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WorksheetsNature of Science
Total questions: 75
Worksheet time: 50mins
Name
Class
Date
1.
Which of the following is a scientific observation?
a)
The potato is brown in color.
b)
The potato tastes the best.
c)
The potato may cause allergies.
d)
The potato smells funny.
2.
What is another word for hypothesis?
a)
evidence
b)
graph
c)
investigation
d)
prediction
3.
Which question can best be investigated by a scientist?
a)
Should I buy a red shirt or a green shirt?
b)
Does chocolate milk or plain milk taste better?
c)
Does a plant need sunlight to grow?
d)
Which feels softer, cat fur or dog fur?
4.
Why should an experiment be repeated?
a)
to form a hypothesis
b)
to reduce the chance of error
c)
to change controls
d)
to identify the problem
5.
This is the outcome of the experiment. We get data and results from this.
a)
Independent Variable
b)
Dependent Variable
c)
Control
d)
Constant
6.
How many independent variables should be tested at a time in a scientific investigation?
a)
none
b)
one
c)
two
d)
three
7.
Which is the dependent variable in Amelia's experiment?
a)
the number of bean plants in each group
b)
the amount of water given daily to each plant
c)
the height of each bean plant
d)
the amount of fertilizer given to each group of bean plants
8.
To get data from systematic observations, you must:
a)
Create a model of what you are studying
b)
Collect animals to study and bring inside
c)
Design an entire experiment
d)
Use 5 senses or take pictures to study
9.
The variable that is changed on purpose is:
a)
Control
b)
Dependent
c)
Independent
d)
Outcome
10.
How would you collect data about the stars?
a)
Make a bar graph
b)
Read about the stars
c)
Ask a friend what they think
d)
Draw what you see
11.
The variable in the experiment that is the outcome that you measure is called:
a)
Control
b)
Dependent
c)
Independent
d)
Hypothesis
12.
What is an inference?
a)
Just a guess.
b)
A statement based off of your observations.
c)
The same as an observation.
d)
Examples of something.
13.
Which statement is an observation?
a)
That house is empty because there are no lights on.
b)
Her hair is brown.
c)
Her hair is brown because she dyed it.
d)
Her hair has not been cut in two years.
14.
When experimenting with the growth of a plant, a scientist uses three plants, two different fertilizers, equal light, and equal water. What type of variable is the water?
a)
Dependent
b)
Independent
c)
Control
d)
Outcome
15.
In the paper airplane experiment, changing the size of the airplane would be which variable?
a)
Dependent
b)
Independent
c)
Control
d)
Conclusion
16.
Squidward found new reeds to tryout for his clarinet. He used an APPLAUSOMETER to measure clapping/applause after playing Under the Sea with each reed. The results were put in the table.
What was the dependent variable?
What was the dependent variable?
a)
The Song
b)
The Reed
c)
The Applause
d)
The clarinet
17.
Newton’s third law of motion states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. How does this law differ from a theory?
a)
A theory explains a set of well tested observations; a law describes a pattern in nature.
b)
Laws can be changed with the addition of new evidence but theories cannot.
c)
A law explains a pattern in nature in more detail than a theory.
d)
Theories are based on more evidence than laws.
18.
In which statement does the word theory mean scientific theory?
a)
In theory, the experiment will work as planned.
b)
She has a theory about why the storm arrived later than predicted.
c)
The atomic theory explains that material objects are made up of atoms.
d)
The doctor’s prescription for curing a cold is based on his best theory or guess.
19.
The theory of plate tectonics states that Earth’s crust is made of sections that move. Which of the following is NOT evidence that can be used to support the theory of plate tectonics?
a)
The sea floor is spreading apart from mid-ocean rifts.
b)
Mountains push up where two plates bump into each other.
c)
The same species of bird is found in North America and South America.
d)
The continents look as if they fit together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.
20.
Why is it important that scientists modify scientific theories when important new information is discovered?
a)
to confuse other scientists
b)
to keep the theory interesting and fresh
c)
to keep the theory as accurate and effective as possible
d)
to make sure the general public does not understand the theory
21.
