Week 2 ES: Understanding Modern Science

How do modern scientists describe science?

• As a random exploration of ideas

• As a systematic process for learning about the world

• As a collection of unverified theories

• As a mystical understanding of nature

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What dual role does science play according to modern scientists?

• A method for creating technology and a source of entertainment

• A process of learning about the natural world and a summary of what we have already learned

• A way to predict the future and a tool for artistic expression

• A means of political control and a historical record

What do scientists rely on to gather evidence?

• Their intuition and feelings

• Their senses and test results

• Historical data and traditions

• Opinions of other scientists

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NGSS.MS-PS1-2

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What is a key characteristic of effective scientists?

• They accept all evidence without question

• They are always skeptical and critical thinkers

• They rely solely on proven facts

• They avoid changing their hypotheses

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Why can nothing in science be absolutely proven?

• Because evidence is always incomplete

• Because scientists are not trustworthy

• Because science is based on opinions

• Because experiments are never accurate

What is a hypothesis in the scientific process?

• A proven fact

• A testable idea that explains a phenomenon

• A random guess

• A detailed observation

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NGSS.MS-LS1-5

What role do models play in making predictions in science?

• They replace experiments

• They generate predictions when direct observation is not possible

• They confirm hypotheses

• They are used to ask questions

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What is the first step in the process of science?

• Making predictions

• Developing hypotheses

• Making observations

• Asking questions

What is an independent variable in an experiment?

• The variable a scientist manipulates

• The variable that depends on conditions

• Information collected from studies

• Information expressed using numbers

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What is a dependent variable in an experiment?

• The variable a scientist manipulates

• The variable that depends on conditions

• Information collected from studies

• Information expressed using numbers