What is science?
A conclusion made using evidence and schema
What is an inference?
Why do scientists share their results with other scientists?
To learn from each other
Taurus is wondering what he is getting for Christmas. He decides to shake the box that contains his gift. He does not realize it, but he is acting like a scientist. What is the first step Taurus took that is the same first step that a scientist takes?
a. collecting evidence
b. asking a question
c. drawing conclusions
What is an independent variable?
The thing that changes in the experiment
Which science tool is used to measure the volume of something?
a. thermometer
b. measuring cup
c. scale
b. measuring cup
Gathering information using our senses
What is making observations?
Hurricane Donna was one of the most severe hurricanes on record. What evidence supports this claim?
a. Donna formed over the Atlantic Ocean
b. Donna caused strong winds in Broward County, Florida
c. Donna produced hurricane-force winds from Florida to New England
c. Donna produced hurricane-force winds from Florida to New England
What is the purpose of a model in science?
Scientists use models when they cannot investigate the real thing. Some reasons that scientists may need a model is to investigate things that are too large, too expensive, or uncontrollable
Put the following steps of the scientific method in the correct order:
- make observations
- develop an idea
- suggest an explanation
- obtain evidence
1. develop an idea
2. make observations
3. obtain evidence
4. suggest an explanation
List some tools that would be useful in making observations of an ant.
Magnifying lens, ruler, etc.
To group items based on their similar characteristics is called what?
Ex. trucks, buses, and cars can all be grouped together because they all have wheels
Classifying
In order for a scientist to make a claim, it must be supported by ____________.
What is evidence?
Which of the following is NOT a scientific investigation?
a. writing a letter about why it's important to protect animals
b. using a model to test a hypothesis
c. observing how 5 caterpillars change into butterflies
a. writing a letter about why it's important to protect animals
Which of the following is ALWAYS an important part of an experiment?
a. making a model
b. observing things in nature
c. drawing pictures of observations
d. identifying and controlling variables
d. identifying and controlling variables
If our science class went on a field trip to study organisms in a nearby stream, which of the following tools would be the MOST USEFUL that we would need to make our observations of the animals living in the stream?
a. graduated cylinder
b. net
c. telescope
b. net
Different responses:
One example: An animal, such as a raccoon, was looking for something to eat
Researchers surveyed people to find out how many people would not evacuate if a hurricane was approaching. In 1992, 18% of people would not evacuate. In 1995, 34% said they would not evacuate. In 1996, 46% said they would not evacuate. How can scientists use this information?
a. to predict where people will go when they evacuate
b. to explain why people chose not to evacuate
c. to predict how many people will not evacuate
c. to predict how many people will not evacuate
Would the following question be answer better with an experiment or using repeated observations?
Determine the average number of times during a week in May that a group of bees visits flowers
Repeated observations
Why is it important to perform repeated trials when conducting an experiment?
To be sure that the results are accurate and to help form a conclusion
What metric unit do we use to measure mass?
a. pounds
b. liters
c. kilograms
d. feet
c. kilograms