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Nature of Science Exam

Total questions: 40

Worksheet time: 30mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

The results of one experiment carried out by a research team would be considered valid if

a)

the experiment had more than one independent variable

b)

the experiment had a control

c)

all members of the research team came to the same conclusion

d)

the experiment was repeated and the same results were obtained each time

2.

Which of the following would lead to a change in current scientific theory?

a)

A change in the world's opinion

b)

A small group of scientists who studied the theory can make changes

c)

The person who originally developed the theory can make changes

d)

A change in scientific evidence regarding the theory

3.

Scientists study many different things but what do they all have in common?

a)

All scientists use carefully controlled experiments to determine the relationship between the independent variable and dependent variable

b)

All scientists work in laboratories to make sure variables are carefully controlled

c)

All scientists use expensive equipment

d)

All scientists pursue explanations about the natural world

4.

When there is an accidental spill in the laboratory, it is most important to know

a)

where the safety goggles are stored

b)

what number to call for poison control

c)

where the fire extinguisher is located

d)

which materials are safe to use for cleaning

5.

Vianka is conducting an investigation. Which of these procedures would best ensure that all the data she collected is reliable?

a)

Record all data as soon as it is collected

b)

Use only data that supports your conclusion

c)

Eliminate data that conflicts with the hypothesis

d)

Perform only one trial to avoid conflicting data

6.

Ranya used a hot plate to heat 1L of water from 20 degrees celsius and recorded the temperature of the water each minute until it began to boil. Which of the following provides the most appropriate way to represent the data?

a)

A bar graph with temperature on the y-axis and time on the x-axis

b)

A bar graph with time on the y-axis and on the temperature x-axis

c)

A line graph with temperature on the y-axis and time on the x-axis

d)

A line graph with time on the y-axis and temperature on the x-axis

7.

Why are models important in explaining scientific concepts?

a)

They have no limitations

b)

They are artificially created

c)

They make it easier to explain scientific concepts

d)

They allow scientists to represent the natural world

8.

Tajhai plans to conduct an experiment to see how quickly mice learn to navigate to reach a reward at the other end. Which of these will help lead to the most accurate conclusion?

a)

Make the maze bigger

b)

Provide different food rewards

c)

Use a reward other than food

d)

Use the same maze and reward every day

9.

When experimental evidence _____________ a theory, that theory is made __________

a)

proves; into a law

b)

supports; into a law

c)

proves; stronger

d)

supports; stronger

10.

A science teacher divided her class into four groups and asked each group to submit an idea for an experimental project in Earth science, complete with independent and dependent variables. The groups submitted their ideas with the following titles:

Group W: “The History of Solar Power in the State of Florida”

Group X: “A Model of the Hawaiian Volcano Mauna Loa”

Group Y: “The Effects of Plant Growth on the Amount of Soil Erosion”

Group Z: “How Many Types of Soil Are Present at Our School?”

Based on the titles, which group most likely designed an experimental project?

a)

Group W

b)

Group X

c)

Group Y

d)

Group Z

11.

A science class puts a rain gauge outside of the classroom window to measure the amount of rain in centimeters (cm) that falls each month. The table shows the data the class collected. Which statement is a conclusion that can be drawn made based on this data?

a)

March is always the rainiest month.

b)

The rainfall in June will be greater than two inches.

c)

The winter months were more rainy than the spring months.

d)

Most likely a weather event in March caused a large amount of rain.

12.

The Big Bang Theory offers an explanation about the formation of the universe as we know it. Discoveries and the dialogue that follow continue to add more evidence supporting the theory. New evidence leads to logical reasoning about the details of the universe's beginning and adds more credibility to the theory. How does scientific theory relate to the scientific method of inquiry?

a)

Theory cannot be tested.

b)

Theory determines observations.

c)

Theory cannot be shared with others.

d)

Theory changes as new data is collected.

13.

In the late 19th century, Giovanni Schiaparelli observed the planet Mars with a telescope. He detected lines across the surface of Mars, which he called "channels." This word was translated into English as "canals." Then, the astronomer Percival Lowell drew maps depicting a fallacious Martian civilization. Later observations with better telescopes showed that there are no canals on Mars. How was scientific knowledge of Mars open to change?

a)

New evidence could also be interpreted as canals.

b)

New evidence showed Martian civilization was possible.

c)

New evidence did not support the earlier interpretations of observations.

d)

New evidence was insufficient to confirm or deny the earlier observations.

14.
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.
15.
At one point in time, many people thought disease was caused by fate or by incorrect behavior. Following the invention of the microscope, bacteria were discovered. After this, a new theory of what causes disease arose that was known as the germ theory.  Why was the original theory modified? 
a)
It quickly became obvious that germs cause disease.
b)
The person who invented the microscope became ill.
c)
New evidence prompted revision to the original ideas.
d)
The proponents of the germ theory had political power.
16.
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
17.
Dolphins have smooth skin.
a)
quantitative observation
b)
qualitative observation
18.
Dolphins eat the equivalent of 4% of their body mass each day.
a)
quantitative observation
b)
qualitative observation
19.

