• A collection of supported hypotheses

• An untested idea

• A hypothesis with inconsistencies

Which theory is the main theory in earth science?

• Theory of Relativity

• Theory of Evolution

• Big Bang Theory

• Plate Tectonics Theory

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3