PMA Q1 Review

Scientific knowledge may change as new evidence or information is discovered. Which of the following would NOT be a result of new scientific research and information?

• The Theory of Evolution is changed based on new fossil evidence.

• An invasive plant species reproduces quickly in a swamp ecosystem.

• A new scientific name is given to a recently identified plant species

• A newly discovered chemical element will be added to the periodic table of the elements.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Which statement represents a hypothesis?

• The liquid is orange.

• Does the amount of water affect the rate of growth of Gerber daisies?

• Twelve roses grew in two weeks.

• If the temperature of the water rises then the sugar will dissolve faster.

When is an explanation considered a scientific theory?

• It is a scientific theory when it is impossible to prove that it is false.

• It is a scientific theory when it is in its hypothesis form and remains untested.

• It is a scientific theory when it is still a new idea that many scientists are studying.

• It is a scientific theory when it is well supported by many studies and many scientists.

How is the everyday use of the term “theory” different from a scientific theory?

• An everyday theory is supported by a large part of the scientific community, while a scientific theory is supported by a small part of the scientific community.

• An everyday theory is an idea that is impossible to prove as false, while a scientific theory is easily proven as false and changes regularly.

• An everyday theory explains a broad aspect of the natural world, while a scientific theory explains a very specific aspect of the natural world.

• An everyday theory is a casual idea about an observation, while a scientific theory undergoes experimentation and is supported by many lines of evidence.

In the mid-16th century, a scientist suggested that diseases were caused by microorganisms, organisms too small to see with the human eye. Experiments and discoveries over the centuries supported this idea, and the Germ Theory of Disease was created. Which of the following correctly identifies whether this is an example of a scientific theory, or a hypothesis?

• It is a hypothesis because it demonstrates a scientist’s prediction that turned out to be correct.

• It is a theory because it shows the formation of a hypothesis and an experiment being conducted.

• It is a theory because it shows an explanation supported by a large number of scientists and many investigations.

• It is a hypothesis because it shows that one test is all that is necessary to be accepted by a scientific community.

Anton is a geologist. He wants to get the best possible information about lava flows from eruptions that are happening at some specific locations around the world. He wants to be able to vary what he studies based on his initial findings. Which type of investigation should Anton conduct?

• a survey

• library research

• fieldwork

• a laboratory investigation

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

The process of conducting a scientific investigation involves many steps. Scientists usually make an observation and then develop a testable question. Once the scientist is ready to conduct the investigation, the scientist creates a hypothesis that indicates the expected outcome of the investigation. Which of the following explain the value of the hypothesis to the scientific investigation? Check all that apply.

• The hypothesis tells the scientist if he was right or wrong.

• A well written hypothesis guides the design of the investigation.

• The hypothesis is based on observations and research and is not just a guess.

• The hypothesis allows the scientist to compare the results to what was expected.

• If the data does not support a hypothesis, then the scientist can create a new hypothesis and a new investigation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

Scientists do many types of work. Their work often includes making field observations, conducting surveys, creating models, and carrying out experiments. Which description characterizes an experiment?

• observation of plants or animals in their natural environment

• physical or mathematical representation of an object or process

• an organized procedure to study something under controlled conditions

• collection of data from the unregulated world for comparative purposes

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

What is the independent variable in this experiment?

• The height of the cake is the independent variable.

• The number of eggs is the independent variable.

• How long the cake bakes is the independent variable.

• The size of the pans is the independent variable.

What is the dependent variable in this experiment?

• The height of the cake is the dependent variable.

• The size of the cake pans is the dependent variable.

• The number of eggs is the dependent variable.

• The temperature of the oven is the dependent variable.