Semester Exam Review

What is the difference between an experiment and an observation?

• An experiment involves manipulating variables, while an observation involves watching and recording without interference.

• An experiment is always conducted in a laboratory, while an observation is done in natural settings.

• An experiment requires a hypothesis, while an observation does not.

• An experiment is qualitative, while an observation is quantitative.

Create a hypothesis for the following question: What will happen if I mix baking soda and vinegar together?

• It will form a solid substance.

• It will change color.

• It will produce a gas.

• If I mix baking soda and vinegar together, then carbon dioxide will be produced.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS1-5

In an experiment to test how fast a toy car will roll down a ramp at different heights, what are the independent and dependent variables?

• Independent variable: Height of the ramp; Dependent variable: Speed of the toy car

• Independent variable: Speed of the toy car; Dependent variable: Height of the ramp

• Independent variable: Weight of the toy car; Dependent variable: Height of the ramp

• Independent variable: Surface of the ramp; Dependent variable: Speed of the toy car

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

You generate a hypothesis that if you create a boat using aluminum foil, it will be able to hold 200 pennies while floating in the water. What conclusion could you draw from the experiment where your aluminum foil boat sank after adding 53 pennies?

• The hypothesis was correct; the boat can hold 200 pennies.

• The hypothesis was incorrect; the boat cannot hold 200 pennies.

• The boat can hold more than 200 pennies.

• The boat can hold exactly 53 pennies.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-1

Silvia conducted an experiment in a laboratory and reports a new discovery relating to a new vaccine that can provide humans with immunity to an infectious disease. Other scientists are unable to reproduce the results of this experiment. How could this happen?

• Silvia made an error in her experiment.

• The results are not valid.

• The other scientists are not skilled enough.

• The vaccine is not effective.

A scientist conducted an experiment 25 years ago and has since collected new data that led to a new conclusion. Does this mean that the scientist’s original conclusion was wrong?

• Yes, the original conclusion was wrong.

• No, the original conclusion was based on the data available at the time.

• It depends on the nature of the new data.

• The original conclusion is irrelevant now.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

After a scientist collects data and inputs it into a chart or graph, what should the next step in the scientific investigation be?

• Analyze and interpret the data.
• Make a hypothesis

• Observe & record results

• Share results.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-5

True or false: There is only one way to conduct a scientific investigation.

• True

• False

Robert goes outside and takes notes on the behaviors of squirrels in the park at the same time each day for 7 days. After he finishes, Jim does the same experiment the following week and the two share notes. In what ways was the experiment of observing squirrel behaviors repeated and replicated by Robert and Jim?

• Robert and Jim observed different animals.

• Robert and Jim observed squirrels at different times.

• Robert repeated multiple trials over 7 days. Jim replicated Robert's experiment.

• Robert and Jim observed squirrels in different locations.

Why would a scientist prefer to conduct certain investigations in a laboratory?

• To have a controlled environment

• To save time

• To reduce costs

• To avoid ethical issues

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2