WorksheetsUltimate 7th Grade Q1 Review_2024
Total questions: 128
Worksheet time: 6hrs 24mins
When is an investigation also an experiment?
when it involves measurement
when it represents key characteristics of a system
when it observes living organisms in their natural habitat without altering the setting
when it involves the identification and control of variables
The water level in McColm Pond went down drastically during a drought last summer. Some students decide to monitor the water level during a school year. There is a dock over the pond. Which is the best method for collecting data on the level of water in the pond?
Visit the pond at the end of the year and measure the water depth with a measuring pole at different spots.
Visit the pond at the end of the year and measure the water depth with a measuring pole at the end of the dock.
Visit the pond each month and measure the water depth with a measuring pole at the end of the dock.
Visit the pond each month and measure the water depth with a measuring pole at a different spot each month.
A controlled experiment is a means of carrying out a fair test of a hypothesis. In a controlled experiment, all of the variables that can influence the outcome variable (dependent variable) of the experiment are controlled or held constant, except for the test variable (independent variable). Which of the following hypotheses would not be tested using a controlled experiment?
A geologist’s hypothesis about how the Grand Canyon formed.
A biologist’s hypothesis that the use of fertilizer increases the growth of grass.
A geologist’s hypothesis that acid rain weathers sedimentary rock more rapidly than igneous rock.
A biologist’s hypothesis that increases in average temperatures cause an increase in honey bee population.
Computer simulations can sometimes be beneficial. Which of these investigations would not benefit from a computer simulation?
training airline pilots
predicting the path of a hurricane
designing an earthquake-proof building
understanding how soft rocks feel
Mandy is investigating migration. She thinks that birds instinctively fly south for the winter and hypothesizes that they do so because they cannot survive in cold weather. Which of the following could serve as empirical evidence to support her hypothesis?
charts displaying birds’ migratory patterns in relation to weather
feelings based on her own reactions to winter weather
data from another scientist’s experiment on bird anatomy
inferences made about the birds based on observations of flocks of flying geese
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?
an advertisement for a sun block product that claims it protects skin for ultraviolet rays
data demonstrating a relationship between amount of sun exposure and incidences of skin cancer
a skin cancer survivor’s recollection that he had a bad sunburn as a child
a model of a skin cell showing where DNA is in the cell
A model can represent an object, system, or process. Why do all models have limitations?
because all models are two-dimensional
because a model includes every factor that affects it
because a model is smaller than the thing it represents
because a model is never exactly the same as the thing it represents
Roberto does a study comparing how plant growth is affected by sunlight. He shares the following chart with his classmate Ava. Ava is trying to follow the accepted practices of the scientific community, so she asks Roberto to document his research methods. Which best explains why this is an important step?
because it is not clear from the chart alone whether Roberto used the same type of plant
because scientists are often dishonest about their results and it’s important to make sure that Roberto is telling the truth
because Ava and Roberto’s peers will want to repeat his experiment and confirm his results before they accept his explanation
because Ava is curious and may have a better way of doing the experiment
A scientist wants to know why the honeybee population is declining. Which step would the scientist most likely to do first?
Research to see if there is already a widely accepted explanation.
Observe the problem and make a hypothesis about what is causing it.
Communicate the question to as many other scientists as possible so that they can discuss it.
Conduct an experiment to see if increased pollution is causing a decrease in the honeybee population.
Models can help answer some, but not all, scientific questions. Which of the following is the best example of a scientific model?
A computer simulation of the surface of the Sun.
A graph comparing the temperature of stars.
A data table showing the number of stars visible over three nights.
A painting of the nighttime sky.
Nearly 2,000 years ago, the Egyptian astronomer Ptolemy proposed a theory of the solar system which stated that the Sun, planets, and stars orbited Earth in circular paths. A different theory of the solar system was proposed by Nicolas Copernicus in the 1500s. Since that time, scientists have gathered much evidence that supports this new theory. How did Copernicus's theory and subsequent evidence change Ptolemy's theory?
The theory was changed to state that Earth is at the center of the universe.
The theory was changed to state that Earth is at the center of the solar system.
The theory was changed to state that Earth and the Sun orbit the moon in circular paths.
The theory was changed to state that the Sun is at the center of the solar system.
An astronomer has noticed an object in the sky that could be explained as the discovery of a new comet. What is the most important step needed in an investigation of the object to make a scientifically valid conclusion?
new computer-controlled equipment
detailed records of observations
regular time allotments for observations
reference material of recent astronomical discoveries
The celestial object Pluto was discovered and named in 1930. From then until 2006, it was considered to be a planet. In 2006, at a meeting of the world's astronomers, a consensus was reached that Pluto should no longer be considered the ninth planet of the Solar System. Which of the following best describes the reason behind the new consensus regarding Pluto and the Solar System?
