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Nature of Science

Total questions: 88

Worksheet time: 3hrs 56mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

something you find out about objects, events, or living things using your 5 senses

a)

hypothesis

b)

observation

c)

experiment

d)

variable

2.

the use of scientific methods to test a hypothesis

a)

hypothesis

b)

observation

c)

experiment

d)

variable

3.

something that can change in a test

a)

hypothesis

b)

observation

c)

experiment

d)

variable

4.

We use this to represent and interpret data

a)

control group

b)

procedures

c)

Graph

d)

precision

5.

What is the variable that is tested and CHANGED by the scientist?

a)

dependent variable

b)

independent variable

c)

controlled variable

d)

scientific method

6.

What is the variable that is MEASURED by the scientist?

a)

independent variable

b)

controlled variable

c)

dependent variable

d)

scientific method

7.

What is the variables that are kept the SAME (constant) throughout the entire experiment.

a)

scientific method

b)

independent variable

c)

dependent variable

d)

controlled variable

8.

What variable do we see on the X axis?

a)

Independent Variable

b)

Dependent Variable

c)

Controlled Variable

9.

What axis do we find Dependent Variable on?

a)

Y Axis

b)

X Axis

c)

C Axis

10.

The things that are kept the same to ensure the results are due to the experiment is called..

a)

Constant

b)

Dependent Variable

c)

Independent Variable

11.
The variable the is changed on purpose is..
a)
Constant
b)
Control
c)
Independent Variable
d)
Dependent Variable
12.
The variable that is being tested, counted, or measured and is responding to the independent variable is known as 
a)
Control
b)
Constant
c)
Independent Variable
d)
Dependent Variable
13.
Its one of the independent variables that is use for comparison, does not get any change, original or plain variable.
a)
Constant
b)
Control
c)
Independent Variable
d)
Dependent Variable
14.
Which brand of paper towel will absorb the most liquid? What is the independent variable?
a)
Brand of paper towel
b)
Amount of water absorbed
15.
Which brand of paper towel will absorb the most liquid? What is the dependent variable?
a)
brand of paper towel
b)
amount of water absorbed
16.

Angel wants to know if the type of soap has an effect on how clean her clothes get. What is the independent variable?

a)

type of soap

b)

how long the laundry takes

17.

Angel wants to know if the type of soap has an effect on how clean her clothes get. What is the dependent variable?

a)

type of soap

b)

how clean the clothes are

18.

Zach wants to determine if the amount of time spent on social media has an effect of grades. What is the independent variable?

a)

time on social media

b)

computer skills

19.

Zach wants to determine if the amount of time spent on social media has an effect of grades. What is the dependent variable?

a)

popularity

b)

grades

20.

Maddie wants to determine if the weight of the dog will determine the number of puppies in a litter. What is the independent variable?

a)

weight of dog

b)

number of puppies

21.

Maddies wants to determine if the weight of the dog will determine the number of puppies in a litter. What is the dependent variable?

a)

type of dog

b)

number of puppies

22.

Beth wants to know if increasing her exercise will decrease the time it takes her to run a mile. What is the dependent variable?

a)

time to run a mile

b)

amount of exercise

23.

Beth wants to know if increasing her exercise will decrease the time it takes her to run a mile. What is the independent variable?

a)

distance

b)

amount of exercise

24.

Julie wants to know the effect of studying 10 minutes extra each day on her Math. What is the dependent variable?

a)

her math grade

b)

studying 10 extra minutes

25.
If I ride my bike to school instead of walking, then I will get to school faster. What is the dependent variable?
a)
True
b)
How fast you get to school
c)
Riding a bike or walking
d)
False
26.
If I study for my scientific method test, then I will have a better test score. What is the dependent variable?
a)
Scientific Method
b)
Studying
c)
Independent variable
d)
Test score
27.
Mr. S set up an experiment to see how the mass of a ball affects the distance it rolls off a ramp. What is the dependent variable?
a)
Distance traveled by the ball
b)
Height of the ramp
c)
Mass of the ball
28.

What would the independent variable be in an experiment testing which type of paper airplane goes the furthest?

a)

the type of paper used.

b)

the distance each plane flies.

c)

how hard the plane is thrown.

d)

the type of paper airplane.