Joe tells Mai his theory about why sea turtles nest on the beach instead of in the ocean. He says, “The turtle eggs would sink to the bottom of the ocean, and the baby turtles would drown.” Joe says his uncle is a fisherman, who told Joe this information. Mai tells Joe that his theory is not scientific. Which explanation supports Mai’s evaluation of Joe’s theory?
a)
Joe’s idea is already a scientific law.
b)
Joe’s idea is not supported by scientific evidence.
c)
Joe’s idea is a good guess that can be tested by experiments.
d)
Joe’s idea accurately explains why sea turtles nest on the beach.
22.
Scientists discuss and debate experimental results and possible explanations in studying phenomena. Which best explains why scientists debate while searching for explanations?
a)
because debating helps scientists focus on empirical evidence, analyzing both the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence
b)
because debating helps the scientific community to present interesting and exciting science to the public
c)
because debating gives scientists an opportunity to express their feelings and opinions about the subject
d)
because every scientist wants to find an accurate explanation and disprove others’ explanations
23.
Unprotected exposure to the sun’s rays is a factor in the development of skin cancer. Which of the following is an example of empirical evidence that supports this hypothesis?
a)
a model of a skin cell showing where DNA is in the cell
b)
a skin cancer survivor’s recollection that he had a bad sunburn as a child
c)
data demonstrating a relationship between amount of sun exposure and incidences of skin cancer
d)
an advertisement for a sun block product that claims it protects skin for ultraviolet rays
24.
Alfred Wegener's hypothesis of continental drift was not widely accepted because --
a)
he could not provide evidence to support his claim
b)
the puzzle fit was his only evidence and scientists thought it was a coincidence
c)
he could not explain what mechanism caused the plates to move
d)
he claimed continents drifted on the oceans
25.
Scientists have compiled fossil records over several continents.
Which statement best explains the pattern in the diagram?
Which statement best explains the pattern in the diagram?
a)
The animals migrated over time looking for food.
b)
The organisms shown on the map lived after Pangaea.
c)
These species were found on each continent because they were native to all continents.
d)
The organisms lived when the continents were connected.
26.
What is the name of the supercontinent Alfred Wegener used to discuss his hypothesis of continental drift?
a)
Laurasia
b)
Gondwanaland
c)
Euramerica
d)
Pangaea
27.
Which statement is NOT evidence of the plate tectonic theory?
a)
Fossils of the same animals are found on different continents.
b)
The continents fit together like pieces of a puzzle.
c)
Similar weather patterns exist on different continents.
d)
Mountain chains line up along the edges of continents.
28.
One of the key pieces of evidence that supports the theory of plate tectonics is the puzzle fit of the continents. The theory was weakened by areas which lacked an exact fit. Later, scientists realized that the continental shelf should be included in the theory. Which statement explains why the continental shelf should be included?
a)
Coastlines of continents have not changed over time.
b)
Coastlines have been eroded over time, but the continental shelf is less affected by erosion and thus allows a better fit.
c)
Coastlines changed as the continents broke apart and the continental shelf remained unchanged.
d)
The continental shelf has grown over time and fills in the gaps, allowing for a better puzzle fit.
29.
How does the diagram provide evidence of plate tectonics?
a)
The diagram shows two plates pushing together, proving that mountains are formed.
b)
The diagram shows the formation of volcanoes, proving the existence of underwater volcanoes.
c)
The diagram shows symmetrical magnetic stripes, proving the seafloor is spreading.
d)
The diagram shows an underground pool of magma, proving the mantle is hot.
30.
The scientific theory that the Earth's crust is made of moving plates.
a)
quakes
b)
seismic
c)
plate tectonics
d)
rotation
31.
In the early 1900's Alfred Wegener found evidence of identical rock types, identical fossils, and matching mountain ranges on different continents that are on opposite sides of an ocean. What could be the explanation for these observations?
a)
All animals can swim extremely long distances
b)
These observations have no significant meaning.
c)
In the past, continents were not located where they are today but were joined together
d)
Mountains are made through the same processes therefore they are very similar in their structure throughout the entire world.
32.
