Science Praxis: The Scientific Method

A ..... is a testable prediction based on observations.

hypothesis

Scientists may form a ..... or ..... based on observations and evidence.

hypothesis inference

The steps used to ensure high-quality scientific research are known as the ......... The scientific method involves using deliberate steps to solve a problem while gathering data to reach a conclusion.

scientific method

A .... is a proposed explanation based on evidence which may or may not be testable. It unifies hypotheses and provides a general explanation for phenomena.

theory

........ are those that the scientist manipulates. There should typically be only one independent variable in each experimental trial. They are typically plotted on the x-axis or used as a label when graphed.

Independent variables

Any substance used in the classroom should have a physical or digital ........ accessible in the classroom. Teachers should follow the procedures listed on this document for proper precautionary actions, handling, and disposal of chemicals.

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

In which of the following assignments would students most likely find the Venn diagram to be a useful tool in organizing their information? A The teacher has asked the students to compare and contrast plants and animals. B The teacher has asked the students to write a hypothesis for an experimental lab. C The teacher has asked the students to record which foods they ate in the last 24 hours. D The teacher has asked the students to recite the location of all the safety equipment in the classroom.

A.

When determining the accurate measurement of a liquid, which piece of laboratory equipment would be best to find the liquid's volume to the nearest milliliter? A graduated cylinder B ruler C beaker D triple beam balance

A. A graduated cylinder has graduated milliliter measurement lines to measure volume.

A scientist wants to show the correlation between the genre and the number of songs downloaded from the internet. Which type of graph would be best suited for this? A scatter plot B line graph C bar graph D circle graph

A. A scatter plot is used to show correlation and relationships between variables.

Which type of graph or chart would be best used to show comparisons between the volume of water drunk by athletes competing in two different sports? A bar graph B circle graph C pie chart D line gra

A. Bar graphs are used to compare populations or groups. This is the correct graph.

Cara would like to research the effects of plants on students' self-reported stress levels. She places potted plants in student common areas for two weeks, taking surveys before and after. She then makes a graph of her findings. Which parts of the scientific method is Cara performing? A experimentation and data analysis B communicating data and designing a new experiment C observation and data analysis D hypothesis and observation

A. Cara conducts an experiment (placing plants in common areas) and carries out data analysis (creating a graph of the results).

Which type of graph or chart would be best used to show the breakdown of coat colors in a rabbit population? A circle graph B line graph C histogram D bar graph

A. Circle graphs are used to show parts of a whole. This is the best graph for this instance.

A group of students want to find out the specific temperature at which chocolate will begin to melt. To determine the correct temperature, the students would rely on which science processing skill? A measuring B predicting C inferring D classifying

A. Measurement would be used during the experiment to find a specific temperature.

When is the best time to teach lab safety rules? A immediately before the students begin an experiment B immediately before a test on lab safety rules C once at the start of the year D at the start of each new unit

A. Reminding students immediately before they begin using equipment is the best time because they can better remember and apply the specific safety rules to the specific equipment used during the experiment.

Terrance lives near a river and is concerned about the pollution caused by burning fossil fuels. Which alternative energy in his area would be the best solution for his concern? A hydroelectric energy B geothermal energy C solar energy D wind energy

A. Since Terrance lives near a river, water would be the best choice for an energy resource. The generation of hydroelectric energy is possible with flowing water

Mr. Orlando is teaching a unit about density, which is the amount of mass in a given volume. He would like students to practice measuring the density of various objects. Which of the following lists of equipment should Mr. Orlando provide to his students? A a graduated cylinder and a balance B a thermometer, a Bunsen burner, and a beaker C a ruler, a rubber ball, and a tape measure D a microscope, beaker, and eye dropper

A.Density is the relationship between the mass of a substance and its volume. A graduated cylinder will help the student measure volume and a balance will help the student measure mass.