29.
A student is planning an experiment to find out how the height from which he drops a ball affects how high the ball bounces. The dependent variable is the _____.
a)
Diameter of the ball
b)
Force acting on the ball
c)
Height that the ball bounces
d)
Height from which the ball is dropped
30.
Mr. S set up an experiment to see how the mass of a ball affects the distance it rolls off a ramp. Identify the independent variable.
a)
Distance traveled by the ball
b)
Height of the ramp
c)
Mass of the ball
31.
Molly investigated if the age of students caused them to be better drivers. What is the independent variable?
a)
Type of car
b)
Skill of driving
c)
Age of student
32.
Steve wanted to see if the type of fertilizer made sunflowers grow larger. What is the independent variable 
a)
Type of fertilizer
b)
Size of sunflower
c)
type of sun flower
33.
Robert wanted to know if the type of phone you used gave you better or worse service. What is the independent variable. 
a)
Location of phone call
b)
Type of phone
c)
How good the service was
34.

A possible explanation to a problem that has not yet been tested. Educated guess.

a)

data

b)

theory

c)

hypothesis

d)

fact

35.

What step does every scientific experiment begin with?

a)

hypothesis

b)

question/problem

c)

procedures

d)

conclusion

36.

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, the independent variable is ...

a)

type of plant

b)

the amount of sunlight

c)

the type of music

d)

the type of liquid

37.

Observations made during an experiment are called:

a)

data

b)

problems

c)

conclusions

d)

questions

38.

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 are the controlled variables?

a)

type of plant, amount of music, and sunlight

b)

plant growth

c)

water, apple juice, milk

39.

The graph below shows atmospheric carbon dioxide levels since the year 1880.Which of the following conclusions can be drawn from this graph

a)

Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are responsible for global temperature change.

b)

Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have been rising at about the same rate for the past century.

c)

Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have remained the same over the past century.

d)

Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have been rising at an increasingly higher rate as the past century has progressed.

40.

In order to be accepted, a scientific theory must be

a)

based on the results of a single experiment

b)

widely tested and supported by extensive data

c)

in line with all previous historical ideas

d)

controversial and cause debate

41.

Conclusions based on an experiment are most likely to be accepted when

a)

they are consistent with experimental data and observations

b)

they are derived from investigations having many experimental variables

c)

scientists agree that only one hypothesis has been tested

d)

hypotheses are based on one experimental design

42.

An experiment was carried out to determine whether drinking caffeinated soda increases pulse rate. The pulse rates of two groups of people at rest were measured. Group A was then given caffeinated soda and group B was given caffeine-free soda. One hour after drinking the soda, the pulse rates were measured. The participants in the experiment were all the same age, and they were all given the same amount of soda. The dependent variable in this experiment is the

a)

type of soda given to each group

b)

amount of soda given to each group

c)

pulse rate of each group

d)

age of participants in each group

43.

A testable question should include what two things?

a)

A hypothesis and question

b)

A question and a dependent variable

c)

An independent variable but no dependent variable

d)

An independent variable and a dependent variable

44.

Joe tells Gabby 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 turtle would drown. I know this because my uncle is a fisherman, and he told me this information. Gabby tells Joe that his theory is not scientific. Why does Joe’s idea not meet the requirements to be a scientific 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 and his uncle are not scientists.

45.

In 1897, Joseph Thomson discovered that atoms contained electrons. He proposed a change in the atomic theory of that time, and the theory was modified because of his discovery. Since Thomson’s discovery, atomic theory has been further modified. What is the best explanation for why scientific theories are modified?

a)

Theories more than ten years old are usually out of date.

b)

Scientists want to prove that the work of other scientists is wrong.

c)

New evidence that supports a change prompts scientists to modify earlier theories.

d)

So much information is available today that it is harder to focus research and disprove theories.

46.

The law of universal gravitation states that both mass and distance of objects affect the gravitational force between them. Gravitational force increases as the mass of the objects increase. Gravitational force decreases as distance between the objects increases. Why are these statements considered scientific law, and not scientific theory?

a)

The statements tells what happens, and not why it happens.

b)

The statements involve mass and distance measurements.

c)

The statements explain the attractive force between two objects.

d)

The statements predict what will happen under certain conditions.