New technologies led to the discovery that Pluto did not orbit the Sun, so there was new evidence that Pluto was not a planet.
The definition of a planet was changed by a general agreement of scientists, and Pluto's characteristics did not meet the new definition.
The definition of the Solar System was changed by a new agreement amongst the scientists, so Pluto was no longer considered a part of the Solar System.
New technologies allowed for new measurements of Pluto to be made, so there was new evidence that Pluto was not as massive as it was previously thought to be.
Scientists pursue scientific explanations by using observations and inferences. Which of the following statements is an inference?
The plant’s leaves are green and appear wilted.
The plant uses water to perform photosynthesis.
The plant's leaves are wilted due to lack of water.
The plant absorbs water through its root system.
New evidence can cause scientists to revise a scientific theory. If new evidence comes to light, which is most likely to happen?
The theory will be discarded immediately.
The new evidence will be ignored.
The theory will be revised immediately.
After years of research, if the evidence still supports a change, the theory will be revised.
Which of the following is the best advantage of using models?
Models are helpful in representing ideas about objects or events.
Models behave exactly like objects or events represented.
Models include all details of the object or event represented.
Models are completely accurate accounts of the object or event represented.
Scientists in all branches of science have developed scientific theories. Which of the following statements is true about all scientific theories?
Scientific theories are based on large amounts of evidence.
Scientific theories are based on the work of individual scientists.
Scientific theories are mathematical principles that can be proven true.
Scientific theories will become scientific laws if enough scientists support them.
Colin decided to investigate soil erosion by water. He measured rates of erosion on model hills made of soil, rock, and sand. Which of the following was the test (independent) variable?
the rate of erosion on the hills
the steepness of the model hillsides
the amount of water sprayed into the hills
the type of material used to construct the model hills
These two diagrams show the history of cell-membrane models. Which statement best describes the reason for the change in the cell-membrane model?
The new model was the result of a vote by scientists.
The new model helped scientists avoid more research.
The new model came from more experiments and evidence.
The new model was based on the researchers’ best guess.
Jason states the following prediction: “As the air temperature increases, the air in the balloon will expand, increasing the circumference (the distance around) of the balloon.” Which of the following is the outcome (dependent) variable for his experiment?
Material the balloon is made of
Circumference of the balloon
Length of the balloon’s string
Air temperature
Consider the following hypothesis: “The time it takes for sugar to dissolve in water depends on the temperature of the water.” Which of the following is the test (independent) variable for this experiment?
The temperature of the water in which the sugar was placed
The time required for the sugar to dissolve in the water
The type of sugar placed in water
The amount of sugar placed in the water
Science is the systematic knowledge of the physical or material world gained through observation and experimentation. Which best describes the part of the physical world that is studied in biology?
Earth’s materials and structures
matter and its interactions
living things
energy and forces
A biologist was in a forest when she came across a family of squirrels hiding nuts for the winter. The biologist was interested in this behavior, so she stayed and watched the squirrels for a few hours. She recorded what she observed in a notebook. Which of the following explains why this type of research is not considered an experiment?
The biologist did not observe the squirrels for long enough to collect data.
The biologist came across the squirrels by chance and had no formal plan.
The biologist observed the squirrels and did not test variables.
The biologist did not collect valid data on the different species of squirrels present.
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 hypothesis is debated by the scientific community.
A hypothesis is tested repeatedly and the results of the tests are debated.
A hypothesis is tested repeatedly and the results are confirmed and debated by the scientific community.
A hypothesis is tested repeatedly and the results are mostly supported by the scientific investigations.
Claire decided to find out which wildflowers are most abundant near roadsides in her community. Which of the following would best help Claire with her investigation?
observation
making a model
using a computer model
conducting a controlled experiment
A timeline of important discoveries about DNA is shown. These discoveries have contributed to our current knowledge about DNA. Which statement best summarizes the development of knowledge of DNA over time?
Changes in ideas about DNA are based on opinion.
Ideas about DNA have remained unchanged over time.
Past knowledge of DNA was discarded as each new discovery was made.
Scientists gained more knowledge about DNA as new evidence became available.
Most hypotheses of experiments are not accepted until other scientists verify the results. Which process occurs when one scientist carries out the same procedures used by another in order to verify the results?