Which of the following best describes a resource that, once used, cannot be replaced or reused? A recyclable B nonrenewable C renewable D nonliving

B. A nonrenewable resource is a resource that cannot be renewed, replaced, or reused.

Which of the following substances would be safest for use in a fifth-grade science experiment? A bleach B dish soap C liquid nitrogen D dry ice

B. Dish soap is a relatively safe substance for use in a classroom. It will not cause irritation to students' skin.

Which type of graph or chart would be best used to show the velocity of a moving vehicle at different points of a road trip? A circle graph B line graph C histogram D bar graph

B. Line graphs are used to show change over time. This is the best graph for this instance.

Which of the following is not a renewable resource? A geothermal energy B nuclear fuel C sunlight D wind

B. Nuclear fuel is a nonrenewable resource. There is a finite amount of radioactive material to use.

Mr. Howard would like to create a short freewriting activity to determine whether his students are using critical-thinking skills on their current topic. Which Bloom's verb would be the best for him to use to start his prompt? A Define B Predict C Select D Summarize

B. Predicting is a higher level Bloom's verb which indicates critical thinking ability.

Calvin planted a tree that measured 0.5 meters tall. If he recorded the growth of the tree every month for two years, what would be the best way to display his findings, in order to visually compare the progression of growth over time? A data table B line graph C pie graph D scatter plot

B. Recording the growth of a tree for two years shows a trend measured over a period of time. A line graph is the best visual representation to use to display this data.

Students perform an investigation to compare the relative specific heats of sand, water, and soil. They fill plastic cups with the same mass of each material, place a temperature probe in each sample, and put the samples the same distance beneath identical flood lamps. Students record temperature data for 2 minutes while the lamps are on, and continue recording data for 1 minute after the lamps are turned off. Which of the following is the dependent variable in this experiment? A the different materials B the change in temperature of the materials C the amount of time the lamps are turned on and off D the mass of the material

B. The change in temperature of the materials is the dependent variable because it will vary depending upon the type of material used.

Which one of the following tools would be most appropriate to measure the velocity and acceleration of a toy car in a lab activity? A spring scale B ticker timer C metric ruler D stopwatch

B. The ticker timer can be used to measure both time and distance, providing velocity and acceleration. This device uses carbon paper and a timer to mark dots on a piece of tape drawn through the apparatus at a set frequency. One end can be attached to the car and the distance between the dots can be measured and used to calculate velocity and acceleration.

During part of a lab activity, students need to let a solution evaporate to see if any solutes are left behind. Which of the following tools would be most appropriate for this purpose? A round-bottom flask B watch glass C graduated cylinder D test tube

B. The watch glass would be the most appropriate tool for this, since it is shallow and allows for a greater surface area of the solution to be exposed. This would allow the solution to evaporate more quickly.

Mr. Shields wants to create an engaging inquiry-based activity for her students in the upcoming physical properties of matter unit. Which of the following activities best accomplishes Mr. Shields' goal? A Create a graphic organizer that highlights the physical properties of various objects seen in the students' textbook. B Provide students with a mixture that they separate into groups using different physical properties of the component for the different groups. C Use a journal to list the different physical properties of an object. D Create a matching-terms workshop where students match a physical property to an object.

B. This is the best answer because it allows students to manipulate objects, create and test hypothesis for component mixtures, and engages the students by allowing them to work with various mixtures, conduct investigations, gather data, analyze evidence, and improves their logical reasoning skills. This is a great inquiry-based activity.

Which of the following accurately summarizes the difference between a hypothesis, a scientific theory, and a scientific law? A A hypothesis is a predicted outcome, a theory is a documented explanation for a phenomenon, and a law is a proposed explanation based on evidence. B A hypothesis is a predicted outcome, a theory is a proposed explanation based on evidence, and a law is a documented description of observations surrounding a phenomenon. C A hypothesis is a documented explanation for a phenomenon, a theory is a predicted outcome, and a law is a proposed explanation based on evidence. D A hypothesis is a proposed explanation based on evidence, a theory is a documented explanation for a phenomenon, and a law is a predicted outcome.

