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Nature of Science Review

Total questions: 56

Worksheet time: 3hrs 29mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Using one or more of your senses to gather information is called

a)

Inferring

b)

Observing

c)

Predicting

d)

Hypothesizing

2.

An educated guess or testable prediction is a

a)

theory

b)

law

c)

hypothesis

d)

conclusion

3.

The amount of space occupied by an object is its ________________.



a)

length

b)

volume

c)

mass

4.

Observations that deal with a number or amount are called

a)

qualitative

b)

quantitative

5.

The Skittles are yellow, red and green is an example of _____.


a)

qualitative observations

b)

quantitative observations

c)

hypothesis

6.

The part of an experiment that doesn't change is a _____.


a)

control

b)

constant

c)

conclusion

7.

The steps commonly used by scientists in gathering information to test hypotheses and solve problems are called _____.

a)

scientific inquiry

b)

hypothesis

c)

scientific method

8.

The variable that is changed by the scientist to test a hypothesis is called the _________________________ .

a)

dependent variable

b)

independent variable

c)

control

9.

Scientists frequently repeat the experiments of others scientists. Why is this important in science?

a)

Scientists often ask each other for help in performing experiments.

b)

Replication of experiments helps to confirm and verify results.

c)

Scientists frequently perform other scientists’ experiments in order to practice their technique.

d)

Repeating experiments is an effective way to make sure a laboratory is in optimal condition.

10.

Cara read an article on why repetition and replication are so important, but she did not understand the difference between them. Which of the following best explains the two terms?

a)

Repetition is when a scientist repeats an experiment; replication is when a scientist conducts an experiment on genetic material.

b)

Repetition is when a scientist does the same experiment a number of times; replication is when other scientists reproduce a scientist’s experiment.

c)

Repetition is when a scientist publishes in more than one scientific periodical; replication is when another scientist reproduces another scientist’s results.

d)

Repetition is when a scientist commits an error in an experiment the first time and must repeat it; replication is when a scientist repeats an experiment to make sure it is valid.

11.

Kaylee reads an article that states that the frequency of chirping by crickets is related to the temperature of

their environment. She wants to conduct an experiment to see if this is true. Kaylee states this hypothesis:

Crickets chirp more frequently when the temperature of their environment increases. What is the test

variable (independent variable) and outcome variable (dependent variable) in Kaylee’s experiment?

a)

a.test variable (independent variable): number of crickets; outcome variable (dependent variable): frequency of chirping

b)

b. test variable (independent variable): temperature of environment; outcome variable (dependent variable): frequency of chirping

c)

c. test variable (independent variable): number of crickets; outcome variable (dependent variable): temperature of environment

d)

d. test variable (independent variable): frequency of chirping; outcome variable (dependent variable): temperature of environment

12.

The variable that is being measured or observed is called the _______________. Hint: this is the variable that is the result or effect

a)

independent variable

b)

dependent variable

c)

control variable

13.
What is being kept constant?
a)
ramp height
b)
speed of the ball rolling
c)
type of ball
14.
What is being changed in this experiment?
a)
ramp height
b)
the speed that the ball rolls
c)
type of ball
15.

Match the following parts of an experiment set up

a)

things kept the same in an experiment

1.

controlled variables

b)

factor the experimenter changes

2.

independent variable

c)

factor that is measured

3.

dependent variable

d)

does NOT receive the experiment treatment

4.

control group

e)

procedure done to test a hypothesis

5.

experiment

16.

Match the following

a)

a different scientist conducts the same experiment

1.

replication

b)

what will happen in the future based on evidence

2.

prediction

c)

doing multiple trials of the same experimet

3.

repetition

d)

interpreting the things you observe

4.

inferring

e)

examination to discover facts

5.

investigation

17.

Match the parts of a controlled experiment

a)

finding patterns in the data

1.

analysis

b)

explains experiment results

2.

conclusion

c)

using senses to gather information

3.

observation

d)

doing multiple trials

4.

repetition

e)

If...then statement that gives a prediction of what will happen in the test

5.

hypothesis

18.
The summary at the end of an experiment that explains the results, and referrers to the hypothesis using data. 
a)
conclusion
b)
procedures
c)
materials
d)
responding variable
19.
This variable is the actual data collected during the experiment. 
a)
independent variable
b)
dependent variable
c)
control group
d)
data group
20.
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.
21.
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.
22.
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. 
23.
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.
24.
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
25.
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. 
26.
 A biologist is investigating the effects of growth hormone on the rate of metamorphosis in butterflies. Which of the following methods of investigation would work best for the biologist investigating any possible effects?
a)
models
b)
controlled experiments
c)
systematic observations
d)
random sampling of populations
27.
Eduardo is a conservation biologist. He needs to develop a plan to preserve wetlands. He begins his project by studying the data in the following chart. How is Eduardo using scientific methods in developing a plan?
a)
He is analyzing data about causes and effects.
b)
He is analyzing a hypothesis about causes and effects.
c)
He is proposing an experiment about causes and effects.
d)
He is using intuition to determine causes and effects.
28.
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
29.
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
30.
The independent variable is the ONE thing you _____.
a)
change on purpose
b)
control or keep constant
c)
measure
31.

What is a constant/control in an experiment?

a)

Things that do not change in a experiment. It's the variable that stays the same. You can have many variables stay the same.

b)

It's the variables that the scientist changes in the experiment

c)

It's the variables that are being measured in an experiment

32.

