How Science Works

Which of the following accurately describes the work of scientists in the real world? Choose all that apply:

• Independent work - scientists work independently in a lab or field in isolation from others.

• Testing ideas - scientists test their ideas to gather evidence in order to inform next steps.

• Using creativity - the process of science relies on creative thinking to think outside of the box.

• Collaborating with others - the process of science involves collaborating with other people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-6

Which of these statements best describes why science is never "finished?"

• Scientists need to make a living, so they continue their work for money.

• The work that scientists take on takes forever to complete - very rarely do they develop answers to their questions.

• New questions are always being asked.

• New people always enter the field of science.

Which of the following phrases falls under the exploration and discovery part of science?

• Informing Policy and Addressing Societal Issues

• Feedback and Peer Review

• Interpreting and Gathering Data

• Making Observations and Asking questions

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-3

Which of the following is the best reason for why science in the real world can be described like a pinball machine instead of a linear, step-by-step recipe for discovery?

• Science is unpredictable - you can't always plan for the next step.

• Science involves talking to many people - bouncing from person to person.

• Science is completed alone - just like playing pinball.

• Science is like a game - there are winners and losers.

Why is the scientific method an inaccurate representation of how science is done in the real world?

• The scientific method is too long. In reality, science consists of a smaller amount of steps.

• The scientific method is too simple and represents science as a linear process only. It makes science seem as though it is a simple step-by-step process for discovery.

• The scientific method makes it seem as though scientists are working together to share their ideas. In reality, science is done by individual scientists working through these steps in isolation.

• The scientific method does not describe the actions of scientists. It describes the actions of engineers only.

Which of the following science and engineering practices involves creating a process to generate and collect data to be used as evidence?

• Constructing Explanations

• Engaging in Argument from Evidence

• Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

• Planning and Carrying Out Investigations

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-5

NGSS.HS-LS1-3

NGSS.HS-PS3-4

What science and engineering practices was the student using when she placed 3 pea plants in different rooms with different light sources? She was interested in figuring out what kind of light makes them grow the tallest. They all got the same amount of water and she recorded their growth for 4 weeks.

• Asking Questions & Developing and Using Models

• Asking Questions & Constructing Explanations

• Asking Questions & Planning and Carrying Out Investigations

• Asking Questions & Designing Solutions

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

Which of the following science and engineering practices describes the first thing that scientists do when starting a new investigation?

• Interprets data

• Constructs an Explanation

• Designs a solution

• Asks a question

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-1

Which of the following is an advantage of using models to represent ideas and explanations?

• Models help scientists to publish their work within different fields of science.

• Models help scientists to plan and carry out investigations.

• Models help scientists to explain and share their ideas that relate to things that cannot be observed directly (ex: things that are too fast, too slow, too small, or too big)

• Models are always colorful and help to draw the attention of the public.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

Which of the following science and engineering practices involves studying graphs directly in order to develop initial meaning?

• Analyzing and interpreting data

• Planning and carrying out investigations

• Engaging in argument from evidence

• Constructing explanations and designing solutions