How does seafloor spreading occur?
a)
Molten lava erupts from mid-ocean ridges
b)
Molten lava erupts from deep ocean trenches
c)
Molten lava erupts from a hot spot under an oceanic plate
d)
The pressure of the ocean on the seafloor causes it to thin and spread.
33.
Most scientists believe the Big Bang Theory explains which of the following questions?
a)
How our planets and moons formed
b)
How our universe began
c)
How the sun turns hydrogen into helium
d)
How fast light travels through space
34.
Which statement is true?
a)
The galaxies are moving toward us.
b)
The galaxies are moving away from us.
c)
The universe remains static or unchanged in motion.
d)
None of the above
35.
How does Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation support the Big Band Theory?
a)
Microwaves are found everywhere in the universe.
b)
Microwaves occurred at the time of the Big Bang
c)
Microwaves are useful in our everyday lives
d)
Only A & B
36.
How does the abundance of hydrogen and helium support the Big Bang Theory.
a)
Hydrogen and helium are elements on the Periodic Table
b)
Hydrogen and helium are in the same ratio throughout the universe.
c)
Hydrogen and helium have many current uses today
37.
Big Bang theory says that
a)
the early universe was small, hot, and dense
b)
there is no God.
c)
something came from nothing
d)
the universe's age can't be known
38.
The amount of hydrogen and helium found in the universe is _____ the Big Bang theory.
a)
less than what's predicted by
b)
much greater than what's predicted by
c)
exactly what's predicted by
d)
doesn't have anything to do with
39.
Which is *not* evidence for the Big Bang theory?
a)
red-shifted galaxies
b)
hieroglypiphics describing the instant of the Big Bang
c)
smooth cosmic background radiation
d)
amounts of hydrogen and helium
40.
How can we know about the conditions of the early universe?
a)
we can't
b)
reading ancient manuscripts
c)
learning how matters acts at high temperatures
d)
learning how matter acts at low temperatures
41.
Which of the following is the best conclusion that can be made from this graph?
a)
atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have been decreasing since 1960
b)
Hawaii has a lot of carbon dioxide
c)
humans have been working hard to decrease carbon dioxide levels
d)
atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have increased steadily since 1960
42.
How do scientists collect evidence about climate?
a)
using remote sensing from space with satellites
b)
by ground-based measurements of surface temperatures, carbon dioxide concentration and sea level
c)
by collecting “proxy data” from tree rings, ice cores, and historical records
d)
all of the above
43.
Studying trees to research climate clues:
a)
Dendrology
b)
Dendroclimatology
c)
Paleodendrology
d)
Ancient climatology
44.
Humans have left clues about ancient climates.
a)
False
b)
True
45.
Direct evidence in science is evidence that
a)
is measured or visibly evident
b)
is not available for most questions
c)
is evidence that is difficult to find
46.
The Earth has an iron core. We know this because of:
a)
Direct Evidence
b)
Indirect Evidence
47.
Scientists determine climate conditions today by...
a)
Making direct measurements.
b)
Creating computer models.
c)
Examining ice cores.
d)
Using dendrochronology.
48.
To learn what climates were like in the past, scientists investigate the following types of evidence that serve as substitutes for direct measurement.
a)
Computer models
b)
Proxy indicators
c)
Topography
d)
Carbon footprints
49.
Scientists can extract samples of ancient air from ice cores
a)
True
b)
False
50.
How do scientists collect evidence about climate?
a)
using remote sensing from space with satellites
b)
by ground-based measurements of surface temperatures, carbon dioxide concentration and sea level
c)
by collecting “proxy data” from tree rings, ice cores, and historical records
d)
all of the above
51.
Studying tree rings is a way of gathering evidence for climate change. This is called _______________.
a)
Biology
b)
Dendrochronology
c)
Ice Sheet Retreat
d)
Sunspot Cycles
52.
By examining ice cores, we know that when carbon dioxide levels are high, temperatures are also higher.
a)
True
b)
False
53.
Thicker tree rings indicate poor growing conditions for plants and trees.
a)
True
b)
False
54.
What source of evidence for climate change is shown in the image?
a)
Ice Cores
b)
Pollen Analysis
c)
Glacier Retreat
d)
Dendrochronology
55.