What is science? Select ALL correct answers.

a)

an explanation about how things work

b)

an opinion about things that are made by people.

c)

a body of evidence that has been collected.

d)

a way of learning about nature.

33.

The variable that is changed on purpose or one that is being TESTED is:

a)

Control

b)

Dependent

c)

Independent

d)

Outcome

34.

This is the OUTCOME of the experiment. We get data and results from this.

a)

Independent Variable

b)

Dependent Variable

c)

Control

d)

Constant

35.

What step does every scientific experiment begin with?

a)

hypothesis

b)

question/problem

c)

procedures

d)

conclusion

36.
What is the dependent variable in the following experiment? Plants grow more when exposed to classical music
a)
Exposure to classical music
b)
Normal exposure to noises with no music
c)
height of plant
37.
What is the independent variable in the following experiment? Plants grow more when exposed to classical music
a)
Exposure to classical music
b)
height of plant
c)
Normal exposure to noises with no music
38.
Theory or Law???  Changes with new observations.
a)
Theory
b)
Law
39.
Theory or Law???  Predicts what will happen in the natural world.
a)
Law
b)
Theory
40.

Scenario: You want to test whether water helps to improve plant growth. What is the Independent Variable? (Remember: Independent Variables are what "I"change in the experiment.

a)

The growth of the plant

b)

Amount of Sunlight

c)

Amount of Water

41.

Scenario: You want to test whether water improves the growth of plants. What is the Dependent variable? (Remember: Dependent Variables are what you are measuring or observing.)

a)

The amount of water

b)

The growth of the plant

c)

The amount of sunlight

42.
On a graph, which axis shows the independent variable?
a)
x-axis
b)
y-axis
c)
neither
d)
it changes
43.
On a graph, which axis shows the dependent variable?
a)
x-axis
b)
y-axis
c)
neither
d)
it changes
44.
a)
The dependent variable is total cost
b)
The dependent variable is weight
c)
The independent variable is total cost
d)
The independent variable is cost of a package
45.
Name the INDEPENDENT variable from the table below.
a)
words
b)
minutes
46.
Name the DEPENDENT variable from the table below.
a)
minutes
b)
bubbles
47.

A researcher is investigating the effects of radiation on fruits and vegetables. Why is it important for the researcher to keep accurate notes about the research?

a)

Accurate notes are required by law

b)

Accurate notes will lead to expected results

c)

Accurate notes will allow other researchers to replicate the results

d)

Accurate notes will stop others from conducting the same experiments

48.

A light shines on several different materials. The angle at which the light bends in each material is measured and then used to calculate the index of refraction. What is the independent variable in this experiment?


https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/bending-light

a)

The angle

b)

The material

c)

The index of refraction

d)

The strength of the light

49.

When a new medication or technology is developed, scientists and society must evaluate the product's safety. Which of the following is an ethical way science and society work together to help balance the risks and benefits of a new medication?

a)

If the risks are high, the new medication should be sold for less money

b)

Scientists should not experiment with medications that could have side effects in humans

c)

New medications should be released to the public without testing to relieve suffering as quickly as possible

d)

Scientists must openly test the new medication on animals and on humans before making it available to everyone

50.

Amelia is conducting an experiment to determine the effect of ultraviolet light on the growth of sunflowers. The graph shows the results of her experiment. According to the graph, what was the greatest growth Amelia observed?


https://tinyurl.com/4soq36p

a)

2 cm

b)

5 cm

c)

5.5 cm

d)

7 cm

51.

Elaine is studying the effect of sleep deprivation on motorists. The chart shows the reaction times of drivers she studied. What is the independent variable in Elaine's study?

a)

The reaction time of each motorist

b)

The stopping distance of each automobile

c)

The type of vehicle each motorist is driving

d)

The number of hours of sleep

52.

A scientist studying cold medicines hypothesizes that one particular medicine is more effective than the others in the study. He attempts the experiment several times. Each attempt produces a different result. What should he do next?

a)

The scientist should give up since consistent results are not happening

b)

He should change the data in his experiment in order to get the results he expected

c)

He should determine whether the variation in his results are important through further investigation

d)

He should prevent other scientists from attempting the experiment until he gets the results he expected

53.

Two students prepare lab reports, one for physics class and the other for a biology class. Which of the following items will both reports contain?

a)

Mathematical equations

b)

The results of an investigation

c)

Measurements of energy levels

d)

The scientific name of an organism

54.

When Julian compares his physics lab report to Kate's biology report, he realizes that they were different. Julian also notices that the same method of experiment was used in both labs. Why would Julian and Kate use the same method for different subjects?


https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/category/physics


https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/category/biology

a)

Both subjects use common scientific principles

b)

Biology and physics use the same types of intstruments

c)

They have the same teacher who uses identical methods

d)

They were doing a lab on the effect of light on an organism based on mass

55.

Miranda performed an experiment to determine what makes an object sink or float in water. She experimented with 10 different items and recorded the results. Which of the following is correct?


https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/legacy/density

a)

The object's shape is the only determining factor

b)

The size of the object determines if it will sink or float

c)

The mass and volume of an object determine if it will sink or float

d)

Light-colored objects tend to float more easily than darker-colored objects

56.

Justin wants to make candy canes for his family. He knows that one step is to dissolve sugar in water so that he will get a syrup. Justin wants to know the most effective way to perform this step, so he is testing how temperature affects the rate at which sugar dissolves in water. What is a variable he needs to keep constant?


https://tinyurl.com/w7ahpfk

a)

type of sugar

b)

temperature

c)

color of the candy

d)

flavor of candy