A trial
Repetition
Replication
Validation
Results in science are not generally accepted as being accurate until they can be verified. Which of the following is the best example of repetition in science?
A student designs an experiment on plant growth that includes multiple trials.
One scientist carries out the same experiment performed by another scientist to validate the results.
A scientist asks a new question for investigation after reading the results of another scientist’s work.
A scientist analyzes the data included in the published work of another scientist and agrees with the conclusions.
The illustration shows what happens when white light is passed through a prism. How is white light different from the rest of the electromagnetic spectrum?
White light has a spectrum of colors.
White light has the same wavelength.
White light is invisible.
White light can travel through both empty space and matter.
The sun's energy reaches Earth in waves of varying wavelengths. Which is the correct order from the shortest wavelength to the longest wavelength?
ultraviolet - infrared - visible light
infrared - ultraviolet - visible light
ultraviolet - visible light - infrared
infrared - visible light - ultraviolet
Light can sometimes create an optical illusion. For example, you may see something underwater and reach into the water to pick it up. However, the object is not where you thought it would be. What property of light is responsible for this optical illusion?
absorption
reflection
refraction
transmission
Aisha decided to demonstrate the reflection of light to her science class by using a ball. Which of the following activities should Aisha perform in her demonstration?
Bounce the ball at an angle off the floor.
Throw the ball high into the air.
Roll the ball on the floor.
Pass the ball to a friend.
To save energy, some people install solar panels on their homes shown in the image. What interaction between solar panels and sunlight enables people to save on energy?
The energy of the sunlight is reflected by the solar panels.
The energy of the sunlight is refracted by the solar panels.
The energy of the sunlight is absorbed by the solar panels.
The energy of the sunlight is transmitted through the house.
The drawing illustrates a wave in motion. What is the name given to the substance through which a wave travels?
a crest
a frequency
a medium
a state
The image shows light entering water. Which statement explains why light bends when it reaches the surface of the water?
Light bends because water changes the amount of energy it carries.
Light bends because water absorbs some of the light that reaches it.
Light bends because the water reflects some of the light that reaches it.
Light bends because it changes speed when it moves from air into water.
The sun’s energy arrives as radiation on Earth. When Hector was at the beach, he needed to wear his sunglasses. Which part of the electromagnetic spectrum made Hector put on his sunglasses?
visible light
infrared radiation
ultraviolet radiation
microwave radiation
White light is made up of a spectrum of many different colors. What property is used to divide the various colors in the spectrum?
density
wavelength
speed
temperature
The sun’s energy arrives as radiation on Earth. When Hector was at the beach, he especially enjoyed the warmth of the sun. Which part of the electromagnetic spectrum caused Hector to feel warm?
visible light
infrared radiation
ultraviolet radiation
microwave radiation
The illustration shows a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Which of the following labels should be placed in the shaded box in the illustration?
TV waves
Visible Light
Cosmic Rays
Sound
The sun’s energy arrives as radiation on Earth. When Hector was at the beach, he forgot to put on sunscreen. Which part of the electromagnetic spectrum caused Hector to get sunburned?
visible light
infrared radiation
ultraviolet radiation
microwave radiation
Even if an object does not produce light, it is still visible. Why is this possible?
the object gives off heat
the object is large enough to see
the object absorbs light
the object reflects light
Light travels more slowly through glass than it does through air. What happens when light passes through glass into the air?
the light will be absorbed
the light will be reflected
the light will be refracted
the light will no longer travel in waves
Hypotheses are important components of scientific investigations. Which of the following is true about a hypothesis?
it must be testable
it must be true
it must be written in the form of a question
it is only necessary for laboratory experiments
The illustration shows what happens when two different colors of light strike a glass object. What can you conclude from the illustration?
the glass reflects the red light
the glass refracts the red light
the glass absorbs the red light
the glass does not transmit light
Danielle decided to investigate soil erosion by water. She measured rates of erosion on model hills made of soil, rock, and sand. Which of the following is an outcome (dependent) variable in Danielle's test?
the steepness of the model hillsides
the amount of water sprayed onto the hills
the rate of erosion on the hills
the type of material used to construct the model hills
Jana works in the field studying gorillas. Ali works in a laboratory conducting experiments. How does their work differ?
Jana’s work is not scientifically valid
Ali’s work can be supported by data
Jana’s work does not involve controlled variables
Ali’s work does not involve observation
Caleb conducted an investigation using the setup shown below.
Based on the setup, which of the following BEST describes the purpose of Caleb’s investigation?
how water heats up in a lake
how fast different volumes of water cool down
how the presence of salt affects water temperature
how the temperature differs between large and small planets
Mrs. Penta created the graph below to show the results of an investigation.