How can monitoring glaciers provide evidence for climate change?
a)
When climate gets warmer, glaciers get larger.
b)
When glaciers retreat it means that it is getting colder.
c)
Glaciers contain old thermometers to measure temperatures.
d)
When climate is warmer, glaciers retreat. When climate is colder, glaciers expand and get larger.
56.
The average temperature of the surface of Earth has increased approximately 1°C in the past century. Which reason best explains this increase in temperature?
a)
lower levels of ozone in the atmosphere
b)
lower levels of nitrogen in the atmosphere
c)
higher levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
d)
higher levels of oxygen in the atmosphere
57.
Visible light reaches Earth’s surface while infrared light is trapped as heat. Which characteristic of Earth’s atmosphere causes this to happen?
a)
Long wave energy from the sun reaches the earth's surface and is converted to short wave energy that is trapped by CO2
b)
Short wave energy from the sun reaches the earth's surface and is converted to long wave energy that is trapped CO2.
c)
Infared light reaches Earth’s surface while visible light is trapped as heat.
d)
Visible light reaches Earth’s surface while infrared light is trapped as heat.
58.
Which of the following have been linked to climate change? Pick only those that apply.
a)
droughts
b)
flooding
c)
melting of polar ice caps
d)
ocean acidification
e)
all of the above
59.
The study of the universe
a)
Galaxy
b)
Geocentric
c)
Astonomy
d)
Heliocentric
60.
The earth centered view of the universe
a)
Galaxy
b)
Geocentric
c)
Astonomy
d)
Heliocentric
61.
The sun centered view of the universe
a)
Galaxy
b)
Geocentric
c)
Astonomy
d)
Heliocentric
62.
Copernicus' view of the universe
a)
Galaxy
b)
Geocentric
c)
Astonomy
d)
Heliocentric
63.
Ptolemy's view of the universe
a)
Galaxy
b)
Geocentric
c)
Astonomy
d)
Heliocentric
64.
Johannes Kepler
a)
recorded precise observation using large tools
b)
developed the Laws of Planetary Motion
c)
was the 1st to use a Telescope
d)
developed the Law's of Gravity
65.
Issac Newton
a)
recorded precise observation using large tools
b)
developed the Laws of Planetary Motion
c)
was the 1st to use a Telescope
d)
developed the Law's of Gravity
66.
Edwin Hubble
a)
was the 1st to use a telescope
b)
discovered that other galaxies existed beyond out galaxy.
c)
developed the laws of planetary motion
d)
developed the laws of gravity
67.
What were Wegener's four pieces of evidence to support his theory?
a)
Fossils, Glacial Striations, Jigsaw, Rock Patterns
b)
Glacial Striations, Animal Footprints, Rock Patterns, Jigsaw
c)
Fossils, Jigsaw, Puzzle Pieces, Same human remains
68.
Wegener's theory was rejected due to his lack of evidence.
a)
True
b)
False
69.
What evidence helps scientists show how sea floor spreading occurs?
a)
Ocean Floor Material
b)
Magnetic Stripes
c)
Drilling Samples
d)
All of the Above
70.
The OLDEST seafloor is located?
a)
Closest to the mid-ocean ridge
b)
Farthest from the mid-ocean ridge
71.
What is one piece of evidence of seafloor spreading?
a)
scientist found animals at the bottom of the sea
b)
mountain rocks crashed into the ocean
c)
scientist found pillow shaped rocks like pillows
72.
Which is NOT evidence of sea-floor spreading?
a)
Molten magma constantly erupting
b)
Drilling samples of rock
c)
Magnetic stripes
d)
Fossil evidence
73.
What is the best explanation for why oceanic crust is subducted by continental crust?
a)
The oceanic crust is cooler than continental crust.
b)
Continental crust is denser than oceanic crust.
c)
Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust.
d)
The oceanic crust is hotter than continental crust.
74.
Which of the following supports the theory of seafloor spreading?
a)
Correlation of rock layers
b)
Crustal Age
c)
Magnetic Reversal
d)
Continuous Mountain Chains
75.
Seafloor spreading...
a)
creates new crust
b)
destroys or recycles crust
c)
was discovered by Wegener.
d)
creates old crust
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