Nature of Science
Nature of Science
Type of Experiment (observational, experimental, or comparative)
Nature of Science
Theory vs Law
100

The parts of an experiment that stay the same

Controls

100

Scientists must make their experiment replicable in order for other scientists to...

Verify the results

100

How does temperature affect the growth of mold?

Experimental

100

What is an experimental investigation

Scientist design a "fair test" by changing one variable at time. They gather evidence to support or disprove a cause and effect relationship.

100

True of False: A scientific theory means a "hunch" or a "guess"

False

200

The variable we are testing. This variable is changed on purpose. 

Independent Variable

200

Which of the following statements describes all the variables in an experiment?

 A. All variables are measured to provide data for the experimental results.

 B. All variables are kept the same from one part of the experiment to another.
 C. All variables affect the results of the experiment.
 D. All variables are changed from one part of the experiment to another.


C. All variables affect the results of the experiment.

200

Can plants grow in zero gravity?

Observational

200

What is a limitation of experimental investigations

Human error

200

Compare scientific theory to the everyday use of the word theory

Answers vary 

Scientific theory is supported by and abundance of evidence

300

The variable that changes because of the independent variable. For example in the plant food experiment, the plant growth was the __________ variable.

Dependent

300

A control group in an experiment is

used to give a normal result that scientists can compare experimental results to

300

Does the height of a ramp affect the distance a toy car will roll?

Experimental
300

What type of experiment would need to be done for scientists to answer this question... Do squirrels prefer nuts or berries?

Observational

300

True of False: A scientific theory never changes

False

400

Cindy conducted an experiment for her science class. She repeated the experiment three times. Each time, Cindy got a different result. What should Cindy do next?

 A. Use the results obtained from the first experiment to draw conclusions.

 B. Go over the experimental procedure to make sure there is only one variable.

C. Add another variable into the experiment and repeat the experiment a fourth time.

D. Stop trying to test the current hypothesis and find a new hypothesis to test.


B. Go over the experimental procedure to make sure there is only one variable

400

What is an observational investigation

When scientists collect data to draw conclusions about a natural or man-made system.

400

Is the average height of 6th grade boys greater than 6th grade girls?

Comparative

400

A few hundred years ago, observations seemed to indicate an idea called spontaneous generation, which stated that living things could appear from nonliving things. In the seventeenth century, experiments were conducted that resulted in observations that disproved this idea. This led to the present day idea that living things can only come from other living things. Which statement best describes what this change in ideas tells us about science?

A. Scientific ideas do not need to be based on only factual and observable evidence.

B. Scientific ideas are not accurate because they constantly change as new evidence is discovered.

C. Scientific knowledge changes because it is open to new evidence as it is discovered and observed.

D. Science is based on factual observations so it should remain the same and not change over time.

C

400

Describe and give an example of scientific theory

  • Must be well-supported by facts & data 

  • Confirmed by other scientists through observations and experimentation

Can be changed when there is new evidence available.

Example: Theory of evolution

500

Jack is planning an experiment to see how temperature can affect the reproduction rate of a certain species of bacteria.

Jack is listing some of the variables that could affect the outcome of the experiment. Which of the following variables should be included on his list?

 A. time of year, clothes Jack wears, Petri dish mass

 B. food Jack eats, day of week, number of pages in log book

C. temperature, light level, species of bacteria

D. time of day, color of walls in lab, Jack's height


C. temperature, light level, species of bacteria

500

What is a comparative investigation

Collecting data on different things, or under different conditions to make a comparison.

500

How will different liquids (sweet tea, soda or punch) affect the growth of a bean plant?

Comparative

500

The three parts of cell theory

All cells come from preexisting cells

Cells are the most basic unit of life

All living things are made of cells

500

Describe scientific law and give an example

  • Must be well-supported by facts & data 

  • Confirmed by other scientists through observations and experimentation

  • States how something behaves under certain conditions.

  • It is often stated mathematically.

Example: Law of Gravity


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