What type of investigation did she conduct?
modeling
a field study
an experiment
a computer simulation
The illustration shows a gardener adding expired fruit juice to compost pile.
Gardeners and farmers build compost piles containing living things like bacteria and worms which use biochemical reactions to digest material such as dead plants and food waste and then convert it to fertilizer. During which season will a typical compost pile be most productive?
spring
summer
fall
winter
Scientists frequently use models in their investigations. Which is a characteristic of ALL models?
They have both limitations and benefits.
They use computers to simulate real life.
They represent things that are too dangerous to observe directly.
They represent things that are too small to see with the naked eye.
Experiments are a type of scientific investigation. Which of the following actions is NOT a feature of a properly conducted experiment?
identifying the dependent variables
controlling the independent variable
manipulating one variable at a time
manipulating two variables at a time
As part of her report on the radiation from the sun, Leonora prepared the drawing below to illustrate how wavelengths decrease in the electromagnetic spectrum. However, Leonora made a mistake in the order of her electromagnetic spectrum. What should Leonora do to correct her mistake?
Place microwaves at the end of the sequence.
Move ultraviolet so that it comes before infrared.
Reverse the positions of visible light and infrared.
Delete visible light because it is not part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Scientific investigations involve the collection of empirical evidence. Which of the following is NOT as example of empirical evidence that could be gathered to investigate the idea that consuming more calories than you use results in weight gain?
measurement data of people's calorie intake and weight
interviewing people about changes in weight
measuring people's changes in weight
determining the caloric values of foods
The collection of evidence in support of scientific theories is an ongoing process. What effect will contradictory evidence have on a scientific theory?
The scientific theory will be modified to account for the new evidence.
The scientific theory will be discarded in light of the new evidence , and a new theory will take its place.
The scientific theory will not change, since the evidence was collected after the theory had been formulated.
The scientific theory will be discarded, with no replacement, and the line of investigation abandoned altogether.
How do replication and repeated trials compare?
During both processes, the original investigator does the experiment again.
During both process, a different investigator does the experiment again.
During replication, a different investigator does the experiment again. During repeated trials, the original investigator does the experiment again.
During replication, the original investigator does the experiment again. During repeated trials, a different investigator does the experiment again.
John Dalton's atomic theory stated that all atoms of a given element are identical in mass and properties. More than one hundred years later, scientists learned that atoms of the same element could have different masses.
What does this illustrate about scientific theories?
Scientific theories are modified over time as new evidence is discovered.
Scientific theories are only guesses, which are by definition inaccurate.
Scientific theories are only guesses, which are by definition inaccurate.
Theories that have been revised are completely correct and will not be changed in the future.
Some models are better suited to represent a certain system than others. Which is NOT a factor in evaluating the usefulness of a model?
simple and easy to understand
fits the data and explains the phenomenon
allows researchers to make accurate predictions
the number of researchers using the same model
Michaela wants to know which brand of rechargeable battery lasts the longest. She buys four batteries made by different companies. She then puts the batteries into four identical flashlights and turns them on. She checks on the flashlights twice a day and records how long it takes for each flashlight to go out. Which of the following procedures would be a repeated trial of Michaela's investigation?
Michaela runs the trial again, using a toy instead of a flashlight.
Michaela runs the whole trial, without changes, two more times.
Michaela's friend runs the whole trial, without changes, two more times.
Michaela runs the trial again, changing her hypothesis so it will be supported.
Miranda tested five brands of bubble gum to determine which brand she could blow the biggest bubbles. After testing each brand, she asked three friends to also do the tests to see if they got the same results. Asking her friends to help is an example of the following?
repeated trials
prediction
conclusion
replication
Simran is learning how to design an experiment to test a hypothesis. What is the most likely outcome of testing a hypotheses in controlled conditions?
avoiding dangerous conditions during experimentation
limiting the variables that that can affect the experiment
making the experiment easier to conduct
keeping the experimental area sterile
Which of the following describes a limitation of the drawing, but NOT a clay model?
It cannot represent a living cell since the cytoplasm should be in constant motion.
It does not contain the correct number of nuclei.
It does not represent the main parts of a cell.
It cannot represent a living cell since a true cell is 3-dimensional.
Sandy is conducting an experiment to see if the grades of dancers are better than the grades of baseball players. She organizes the dancers into group A and the baseball players into group B. She records the grades and makes the conclusion that the dancers have overall better grades. Is Sandy correct in her statement that this is an experiment? (7.N.1.3)
Sandy is correct this is an experiment because she obtained the grades and compared the groups.
