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Scientific Method/Scientific Inquiry Final Review

Total questions: 50

Worksheet time: 48mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

The scientific method

a)

Helps scientists stay organized

b)

Is a series of steps to follow to complete an experiment

c)

Begins with a problem and ends with a conclusion

d)

All of the above

2.

A scientific problem is:

a)

Something that slows down the experiment

b)

A statement that drives the scientist’s work

c)

A question that the scientist wants to answer

d)

A fight between two scientists in the lab setting

3.

A hypothesis is:

a)

The main argument of the experiment

b)

An element of the process that questions something scientific

c)

Research that is done on the topic

d)

A prediction as to the results based on background information

4.

In order to write a quality hypothesis, a scientist should first:

a)

Make observations

b)

Figure out why he/she got the results they got from the experiment

c)

Conduct research from reliable sources

d)

Continue growing and learning as a scientist

5.

The independent variable is

a)

The part of the experiment the scientist purposely changes

b)

The part of the experiment the scientist measures and records

c)

The part of the experiment the scientist purposely keeps the same

d)

The part of the experiment that can be ignored

6.

The dependent variable is

a)

The part of the experiment the scientist purposely changes

b)

The part of the experiment the scientist measures and records

c)

The part of the experiment the scientist purposely keeps the same

d)

The part of the experiment that can be ignored

7.

The control variable is

a)

The part of the experiment the scientist purposely changes

b)

The part of the experiment the scientist measures and records

c)

The part of the experiment the scientist purposely keeps the same

d)

The part of the experiment that can be ignored

8.

When planning an experiment, a scientist should consider

a)

The control variables so that only one independent variable is being tested

b)

The number of trials to be conducted so that accuracy is ensured

c)

The materials that will be needed

d)

All of the above

9.

Data and observations

a)

Should be collected as the experiment is being conducted

b)

Should be organized into tables

c)

Provides the information that supports or denies a hypothesis

d)

All of the above

10.

Qualitative data

a)

Is observed by senses and described using words

b)

Should be the only source of information for scientists

c)

Is not as important as quantitative data

d)

All of the above

11.

Quantitative data

a)

Should be the only source of information for scientists

b)

Is recorded in numerical format and should be represented graphically

c)

Should not be included in the results paragraph

d)

All of the above

12.

Graphs help scientists

a)

Analyze the data they collected

b)

Collect new data

c)

Decide if the data is accurate or not

d)

None of the above

13.

When writing a results paragraph to analyze data, a scientist should:

a)

Describe the data in paragraph form including trends and patterns

b)

Consider it the last step of the scientific method

c)

Complete it prior to beginning the actual experiment to understand others’ findings

d)

Compare the original research and experimental research

14.

A conclusion should include

a)

A statement of the major findings

b)

Future research to be conducted

c)

Possible sources of error

d)

All of the above

15.

An appropriate problem for the experiment that yielded this data would be:

a)

What is the effect of height of ball bounce on ball type?

b)

How high will a ball bounce based on the type of ball used?

c)

Do different types of balls bounce differently?

d)

How does ball type affect the height of a ball bounce?

16.

16. An appropriate hypothesis for the experiment that yielded this data would be:

a)

If different types of balls are bounced, then a golf ball will bounce the highest because of the material it is made of.

b)

Different balls will bounce different heights if dropped.

c)

Yes, different balls bounce differently; a tennis ball will always bounce highest.

d)

If height is measured, tennis balls will bounce higher.

17.

The conclusion for this experiment would be:

a)

Ball type affects bounce height and tennis balls bounce the highest.

b)

Ball type affects bounce height and ping pong balls bounce the highest.

c)

Bounce heights affects tennis balls the most

d)

There is no effect of ball type on how high they bounce.

18.

Suzie was working on designing a science fair experiment. Suzie wondered what would happen if all the plankton was taken out of the oceans? Before she designed her experiment she wanted to find some resources that would help. Which would be the most appropriate resource to help her find background information?

a)

An interview with a pet store

employee

b)

A current edition of the

almanac

c)

A current edition of the

encyclopedia

d)

Looking through the newspaper

19.

Harry is working on a project that involves observing the effects of water temperature on goldfish growth. He observed that all the goldfish grew 5 cm in 1 month. Which of the following questions is appropriate for Harry to use as a problem?

a)

What is the effect of goldfish growth on water temperature?

b)

Does water temperature affect goldfish growth?

c)

What is the effect of water temperature on goldfish growth?

d)

How do goldfish grow?

20.

Harry is working on a project that involves observing the effects of water temperature on goldfish growth. He observed that all the goldfish grew 5 cm in 1 month. What type of observation did Harry make?

a)

Qualitative

b)

Quantitative

c)

Independent

d)

Dependent

21.

Janie is doing an experiment about how TV affects performance on a math test. She will have her brother, Jason, watch different amounts of TV, and then he will take a math test after each session. What is the dependent variable in this experiment?

a)

Different amounts of TV

b)

Janie’s brother

c)

Performance on a math test

d)

Janie

22.