47.

Lilly was trying to explain to her friend the difference between a theory and a law in science. She used the theory of plate tectonics and the law of superposition as examples. Lilli explained the difference by using non-scientific language. Which statement could Lilly use to correctly describe the difference between a theory and a law in science?

a)

A theory describes a natural event, while a law explains it.

b)

A theory explains a natural event, while a law predicts it.

c)

A theory explains a natural event, while a law describes it.

d)

A theory predicts a natural event, while a law explains it.

48.
Scientific theories are based on
a)
general assumptions of how systems work.
b)
mathematical principles that can be proven true.
c)
large amounts of data collected over time.
d)
observations from within only one scientific discipline.
49.
Scientific theories do not change once they have been written down.
a)
True
b)
False
50.

Which of these can change when new evidence is presented?

a)

theory

b)

law

51.
Scientific theories are based on
a)
general assumptions of how systems work.
b)
mathematical principles that can be proven true.
c)
large amounts of data collected over time.
d)
observations from within only one scientific discipline.
52.
Scientific theories do not change once they have been written down.
a)
True
b)
False
53.

Which of these can be represented mathematically and provide no explanation why a phenomenon occurs?

a)

theory

b)

law

54.

Scientists create both scientific theories and scientific laws as they make observations and conduct experiments about the natural world. Which of the following statements most accurately compares the difference between scientific theories and scientific laws

a)

science laws are based on evidence while science theories are not

b)

science theories involve only biology, while laws involve all types of science

c)

science theories involve mathematical equations, while science laws are based on observations

d)

science theories are ideas that explain natural events, while science laws predict what will happen in a natural event.

55.
Scientific theories can be tested.
a)
True
b)
False
56.

Theory or Law? Newton's first ______ of Motion: Objects will stay in motion unless stopped. Shows what happens with moving objects.

a)

Theory

b)

Law

57.

Universal ______ of Gravitation: any 2 objects have a force of gravity between them. Tells what happens when 2 objects are near each other.

a)

Theory

b)

Law

58.

Theory or law: Atomic _____ of matter: all matter is made up of atoms. Explains why matter behaves a certain way.

a)

Theory

b)

Law

59.

Sir Isaac Newton was sitting under an apple tree one day when an apple hit him on the head. He wondered why the apple fell and eventually developed what became the law of gravity. Why is gravity considered a scientific law and not a scientific theory?

a)

The law of gravity describes the attraction between particles in the universe.

b)

The law of gravity explains why the particles attract each other.

c)

Gravity is not a law, it is a theory

d)

The law of gravity explains why the apple hit him on the head.

60.

Which choice best explains why the scientific model of the atom has changed over time?

a)

The discovery of new evidence resulted in changes to the atomic theory.

b)

Advancements in atomic models proved the atomic theory was accurate.

c)

The atomic theory was modified with the discovery of a new element.

d)

Changes in atomic models show that the atomic theory was based on opinion.

61.

When you do many trails during an experiment then it is called

a)

Variables

b)

Test

c)

Repetition

62.
What is a theory?
a)
Describes what happens
b)
Explains a process
63.
Scientists __________________ test scientific theories.
a)
constantly
b)
rarely
c)
never
64.

When another scientist does someone's experiment to see if the results are valid, it is called ___________.

a)
repetition
b)
replication
c)
experimental method
d)
controlled variable
65.

During replications, others have to follow the same procedures to get the same output or results. True or False?

a)

True

b)

False

66.

Daniel and Alex are both scientists. Daniel conducts an experiment testing different fuel sources for cars in the future. Daniel conducts each test three times in order to compare his data. After he finishes the trials, Daniel showed Alex his results from each trial. Alex is confused about Daniel’s results, so he decides to conduct the experiment for himself. Which scientific process did each scientist use?

a)

Alex and Daniel used each others data to compare their results.

b)

Alex and Daniel used the same hypothesis to compare their results.

c)

Daniel used repetition in his experiment while Alex replicated Daniel's experiment

d)

Daniel used replication in his experiment while Alex used repetition to conduct Daniel's experiment.

67.

Experiments are often repeated many times by the same or different scientists. What is the most important reason why more than one scientist should conduct an investigation using the same methods?