Sandy is incorrect because she did not test anything, so this is an observation.
Sandy is incorrect because she did not collect the data accurately and this is an observation.
Sandy is correct because she organized the students into two groups.
According to the Rate of Carrot Growth with Growfast Fertilizer graph below, what is the BEST amount of fertilizer to use to grow carrots the fastest?
12g
9g
8g
5g
Juan wants to know the answer to the question, “Does soil type affect how tall bean plants grow?” Which investigation would best help Juan answer this question?
Juan decides to observe bean plants in the wild and measure their growth daily. Juan records the measurements in his science notebook.
Juan creates a model of a bean plant and observes its growth in different soil types daily for a month. Juan shares his findings with Ms. McDonald.
Juan goes to Ms. McDonald’s farm to observe the growth of the farm's beans. He also measures the growth of he bean plants in soil for a month.
Juan designs an experiment in which he plants bean plant seeds in two different soil types and also plants them in his yard as a control. He then measures the growth of each bean plant daily.
When discussing the theory of atoms, a model is the only option. Why is this true?
An atom is too small to be observed in detail with current technology.
Atoms are too expensive to collect for scientific use.
An atom is too dangerous to handle in a lab setting.
An atomic model is easier to manipulate than a real atom.
What is NOT a benefit of using a scientific model?
It can be used to visualize a complex idea or concept.
It can lose some accuracy in order to make it simple enough to use.
It can represent something too small or large to manipulate.
It can be safer, quicker, and less expensive for the scientist to work with.
Henry wants to make a model to learn about a science topic. Which topic can Henry learn about BEST by using a model?
what marsh plants thrive in nearby wetlands
how the sun’s rays cause lunar eclipses
what call a cardinal makes early in the morning
all of insects that live in the rainforests of Brazil
The graph below shows information about the solubility of two compounds, sugar and salt. What can you conclude from this graph?
All substances dissolve in water, but the rates of dissolving are different
Salt dissolves faster in water than sugar
At 80*C, 300g of sugar will dissolve in 100g of water
As the temperature of the water increases, the solubility of sugar increases
As radiant energy from the Sun passes through our atmosphere, gas molecules like water vapor, methane, and carbon dioxide all______radiant energy from the sun, which causes gas molecules to vibrate. This helps tp keep our planet warm and contributes to the Greenhouse effect.
absorb
reflect
refract
fluoresce
The diagram below shows a light ray. In this diagram, the light ray is being
transmitted
absorbed
reflected
refracted
The James Webb Space Telescope will be the largest telescope ever put into space and it will use infrared-detecting sensors (unlike the Hubble Space Telescope, which relies upon visible light). How will this new technology enhance the data scientists will be able to collect from space?
It will collect highly detailed data about nuclear activity within our Sun.
It will detect higher-energy radiation emitted from supernovae and black holes.
It will detect lower-energy radiation emitted from various objects in space.
It will inform scientists how the universe was formed by providing an optical record.
The diagram below shows a pencil in a glass of water. When viewed from the side, the pencil appears to be broken. What process causes this to happen?
absorption
evaporation
reflection
refraction
What is a medium?
Someone that talks to ghosts.
A material/matter in which a wave travels through.
The length of a transverse wave.
An absence of all matter
The main advantage of using orbital observatories like the Hubble Space Telescope is that __________.
they are easier to use than land-based telescopes.
they are cheaper to build than land-based telescopes.
they can look anywhere in the universe at any time.
they avoid the distortion and absorption of electromagnetic waves by the atmosphere.
Dark-colored soil tend to _____electromagnetic waves and contributes to heating of the Earth's surface.
reflect
refract
absorb
diffract
Caleb compares the wavelengths of different kinds of light. Which statement below comparing visible light and infrared light is true?
Infrared light is measured in wavelengths and visible light is not.
Infrared light has wavelengths shorter than visible light.
Infrared light has wavelengths the same length as visible light.
Infrared light has wavelengths longer than visible light.
Kareem told his friend about the beautiful rainbow he saw just after a rainstorm. Kareem then explained to his friend how a rainbow forms. What was Kareem's explanation?
Light traveled faster after the rainstorm because of the moisture in the air.
Tiny droplets of water reflected the light waves that struck them.
The light waves were refracted by moisture in the air and separated into colors.
The intensity of light increased as the waves passes through tiny droplets of water.
How is ultraviolet light different from the light emitted by a flashlight?
Only light from a flashlight can travel through a vaccuum.