Janie is doing an experiment about how TV affects performance on a math test. She will have her brother, Jason, watch different amounts of TV, and then he will take a math test after each session. Which of the following is an appropriate hypothesis for Janie’s experiment?

a)

Jason is terrible at math

b)

If Jason studies, then he will do well.

c)

If Jason watches a lot of TV, then his math score will decline because he is not studying.

d)

Jason will ace the math tests because he rocks at math and TV doesn’t affect him.

23.

Janie is doing an experiment about how TV affects performance on a math test. She will have her brother, Jason, watch different amounts of TV, and then he will take a math test after each session. Which of the following control variables should Janie consider?

a)

her brother’s age

b)

her brother’s ability

c)

the amount of TV he watches

d)

the type of test questions she gives him.

24.

Marissa filled 9 cups of the same size with equal amounts of water. She divided the cups into three groups of three cups each. The groups were placed in different locations around her house. After two weeks, she measured the remaining water to determine how much had evaporated by measuring how much water remained in each cup. Which of the following problems best fits this scenario?

a)

What is the effect of different locations on the amount of water evaporated?

b)

What is the effect of the amount of water in a cup on how much evaporated?

c)

What is the effect of the amount of water that evaporated on its location?

d)

What is the effect of how much water evaporated on how much was in the cup?

25.

Music may help people relax. Karen tested this hypothesis by comparing two groups of people. She took their pulse and blood pressure then allowed one group to listen to soothing music while the other group sat in silence. After the song was over, she measured everyone’s pulse and blood pressure again. Which of the following hypotheses best fits this scenario?

a)

If soothing music is played, then people’s blood pressure and pulse will decrease.

b)

If people’s blood pressure and pulse decreases, then music should be played.

c)

If people sit in silence, music will start playing.

d)

If a song ends, blood pressure should be measured.

26.

What is the role of the hypothesis in the scientific inquiry process?

a)

To develop a possible explanation to answer a scientific question

b)

To develop an experiment to test a theory or question

c)

To develop a statement that sums up what you have learned

d)

To develop a question based on an observation.

27.

After scientists analyze the results of their experiments, they _______________.

a)

Form hypothesis

b)

Include a control

c)

Communicate those results to other people via a conclusion

d)

Choose the variables they want to test

28.

Which of the following steps to solve a problem must be completed first in the scientific process?

a)

Analyzing data

b)

Drawing conclusions

c)

Forming a hypothesis

d)

Testing a hypothesis

29.

Which of the following steps to solve a problem must be completed last in the scientific process?

a)

Analyzing data

b)

Drawing conclusions

c)

Forming a hypothesis

d)

Testing a hypothesis

30.

A prediction that can be tested is a(n)_____________.

a)

Conclusion

b)

Observation

c)

Control

d)

Hypothesis

31.

A good way to organize and record your results and observations is:

a)

In a data table

b)

By using a calculator

c)

With a balance

d)

By having a hypothesis before you begin your experiment

32.

Which skill is used when you use your sense to gather information?

a)

Posing questions

b)

Observing

c)

Developing a hypothesis

d)

Designing an experiment

33.

Facts, figures, and other evidence learned through observation are called:

a)

Variables

b)

Experiments

c)

Questions

d)

Data

34.

What characteristic must be true of a good hypothesis?

a)

It must be correct

b)

It must have been observed many times

c)

It must involve quantitative data

d)

It must be testable by observation or experiment

35.

Which of the following is NOT a part of how scientists work?

a)

a. Experimenting

b)

a. Observing

c)

a. Random guessing

d)

a. Hypothesizing

36.

Timmy and Billy just finished an experiment to determine how the moon’s position changes in relationship to the sun. Tim and Billy went outside each day at the same time and measured the distance between the positions of the moon and the sun in the sky. They also sketched what the moon looked like each day. Their initial hypothesis was, “It is hypothesized that there will be no change in the relationship between the moon and the sun from day to day because the moon revolves around the Earth at a constant speed.” Here is the completed data from their experiment. Which of the following conclusions is best supported by the data?

a)

During the experiment the moon appeared closer to the sun each day, with the exception of the first day where the moon was not visible in the sky.

b)

Each day, at the same time, the moon moved farther away from the sun with the exception of the first day where the moon was not visible in the sky.

c)

During the experiment the moon moved in closer and then farther away from the sun.

d)

During the experiment there was no relationship between the how much of the moon was visible and the distance between the moon and the sun.

37.

Timmy and Billy just finished an experiment to determine how the moon’s position changes in relationship to the sun. Tim and Billy went outside each day at the same time and measured the distance between the positions of the moon and the sun in the sky. They also sketched what the moon looked like each day. Their initial hypothesis was, “It is hypothesized that there will be no change in the relationship between the moon and the sun from day to day because the moon revolves around the Earth at a constant speed.” Here is the completed data from their experiment. Which of the following choices best analyzes the data to determine if the hypothesis was proven or disproved?

a)

The data in this experiment supported the hypothesis

b)

The data in the experiment did not support the hypothesis

c)

The data neither supported nor rejected the hypothesis

d)

More data needed to be collected to determine the hypothesis

38.