A. If the results are the same, replication of the investigation helps to confirm the results.

B. The competition makes the scientists work more carefully.

C. More than one scientist is interested in the problem.

D. Different scientists might perform the experiment differently.

a)

A

b)

B

c)

C

d)

D

68.

What is the BEST reason you must always repeat an experiment?

a)

Make sure your data is consistent and accurate.

b)

Make sure your data supports your prediction.

c)

Make sure your experiment is easy to do.

d)

Make sure your experiment has lots of data.

69.

Which statement is necessary in order for a scientific investigation to be valid?

a)

The investigation must be able to be repeated by others.

b)

The investigation must produce data that can be graphed.

c)

The investigation must follow all the steps of the scientific method.

d)

The investigation must have a conclusion that matches the prediction.

70.

When can we say that a website is valid and reliable?

a)

The website’s author is clear, and the date is recent.

b)

The website contains errors in spelling.

c)

There are lots of advertisements on the page.

d)

The

hyperlinks to other websites are not working.

71.

Which statement is necessary in order for a scientific investigation to be valid?

a)

The investigation can be replicated by others.

b)

The investigation must produce data that can be graphed.

c)

The investigation must follow all the steps of the scientific method.

d)

The investigation must have a conclusion that matches the prediction.

72.

What happens if the results of a scientist's experiment are NOT similar to the results gathered by other scientists doing the same experiment at a later date?

a)

The results of the experiment are changed by the scientists.

b)

The results of the experiment are published in scientific journals.

c)

The results of the experiment are questioned by the other scientists.

d)

The results of the experiment are accepted by the scientific community.

73.

A representation that explains an object, theory or complex process

a)

design

b)

model

c)

black box

d)

collaboration

74.

Scientific diagrams always include

a)

color

b)

3-d objects

c)

potenial

d)

labels

75.

Which of the following is true about how scientists use models?

a)

Models enable predictions to be developed and tested by experiment.

b)

Models are just fancy versions of the real thing, like an airplane.

c)

Models are always pretty and easy to understand.

d)

Models aren't used by scientists, just observations.

76.

Why might a scientist want to build a 3-D model?

a)

to move it around

b)

to help to see multiple angles to understand how something works

c)

to show off their computer programming skills

d)

because they are pretty and will WOW their fellow scientists with fancy pictures

77.

One way scientist analyze data is by using ​_________________________.

a)

variable

b)

theory

c)

charts and tables

d)

law

78.

Why would a model of the Earth's climate be useful?

a)

It helps to inform politicians who make laws and can effect how much carbon dioxide is put into the atmosphere.

b)

It gives many people in the public a chance to argue with scientists about what is wrong with the weather.

c)

It shows that weather patterns fluctuate all of the time.

79.
What is an inference? 
a)
Just a random guess
b)
A prediction or logical conclusions about our observations
c)
The same as an observation
d)
deciding if an observation is qualitative or quantitative
80.

Observation or Inference: I notice the tree by the pond has no leaves on it.

a)

Observation

b)

Inference

81.

Which of the following is an observation about this picture?

a)
The boy has fallen off his bike.
b)
The boy is in a lot of pain.
c)
The boy has injuries to his knees
d)
The boy learned his lesson about wheelies
82.

Which of the following is an observation about the man in this picture:

a)
The man hates his purple shirt.
b)
The man has a purple shirt.
c)
The man is having a bad day.
d)
This man is upset because he's hungry
83.

A possible explanation for a set of observations or answer to a scientific question:

a)

data

b)

hypothesis

c)

theory

d)

fact

84.

A hypothesis is always written as an _______________ statement.

a)

if...,then.....because...

b)

why.....because....

c)

positive

d)

questioning

85.

When you hear the word "Data" it sould make you think of the

a)

dependent variable

b)

independent variable

c)

eexperimental design

d)

hypothesis

86.

The amount of people who prefer action movies is

a)

6

b)

5

c)

8

d)

2

87.

To test a hypothesis, a scientist designs a

a)

hypothesis

b)

theory

c)

model

d)

experiment

88.

Which is a limitation of Scientific Models? Choose all correct answers.

a)

things that make the model not accurate

b)

no model can possibly explain every detail of scientific phenomena

c)

sometimes oversimplied