Ultraviolet light is invisible to the human eye.
Ultraviolet light is brighter that the light from a flashlight.
Ultraviolet light has a longer wavelength than the light from a flashlight.
As part of his job at the U.S. Forestry Service, Scott uses satellite images to identify forest areas that have been cleared due to logging. The satellite images, which show forests appearing cooler and cleared areas appearing warmer, are produced using electromagnetic radiation. Which part of the electromagnetic spectrum does Scott's technology MOST LIKELY use?
infrared radiation
gamma rays
radio waves
visible light
Sunlight travels all the way from the Sun through Earth's atmosphere to the ground, However, sunlight does NOT reach the deeper depths of Earth's oceans. Why?
Sunlight changes speed the farther it gets away from the Sun.
Sunlight is reflected back toward the surface by deep ocean currents.
Sunlight slows down in the water and its energy gets absorbed.
Sunlight reflects off the ocean's surface and back into the air.
Information that is obtained through observation or experimentation.
empirical evidence
observation
prediction
hypothesis
An artist carves a statue from white marble. What happens when the light strikes the statue?
Nearly all light is absorbed by the statue.
Nearly all light is refracted by the statue.
Nearly all light is reflected by the statue.
Nearly all light is diffracted by the statue.
John wanted to find out which laundry soap was best for removing grass stains. Each soap was mixed with warm water. It was then used to scrub a piece of grass-stained cloth for 1 minute. The amount of stain left on the cloth was then measured. What is the dependent (outcome) variable?
The water temperature
The laundry soap
The amount of stain left on the cloth
The scrubbing time for each cloth
What does the data in this graph show?
Unplowed soil has more earthworms than plowed soil.
Plowed soil has more earthworms than unplowed soil.
The plowing of soil has no effect on the number of earthworms.
The number of earthworms cannot be predicted by the graph.
John performed an experiment. He feels that replicating his results will increase the validity (can be trusted & believed) of his results. Which of the following is an example of replication?
another student copying John's experiment without permission
John redoing his own experiment to check for validity
another student redoing John's experiment to check for validity
John researching another scientist's experiment for similarities
A scientist has a hypothesis involving the genes of two spotted lizard breeds. He believed that small spots are dominant. He also believed that if a lizard with small spots bred with a lizard with large spots, the offspring would have small spots. He designed an experiment to determine whether his hypothesis was correct. After he completes his experiment, which of the following additional steps would have the greatest impact on strengthening his ideas?
He should repeat his experiment at least one more time before sterilizing his equipment.
He should repeat his experiment several more times and have someone else replicate his experiment several more times.
He should take the lizards to a wildlife sanctuary and release them.
He should send his results to another scientist to look over.
Steph Curry practices his 3-pointers for 2 hours every day for five weeks with basketball A. He documents how many times he makes a basket and how many times he misses. He does the same process with basketball B and C. Steph compares the percentage of baskets and misses in a chart and concludes that basketball A is the best one for him to use for the game. After the game, he tested basketballs A, B and C again, and determined that basketball A was still the best one. Which answer best represents the aspects of the scientific process that Steph used?
He used repetition because he retested the basketballs.
LeBron James tested the basketballs and replicated his experiment.
He formed a new hypothesis about the basketballs after the game.
He performed another experiment testing shoes instead of basketballs.
A scientist hypothesized that the temperature of which an alligator egg is incubated determines whether the alligator will be male or female. What is the test (independent) variable?
The amount of water around the nest
The number of aquatic plants near the nest
The amount of salt in the water around the nest
The temperature of the nest
A scientist conducted an experiment to determine how the amount of salt in a body of water affects the number of aquatic plants that can live in the water. What is the outcome (dependent) variable?
The amount of water
The number of aquatic plants in the water
The amount of salt in the water
The water temperature
Which of the following is not a method scientists use in pursuit of a scientific explanation?
Guessing
Observing
Experimenting
Inferring
Geologists are studying a rock formation called Devil’s Tower. They want to know how and when it formed. Which method(s) would they most likely use to conduct their investigation?
controlled experiments on weathering rates of rock materials
observations of rock layers over time and dating of the rock samples
making careful measurements of the size of the formation
cataloging the wildlife living on or near Devil’s Tower
Sally wants to take the temperature of her classmates to determine if the average temperature of her class is actually 37° Celsius. She uses a thermometer and takes the temperature of all of her classmates and records her data. She concludes that the class average was actually 36.5° Celsius. What empirical evidence did Sally gather when doing her experiment?
Her classmates served as the control group for her experiment.
The thermometer used to conduct her experiment.