Using any of your 5 senses to describe the world around you.

a)

Observation

b)

Inference

c)

Scientific law

d)

Logical Theory

20.

What is the DEPENDENT variable in this experiment? "Do tall people jump higher than short people?"

a)
height of the person
b)
weight of the person
c)
how fast the person runs
d)
how far the person jumps
21.
An experiment is performed on plants to see how different liquids affect plant growth. Each plant in the experiment is given a different liquid; water, apple juice, or milk. Each plant has the same amount of soil, sunlight, and listens to the same music. In this investigation, what is the dependent variable?
a)
Type of plant
b)
Water, apple juice, milk
c)
Plant growth
d)

Music

22.

The number of times an experiment is repeated.

a)

abundant

b)

model

c)

trials

d)

valid

23.

The steps to follow to complete an experiment.

a)

inference

b)

manipulate

c)

procedures

d)

valid

24.

A scientific idea tested by multiple scientists and supported by multiple pieces of tested factual evidence is a...

a)

Theory

b)

Scientific Law

c)

Hypothesis

d)

Fact

e)

Data

25.

What can undo a theory?

a)

A single test proving a theory wrong

b)

A single "repeatable" test proving a theory wrong

c)

A change in publics opinion of a theory

d)

Politicians can pass laws undoing a theory

26.

Jaynae is investigating to find out if bean plants grow taller in ordinary topsoil or special potting soil over a three week period. She sets up her investigation with 10 bean plants of equal size in each type of soil.

What should Jane do each day to make sure she gets valid results?

a)

Calculate the average plant height for each soil type.

b)

Estimate the height of each plant's stem and record the estimate.

c)

Water only the plants in special potting soil.

d)

Move the plants in ordinary topsoil to different locations.

27.

A scientist performs an experiment and asks other scientists around the world to replicate it. Why would other scientists most likely try to perform the same experiment?

a)

to find out if weather of various regions of the world would affect the results

b)

to see if the experiment would be less expensive in another part of the world

c)

to confirm the results of the experiment conducted by the scientist

d)

to verify that the hypothesis of the experiment is a scientific law

28.

How can scientific knowledge impact a decision about treating the Corona virus outbreak?

a)

the more you know about it, then more people can die from it

b)

knowledge is power, but not over a Zika outbreak

c)

the more known about how it spreads, then we can better contain it

d)

it makes it harder to cure it

29.

If Dr. Feldman tried to sell you a $900 product with the claim it "cured all illnesses," you should __

a)

buy all of it and sell it for a profit

b)

ask him if he would let you work for him

c)

ask for more data and evidence to support his claim

d)

buy 1 bottle and try it out on yourself

30.

When your classmate copies an experiment that you have already conducted it is called _____

a)

restitution

b)

replication

c)

repetition

d)

cheating

31.

When you repeat your experimental procedures for multiple test trials, this is called _______

a)

replication

b)

restitution

c)

repetition

d)

recognition

32.

The observations and data on which a scientific explanation can be based is called ___________________

a)

empirical evidence

b)

pseudo-science

c)

theories

d)

an hypothesis

33.

Which is an example of a model?

a)

the globe of Mars

b)

paper

c)

an olive

d)

your textbook

34.

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

35.

Experimental results that don't agree with your hypothesis should be...

a)

thrown away.

b)

modified to make sure you appeared to be right all along.

c)

Covered in your lab report and if possible, offer a reason for the results.

d)

made secret.

36.

In science, all claims must be...

a)

tested using many experiments before being accepted by the community.

b)

accepted to be true because they are popular.

c)

written by famous scientists.

d)

randomly generated.

37.

The theory of a sun centered solar system and the theory of evolution caused similar negative reactions when first proposed. Which of the following led to them becoming a scientific theory?

a)

Evidence to support both theories were discovered and that consistently supported them

b)

There was no evidence for either theory

c)

Both theories were proposed by more than one scientist

d)

Both theories were tested in a laboratory and results were consistently supported

38.

In 1912, Alfred Wegener proposed the idea of continental drift. The idea was that Earth's continents were once one single landmass that broke apart and separated over time. Most scientists of the time rejected the idea but today, it is now widely accepted by scientists. Which of the following explains how it became accepted?

a)

More information was discovered about the rock cycle by a scientist studying rock formation

b)

One scientist found evidence of a pattern in layered rock deposits

c)

Scientists believe all natural processes had to occur everywhere on Earth in the same way

d)

Scientists repeatedly found evidence of the sea floor spreading in ocean ridges

39.

Scientific knowledge results from the interaction of scientists who are investigating natural phenomena. Which of these best describes how a scientific explanation becomes widely accepted?

a)

A hypothesis is tested repeatedly and the results are debated

b)

A hypothesis is debated by the scientific community

c)

A hypothesis is tested repeatedly and the results are partially supported by the scientific evidence

d)

A hypothesis is tested repeatedly and the results are confirmed with evidence and debated by the scientific community

40.

Which of the following will have the greatest impact on the validity of the results of a scientific investigation?

a)

Having multiple other scientists repeat the experiment with the same procedures

b)

Ensuring that ALL test variables are carefully controlled

c)

Repeating the experiment with the same exact procedure

d)

Having two dependent variables