Nature of Science

Scientists always develop a plan when they try to learn something about our natural world. Which sequence correctly shows the steps scientists follow in their plan?

• make observations ® develop an idea ® obtain evidence ® suggest an explanation

• obtain evidence ® suggest an explanation ® develop an idea ® make observations

• suggest an explanation ® obtain evidence ® make observations ® develop an idea

• develop an idea ® suggest an explanation ® obtain evidence ® make observations

Kyle is wondering what he is getting for his birthday. He decides to shake the box that contains his present. Kyle did not realize it, but he was acting like a scientist. What was the first step Kyle took in this situation that a scientist also takes?

• asking a question

     

• collecting evidence

     

• drawing a conclusion

        

• developing an explanation

Scientists communicate their results by publishing their work. What reasoning explains why this is important?

• to learn from each other

• to keep their work secret

• to compete with other scientists

• so the experiments are not repeated

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-1

Which of the following is always an important part of an experiment?

• making a working model

• observing things in nature

• making drawings of things observed

• identifying and controlling variables

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Which of the following is not a scientific investigation?

• performing a controlled experiment

• using a model to test a hypothesis

• observing how five caterpillars change into butterflies

• writing a letter about why it’s important to protect plants and animals

Which of the following would be best done using repeated observation rather than an experiment?

• Determine the average number of times during a week in May that a group of bees visits flowers.

• Determine whether a diet that includes honey every day will reduce allergies.

• Determine which type of flower gives out the strongest scent.

• Determine whether a bee hive is stronger than a wasp nest.

Jose tests the effects of fertilizers on four seeds of the same kind of plant. He gives each plant the same amount of water and sun. The table below shows his results. What can Jose claim about the fertilizers based on evidence in the table?

• Fertilizer 2 helps plants grow the tallest.

• Plants grow taller without the fertilizers.

• Fertilizer 3 does not help plants grow taller.

• Plants grow taller with Fertilizer 1 than they do with Fertilizer 2.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Scientists usually write reports about their investigations. What reasoning explains why they do this?

• to classify results

• to ask questions

• to perform experimental trials

• to communicate their work to other scientists

Which statement demonstrates the most scientific observation?

• The water is changing.

• The flame is causing a change

• Bubbles are forming and rising

• Steam forms when water gets hot.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Which is NOT one of the 3 types of scientific investigations?

• Experimental

• Comparative

• Descriptive

• Trial & Error

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2