The temperature of each of her classmates in °Celsius.
She concluded that the class average was low because it was cold outside.
Why is there debate to develop scientific knowledge within the scientific community?
Scientific debate is the only way to prove previous scientific findings were incorrect and should be ignored.
Scientists debate because scientists believe their evidence is stronger than other scientist's evidence.
Scientists try to disprove each other's work to reduce conflict within the scientific community.
Scientific debate is a necessary part of scientific evidence and plays an important role in confirming scientific findings.
If a scientist makes a new discovery, why must other scientists review and replicate the results before the discovery can be published?
New discoveries can only be debated after they are published and confirmed.
Scientific knowledge must come from a great deal of debate and confirmation within the science community.
Other scientists must like the new discovery before it can be published.
New discoveries must be accepted by all members of the scientific community first.
Models of atoms have changed many times as scientists continued to study them. After many experiments throughout history, the model has been changed to what we know today. Why was the model of the atom changed?
Scientists continue to discover new atomic elements but the model of the atom has not changed.
Scientists still cannot agree on a correct model for an atom.
The atomic model was modified as new evidence was encountered.
Scientific experiments cannot disprove the current model of the atom.
Why are scientific theories an important part of research and understanding?
Scientific theories can be used as support for a scientist's prediction.
Scientific theories allow scientists to make assumptions.
Scientific theories determine what subjects scientists can research.
Scientific theories determine what scientists agree about laws.
The Law of Conservation of Mass states that matter cannot be created or destroyed but transformed. Why is this considered a law instead of a theory?
It attempts to explain the results of scientific experiments.
It provides a correct explanation of an observed pattern in nature.
It is supported by sufficient empirical evidence.
It applies the results of one experiment to explain a wide variety of circumstances.
Which statement below correctly identifies the difference between scientific laws and scientific theories?
Laws are a prediction of scientific phenomena, while theories are an explanation.
Laws explain why scientific phenomena exist, while theories explain how.
Laws describe scientific phenomena, while theories explain how the phenomena operates.
Laws are a statement of fact, while theories are a statement of opinion.
Cassandra flashes a beam of white light toward a prism. The prism separates the white light into different colors. Which of the following causes the separation of white light?
the white light is concentrated
the white light is absorbed
the white light is reflected
the white light is refracted
Scientific theories are developed over time in all areas of science. Which statement best describes scientific theories?
They are based on scientific laws that came first.
They are pieces of scientific evidence that support a hypothesis.
They are explanations of scientific events that may change based on continuous research.
They are predictions of events that usually remain constant because scientific ideas rarely change.
Scientists who investigate microscopic fossils are known as micropaleontologists. Which of the following would these scientists most likely study?
the rocks that identify the location of ancient continents
the evidence of changes in the climate of ancient Earth
the different elevations of the surface of ancient Earth
the rocks that contain evidence of ancient organisms
Throughout history, scientific knowledge has changed. Which of the following resulted in an important change in scientific knowledge?
the observation of phase changes of the Moon
the discovery of the function of the DNA molecule
the development of a hypothesis describing possible life on Mars
the prediction of when a comet would be most clearly visible from Earth
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?
to find out if the weather of various regions of the world would affect the results
to see if the experiment would be less expensive in another part of the world
to confirm the results of the experiment conducted by the scientist
to verify that the hypothesis of the experiment is a scientific law
Of the types of energy listed below, choose the sequence that shows the correct order of wavelengths from longest to shortest.
Visible, ultraviolet, infrared
Infrared, visible light, ultraviolet
Ultraviolet, visible light, infrared
Visible light, infrared, ultraviolet
When white light passes through a prism, it is separated into different colors. What is the name of this process and how does it happen?
reflection/the colors of light each travel at different speeds through the prism, causing them to bend and separate into the colors of the rainbow
refraction/the colors of light each travel at the same speed, but the prism separates them into the colors of the rainbow
refraction/the colors of light each travel at different speeds through the prism, causing them to bend and separate into the colors of the rainbow
reflection/the colors of light each travel at the same speed, but the prism separates them into the colors of the rainbow
The diagram below represents the path of a ray of light as it passes from air into the water in a pond. The direction of the ray of light changes as it enters the water because…
it loses its electromagnetic properties due to the water.
it changes speed because light moves slower through water than it does through air.
it experiences a stronger gravitational force in the water than it does in air.
water behaves as a conductor of light.
Which explanation BEST describes why a blue shirt appears to be blue?
The shirt gives off light in the blue wavelengths.
The shirt absorbs all wavelengths of white light.
