Lesson 2 BIOLOGY - Planning an Investigation

What is scientific inquiry?

• A process of asking meaningful questions and seeking answers to those questions

• A process of making random guesses

• A process of memorizing facts

• A process of writing reports

Answer explanation

Scientific inquiry is fundamentally about asking meaningful questions and seeking answers through observation and experimentation, making the first choice the correct one.

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What is one of the most important ways scientists try to answer questions?

• Conducting experiments

• Reading books

• Watching documentaries

• Attending conferences

Answer explanation

One of the most important ways scientists answer questions is by conducting experiments. This method allows them to test hypotheses and gather empirical data, which is essential for validating or refuting scientific theories.

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What is the scientific method?

• A series of organized steps that scientists use to guide the investigative process

• A random set of actions

• A method of writing scientific papers

• A way to memorize scientific facts

Answer explanation

The scientific method is a systematic approach that involves organized steps, such as observation, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, and analysis, to guide scientists in their investigations and ensure reliable results.

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What is important about the methods used in scientific investigations?

• They should be organized, well documented, testable, and repeatable

• They should be quick and easy

• They should be based on opinions

• They should be secretive

Answer explanation

The methods in scientific investigations must be organized, well documented, testable, and repeatable to ensure reliability and validity. This allows others to verify results and builds trust in scientific findings.

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What allows other scientists to verify the results of an investigation?

• Using organized, well documented, testable, and repeatable methods

• Keeping the methods secret

• Using random methods

• Not sharing the results

Answer explanation

Using organized, well documented, testable, and repeatable methods allows other scientists to replicate the investigation and verify results, ensuring reliability and credibility in scientific research.

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What does developing the best approach for answering a particular question call for?

• Creativity as well as knowledge

• Only creativity

• Only knowledge

• Random guessing

Answer explanation

Developing the best approach requires both creativity to think outside the box and knowledge to understand the context and content of the question. Thus, the correct answer is 'Creativity as well as knowledge'.

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What is an example of a good scientific question related to plants?

• Does salt water slow the growth of corn plants?

• Do pansies have a nicer scent than roses?

• Is gold a prettier metal than silver?

• Are birds better pets than rabbits?

Answer explanation

The question "Does salt water slow the growth of corn plants?" is scientific as it can be tested through experiments, measuring growth rates under different salt concentrations, unlike the other options which are subjective or not plant-related.

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What must a hypothesis be in order to be valid?

• Flexible

• Testable

• Observable

• Variable

Answer explanation

A hypothesis must be testable to be valid, meaning it can be supported or refuted through experimentation or observation. This allows scientists to gather evidence and draw conclusions based on the results.

What is the purpose of an experiment?

• To gather information through the senses

• To test a hypothesis

• To state a hypothesis

• To analyze data

Answer explanation

The primary purpose of an experiment is to test a hypothesis. This involves designing a procedure to determine if the hypothesis is supported or refuted by the results, making it a fundamental aspect of scientific inquiry.

What is the role of the independent variable in an experiment?

• It is the variable that is measured

• It is the variable that is kept the same

• It is the variable that changes in response to the dependent variable

• It is the variable that is deliberately changed

Answer explanation

The independent variable is the one that is deliberately changed in an experiment to observe its effect on the dependent variable. This is crucial for establishing cause-and-effect relationships.