Timmy and Billy just finished an experiment to determine how the moon’s position changes in relationship to the sun. Tim and Billy went outside each day at the same time and measured the distance between the positions of the moon and the sun in the sky. They also sketched what the moon looked like each day. Their initial hypothesis was, “It is hypothesized that there will be no change in the relationship between the moon and the sun from day to day because the moon revolves around the Earth at a constant speed.” Here is the completed data from their experiment. How should they refine their hypothesis based on the results from this investigation?

a)

There is no relationship between the moon’s position the Sun at the same time each day, because the Earth’ speed is constant.

b)

There is not a relationship between the moon’s position to the sun from day to day, because the position never increased.

c)

There is a relationship between the moon’s position in relationship to the sun, because the distance increases between the two objects each day.

d)

The distance between the moon and the sun at a given time changes and the phases of the moon are created by the moon’s position to the sun relative to the earth.

39.

Timmy and Billy just finished an experiment to determine how the moon’s position changes in relationship to the sun. Tim and Billy went outside each day at the same time and measured the distance between the positions of the moon and the sun in the sky. They also sketched what the moon looked like each day. Their initial hypothesis was, “It is hypothesized that there will be no change in the relationship between the moon and the sun from day to day because the moon revolves around the Earth at a constant speed.” Here is the completed data from their experiment. Which of the following questions would be a good starting point for a new investigation based upon the data from the previous investigation?

a)

Can you use the distance between the moon and the sun to determine the time?

b)

What will the phase of the moon be tomorrow?

c)

What happens to the distance between the moon and the sun after the distance between the moon and sun becomes 0?

d)

Why does the distance remain constant between the moon and the sun?

40.

Suzie and Jane are about to start their science fair experiment. Before they start they will need to write a set of directions or instructions so that others could perform their experiment. Below is a one-sample line from their directions. Which would be the most scientifically accurate?

a)

You need to get the materials needed for this lab

b)

Obtain all of the materials needed for this lab

c)

Once you have obtained the materials for this lab start

d)

Go and get some of the materials to start this lab

41.

When writing procedures, you should consider:

a)

Using pictures to clarify directions

b)

Including all measurements needed

c)

Steps that tell the experimenter what to record & when to record it

d)

All of the above

42.

Your science group studied the populations of organisms within a grassland biome food chain. You recorded the number of organisms in a grass, sheep, and wolf population. You then turned your data into a graph in order to better help you analyze the results. You realized that the populations do, indeed, fluctuate over time. Your data also has some surprises to it! Your group lost points on this graphical representation of data. Why could that be?

a)

The title isn’t in proper scientific format including both variables

b)

The axes aren’t clearly labeled with number and unit

c)

Both A and B

d)

Neither A nor B

43.

Your science group studied the populations of organisms within a grassland biome food chain. You recorded the number of organisms in a grass, sheep, and wolf population. You then turned your data into a graph in order to better help you analyze the results. You realized that the populations do, indeed, fluctuate over time. Your data also has some surprises to it! Which hypothesis was most likely being tested in this experiment?

a)

If the food chain is left untouched by humans, then the populations of organisms will stay in the same number.

b)

If the food chain is left untouched by humans, then the populations of organisms will fluctuate and balance.

c)

If predator and prey are in the grasslands, there will always be more prey because of the energy pyramid requirements.

d)

If primary consumers are present, the producers’ population size will never drop below the herbivores because of the energy pyramid requirements.

44.

Your science group studied the populations of organisms within a grassland biome food chain. You recorded the number of organisms in a grass, sheep, and wolf population. You then turned your data into a graph in order to better help you analyze the results. You realized that the populations do, indeed, fluctuate over time. Your data also has some surprises to it! Based on the data, which best conclusion can be made?

a)

Over time, population sizes of all organisms remain constant.

b)

Over time, population sizes of all organisms changed dependent upon the other populations.

c)

Over time, the predator always stayed lower than prey and prey lower than producers, as the energy pyramid shows.

d)

Over time, population sizes were affected by humans.

45.

What type of graph would you create in order to best represent the data?

a)

double line graph

b)

bar graph

c)

histogram

d)

line graph

46.

Which skate was the skater wearing that had the slowest time?

a)

Bauer

b)

CCM

c)

Reebok

d)

Easton

47.

Which skate brand would you recommend to a speed skater?

a)

All of them

b)

Reebok

c)

Bauer

d)

CCM

48.

What factor would have the largest impact on the results and would need to be held constant?

a)

Force

b)

Stick brand

c)

Distance

d)

Time of day

49.

Which trial is the largest outlier amongst the data?

a)

Sher-Wood Trial 1

b)

Koho Trial 2

c)

Mission Trial 3

d)

Koho Trial 1

50.

What conclusion can be made from the data?

a)

The averages are almost the same so no major difference is seen.

b)

The puck traveled the farthest distance in trial 2 using a Mission stick; so that is the best one.

c)

The puck traveled the shortest distance in trial 3 using a Mission stick; so that is the worst one.

d)

The average distance traveled when using a Mission stick is the farthest; so that is the best one.