The shirt absorbs blue wavelengths and reflects all other colors of light.
The shirt reflects blue wavelengths and absorbs all other colors of light.
The diagram below represents a metal spoon in a glass of water. The spoon’s broken appearance is caused by light that is…
reflected.
refracted.
absorbed.
scattered.
The diagram below represents a person looking at a fish in the water. The actual position of the fish is different from the apparent position of the fish because as light travels from the water into the air, the light is…
Refracted
Reflected
Transmitted
Absorbed
Mario was learning about light behavior in science class, and the teacher showed the class a prism similar to the one in figure 1. Which behavior of light explains this observation?
Refracted
Reflected
Transmitted
Absorbed
When a wave hits a surface through which it cannot pass, it bounces back. This interaction with the surface is called:
Reflection
Refraction
Diffusion
Interference
Rainbows are created when light passes through raindrops and separates into the different colors of light. Rainbows are a great example of light being:
Reflected
Refracted
Diffused
Interfered
Pat has two kinds of plant food, “Quickgrow” and “Supergrow”. What would be the best way for Pat to find out which plant food helps a particular type of houseplant grow the most?
Put some Quickgrow on a plant in the living room, put some Supergrow on a plant of the same type in the bedroom, and see which one grows the most.
Find out how much each kind of plant food costs, because the most expensive kind is probably better for growing plants.
Put some Quickgrow on five plants, put the same amount of Supergrow on five other plants of the same type, put all plants in the same place, and see which group of plants grow the best.
Look at the advertisements for Quickgrow and Supergrow to see which one says it helps plants grow the most.
Colleen waters the plants in her greenhouse once every day. She wants to find out if the plants will grow more leaves if they are watered more often. She counts the number of leaves on each plant before she starts. She then continues to water half of each type of plant once daily, but she waters the other half of each type twice a day. What is the outcome variable (dependent variable)?
the type of plant being grown
the number of leaves the plant grows
the amount of light the plant receives
the number of times the plants are watered
Christy wants to find out if the birds that visit the bird feeders in her backyard would rather build nests in birdhouses or in trees. She puts a birdhouse next to the feeder containing sunflower seeds and hangs a feeder containing cracked corn from a tree. She observes the birds’ nesting activities over the next two weeks and records her observations. Which of the following would improve Christy’s investigation?
Putting more food next to both bird feeders
Setting the feeders up closer to each other
Putting the same kind of food in both bird feeders
Setting up a third bird feeder containing fruit near a bird bath
The different types of electromagnetic energy are classified by which property?
Wavelength
Amplitude
Color
Speed
Sunlight is often referred to as “white light” because…
it contains none of the colors in the visible spectrum.
it contains all of the colors in the visible spectrum.
it contains only the lighter colors in the visible spectrum.
it makes everything look white.
Which type of radiation from the Sun is felt as heat?
ultraviolet
infrared
microwaves
radio waves
What term applies to the ability of light to completely, clearly pass through matter?
cloudy
opaque
translucent
transparent
Which type of radiation from the Sun is invisible and can’t be felt, but causes sunburn?
ultraviolet
infrared
microwaves
radio waves
Colin decided to investigate soil erosion by water. He measured rates of erosion on model hills made of soil, rock, and sand. Which of the following was the test (independent) variable?
the rate of erosion on the hills
the steepness of the model hillsides
the amount of water sprayed onto the hills
the type of material used to construct the model hills
Colin decided to investigate soil erosion by water. He measured rates of erosion on model hills made of soil, rock, and sand. Which of the following is the outcome (dependent) variable?
The rate of erosion on the hills
The steepness of the model hillsides
The amount of water sprayed onto the hills
The type of materials used to construct the model hills.
Emily planned an experiment for her science fair project. Why is it important for her to control the variables during the experiment?
It will allow her to know which factor affected her results.
It will allow her to test several variables at one time.
It will allow her to communicate her results.
It will allow her to graph her results.
The table shows the hawk and mouse populations in a given environment over a period of 40 years. Hawks prey on mice as a main food source. Which of these statements is best supported by the data?
The growth rate of mice was the highest in 1990.
The growth rate of mice was the lowest in 1990.
The growth rate of hawks was the lowest between 1980 and 1990.
The growth rate of hawks was the highest between 2000 and 2010.
Abbie constructed a graph based on the results of her investigation. Which of the following would be the best title for Abbie’s graph?
The Increase in Bacteria Populations
The Effect of Sunlight on Bacteria Growth
The Change in a Bacteria Population over Time
The Effect of Temperature on Bacteria Populations
