Brain Pop: Scientific Method Quiz

What's the difference between a hypothesis and a theory?

• "Theory" is another word for "fact;" "hypothesis" is another word for "guess"
  
• Hypotheses can't be proven; theories can
  
• Theories have been confirmed through tests; hypotheses haven't 
• Theories contain many hypotheses; a hypothesis only contains one theory 

Place the following steps in sequence: A) Recognizing a problem; B) Testing a hypothesis; C) Drawing inferences 

• A, C, B 
• A, B, C 
• B, C, A 
• C, B, A 

In the phrase, "The scientific method is an analytic process for determining why things happen," what's the best synonym for "analytic?" 

• Probable 
• Amazing 
• Incoherent 
• Logical 

What must you do before you make a hypothesis? 

• Run an experiment 
• Make observations 
• Form a theory
  
• Draw conclusions 

If you were running an experiment to determine the temperature at which beans sprout the fastest, what would be the variable? 

• The number of beans you plant
  
• The height of the sprouts you grow
  
• The amount of water you give the beans
  
• The temperature at which each bean is kept 

You should run an experiment several times to make sure your results are consistent. In the preceding phrase, what does "consistent" mean? 

• Obvious
  
• Perfect
  
• Unchanging 
• Testable 

What might cause a theory to change over time? 

• New laws passed by the government 
• New but untestable ideas
  
• Changes in public opinion
  
• The discovery of new evidence 

Evolution is one example of a theory. From what you know about the scientific method, what can you conclude about this biological theory? 

• It's been tested many times
  
• Scientists don't need to test it anymore
  
• No one is allowed to test whether it's true or not 
• There is very little evidence to support it 

Which of the following is a testable hypothesis? 

• Roses are more beautiful than violets
  
• A plant needs at least five hours of sunlight per day to grow
  
• Ice cream is delicious
  
• Humans will someday land on Mars 

What happens if you test a hypothesis multiple times and the data doesn't support your prediction? 

• Change the data to support your prediction
  
• Run the experiment again until you get the results you're looking for
  
• Conclude that your hypothesis cannot be proven 
• Re-think your hypothesis