Science Quiz 8/19/13

Question 1

How do you “think like a scientist?”

Answer 1

• pose questions
• make observations and inferences.
• developing hypotheses
• designing experiments
• making measurements and collecting data
• drawing conclusions
• communicating.

Question 2

Posing Questions:

Answer 2

*Using scientific inquiry begins with posing a question or stating a problem.

Question 3

Making Observations and Inferences:

Answer 3

• Observing involves using one or more of the senses to gather information and collect data.
• Data are the facts, figures and other evidence gathered through observations.
• Often a scientist’s observations and data lead to an inference, which is an Interpretation of an observation based on evidence and prior knowledge.

Question 4

Developing Hypotheses:

Answer 4

• Scientists may then develop a hypothesis, a possible explanation for observations or a scientific question.
• A hypothesis must be testable.
• A hypothesis can be worded as an “If, then” statement. For example you could develop the following hypothesis: If fertilizer is added to the soil surrounding a tomato plant, then the plant will grow taller.

Question 5

Designing an Experiment to Test a Hypothesis:

Answer 5

• Variables are factors that can change in an experiment.
• Often a scientist changes one variable to test a hypothesis.
• This changed variable is called the independent (or manipulated) variable.
• A factor that changes because of the manipulated variable is a dependent (or responding) variable.
• An experiment in which all variables except one remain the same is called a controlled experiment.

Question 6

Making Measurements and Collecting Data:

Answer 6

• Scientists collect data by measuring and observing.

* They use a standard system of measurement call the international system of units or the metric system.

Question 7

Interpreting Data:

Answer 7

*Data must be organized and interpreted.

Question 8

Drawing Conclusions:

Answer 8

*This leads scientists to draw a conclusion, or sum up what they have learned from the investigation.

Question 9

Communicating in Science:

Answer 9

• Finally, scientists communicate their results and conclusions to others.
• Conclusions often lead to new questions and new experiments.

Question 10

What are Scientific Theories?

Answer 10

A well tested theory that explains a wide range of observations.

• Sometimes, further testing can prove a scientific theory to be faulty.
• In this case, scientists either revise or abandon the theory.

Question 11

What is Laboratory Safety?

Answer 11

*A very important part of a scientific experiment is observing safe laboratory practices.
*In general, laboratory safety means following instructions and making sure you understand all lab
procedures before getting to work.

Question 12

Branches of Life Science:

Answer 12

• Life science explores the structures, functions and interactions of many living things.
• Branches of life science offer careers such as a physician, botanist, marine biologist, emergency medical technician, park ranger, and physical therapist.

Question 13

Inference

Answer 13

A possible explanation of an observation that is based on evidence and prior knowledge. It is a starting point for a hypothesis.

Question 14

Control Variables

Answer 14

All of the factors that remain the same so that they do not affect the results of an experiment.

Question 15

Theory

Answer 15

A well tested concept that explains a wide range of observations. A time tested hypothesis.

Question 16

Quantitative Observation

Answer 16

Observations that determine quantity, they are measurable.
An observation based on the measurement of data such as mass, distance, volume or temperature. This observation must use a number.

Question 17

Qualitative Observation

Answer 17

Observations that determine quality; they are not measurable.
Use your senses to gather information such as color, taste, or shape. This observation will not be a number.

Question 18

Responding (Dependent) Variable

Answer 18

The variable that changes as a result of changing the manipulated variable. Example: Fish experiment - the fish’s behavior.

The one factor that changes as a result of the manipulation, the change that will be observed and measured. The “effect” in cause and effect.

Question 19

Hypothesis

Answer 19

A testable prediction that shows the relationship between the manipulated and responding variables in an experiment. Adds to scientific knowledge even if hypothesis proves to be incorrect.

Predicting a result based on available information. An educated guess about the outcome of an experiment. It is written as an if/ then statement.

Question 20

Manipulated (Independent) Variable

Answer 20

The variable in an experiment that is purposely changed by the experimenter. Example: Fish Experiment - Placing mirror against tank.

The one variable that is purposely changed by the scientist in an experiment. The “cause” in cause and effect.

Question 21

Science

Answer 21

Learning about the natural world. It is always growing and changing. You could think of it as a process of discovery.

Question 22

Scientific Inquiry: List the five steps of the scientific method (in order)

Answer 22

1. State the problem (or ask a question)
2. Gather information (research)
3. Form a hypothesis
4. Perform an experiment & analyze the data
5. Draw conclusions

Question 23

Identity when statement is an observation, hypothesis, conclusion or inference.

If I increase the temperature of the balloon, then the volume will increase. _______________

Answer 23

Hypothesis

Question 24

Identity when statement is an observation, hypothesis, conclusion or inference.

After the movie the sidewalks are wet and there are small puddles in the grass, so it must have rained during the movie.

Answer 24

Observation

Question 25

Identity when statement is an observation, hypothesis, conclusion or inference.

The data from the experiment supports my hypothesis. ________________

Answer 25

Conclusion

Question 26

Identity when statement is an observation, hypothesis, conclusion or inference.

The room was small and smelled like paint. __________________

Answer 26

Observation