Norris Science Department

Science As Inquiry - Review Questions

Modified True/False

Indicate whether the sentence or statement is true or false.  If false, change the identified word or phrase to make the sentence or statement true.

____   1.   An important goal of a scientist is to use evidence to learn about the natural world. _________________________

____   2.   “The bird has brown spots on its wings” is an example of quantitative data. _________________________

____   3.   Scientists are most likely to take sides with logical arguments that are supported by evidence. _________________________

____   4.   For a hypothesis to have value, it must be tested. _________________________

____   5.   The variable that is deliberately changed is called the responding, or dependent variable. _________________________

____   6.   The metric system is based on multiples of 100. _________________________

Multiple Choice

Identify the letter of the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.

____   7.   Which of the following is NOT a goal of science?

____   8.   The work of scientists begins with

____   9.   Science differs from other disciplines, such as history and the arts, because science relies on

____ 10.   Information gathered from observing a plant grow 3 cm over a two-week period results in

____ 11.   You state that the presence of water could accelerate the growth of bread mold. This is a(n)

____ 12.   A hypothesis

____ 13.   Which of the following is a valid hypothesis for why a plant appears to be dying?

____ 14.   In science, a hypothesis is useful only if

____ 15.   Which of the following is NOT a part of how scientists work?

____ 16.   A controlled experiment allows the scientist to isolate and test

____ 17.   Scientists publish the details of important experiments so that

____ 18.   When enough experimental data support a hypothesis, the hypothesis becomes a(n)

____ 19.   A theory

____ 20.   A well-tested explanation that unifies a broad range of observations is a(an)

Completion

Circle one of the underlined words that correctly completes each sentence or statement.

          21.   “The plant in Container A has five offshoots” is an example of a quantitative / qualitative observation.

          22.   The information you gather during an experiment is called your hypothesis / data.

23. The name given to the idea that life could arise from nonliving matter is called

         spontaneous generation / pasteurization.

          24.   The scientist named Charles Darwin / Louis Pasteur finally settled the argument over whether or not life could arise from nonliving matter.

          25.   In science, a theory is a well-tested explanation that unifies a broad range of publications / observations .

          26.   A revised version of the original metric / English system is called the SI, an abbreviation for the International Systems of Units.

          27.   A length of 3000 mm is equal to ____________________ m.

Short Answer

          28.   Why might scientists (or math-challenged students!) prefer using metric units of length rather than feet or inches?

Other

USING SCIENCE SKILLS

A scientist conducted an experiment to determine the effect of environment on the fur color of a Himalayan rabbit. The Himalayan rabbit typically has a white coat, except for its colder nose, feet, tail, and ears, which are black. The scientist shaved an area of hair on the back of each rabbit, then placed an ice pack over the shaved area on one rabbit (rabbit A, versus rabbit B).

Figure 1-1

          29.   Interpreting Graphics In Figure 1-1, which rabbit represents the control group?

          30.   Interpreting Graphics In Figure 1-1, what is the independent variable in this experiment?

          31.   Formulating Hypotheses Before completing the experiment in Figure 1-1, the scientist made a hypothesis. What do you think is the hypothesis she is testing?

          32.   Applying Concepts Why is Rabbit B essential to this experiment?

          33.   Drawing Conclusions Based on your observations of Figure 1-1, write a conclusion regarding the effect temperature has on Himalayan rabbits.

USING SCIENCE SKILLS

Figure 1-3

          34.   Using Tables and Graphs What four common metric units in Figure 1-3 are used to measure length?

          35.   Using Tables and Graphs What is the boiling point of water in degrees Celsius?

          36.   Applying Concepts Using Figure 1-3, what number does the prefix kilo- represent?

MEASUREMENTS, TABLES AND GRAPHS

37.  Measure the width of this piece of paper, to the nearest 1/10^th of a centimeter.

38.  Measure the length of this piece of paper, to the nearest 1/10^th of a centimeter.

39.  To collect data on finger length and hand length, a student created the following data table. However, they forgot to include the right headings and units at the top of each column!  In the table below, place the correct headings and units at the top of each data column:

40.  On a sheet of graph paper, create a graph of the data provided. Remember to include:

            - correct placement of independent and dependent variables

- labels and units on axes