B. This is the correct distinction.

Which of the following instruments would be most useful to find the volume of a very large textbook? A a micrometer B a metric ruler C a triple-beam balance D a large beaker

B. Volume is found by multiplying the height, width, and length of an object. To best find these measurements of a large textbook, a metric ruler would be most appropriate.

Which of the following are appropriate lab safety standards? Select all answers that apply. A A 1-minute rinse at an eyewash station is required if a student gets a chemical in the eye. B Students should quickly clean up after a spill or accident. C A first aid kit should be kept in the classroom. D Students should wear safety goggles when working with a flame.

C, D

Of the following, which is most appropriate to do after testing a hypothesis? A formulate a theory B draw conclusions C organize data D propose a new hypothesis

C. After testing a hypothesis it is best to organize the data so that conclusions can be drawn.

Which of the following steps in the scientific method is only completed after the experiment is completed? A recording data B forming a hypothesis C communicating data D making observations

C. After the experiment is concluded, the data is analyzed and then communicated.

When examining the color and clarity of 1 gram of sugar in 30 milliliters of water, which of the following would be the best substitute for a test tube? A drinking glass B beaker C graduated cylinder D microscope

C. Graduated cylinders tend to be narrower than beakers and designed for accurately measuring small amounts of liquid.

Natural resources are resources naturally occurring on Earth that are necessary or useful to humans. Natural resources include: A plastic, Styrofoam, and paper. B evaporation, condensation, and aeration. C water, wood, and minerals. D fresh, marine, and brackish.

C. Natural resources occur naturally; they are not man-made materials. Water, wood, and minerals are all found naturally on Earth.

Which of the following would best help students learn to protect themselves against potential health hazards in the laboratory? A Regularly washing laboratory equipment for the students before they come to class. B Regularly reminding students to be careful when using lab equipment. C Regularly require students to wash their hands after a lab experience. D Regularly disposing old equipment and replacing it with new.

C. Requiring hand washing after touching equipment can lead to good safety habits for all students.

Which of the following is a key characteristic of scientific inquiry? A Scientific discovery is relative, depending on who carries out the research. B Scientific discoveries are more important than ethical decisions. C Scientific theories are open to change as new information is discovered. D The results of experiments should only be communicated when scie

C. Science is a field that is open to change as new information is discovered.

Mr. Gann sees a line graph featured in a news article. What should his next steps be to verify this data? A Share the news story with friends and record their observations. B Read the news story and accept the data. C Search for further data on the same topic in peer-reviewed scientific journals. D Read the news story and reject the data.

C. Searching for verification from other reliable sources will confirm whether the reported results are accurate and the conclusions are valid.

Density is measured by using the formula mass/volume. In addition to a scale, which of these tools would be helpful in finding the density of a regular-shaped, solid object? A thermometer B erlenmeyer flask C metric ruler D barometer

C. The density of an object is calculated by measuring both the mass and volume, and dividing the volume into the mass. The volume of a regular-shaped object is calculated by measuring the L x W x H of that object. This measurement is done with a metric ruler.

What must a scientist consider when deciding which tools to use to gather data? A the weight of the tools B previous investigations' ingredients C the expected outcome of the investigation D the volume of the reactants

C. The expected outcome of the investigation is the most important factor when determining which tools to use to gather data.

A student is investigating the growth of Elodea under different light sources. Which of the following is the best research question for this student? A How does the color of an Elodea plant affect its growth under different light sources? B How does the distance from the light source affect Elodea plants? C How does the type of light source affect the rate of photosynthesis of Elodea plants? D How does the amount of time spent in the sun affect the growth of Elodea plants?

C. This is the best and most testable research question.

A student performed an experiment on three different types of paper towels. Each of the towels was soaked in a separate beaker, each containing 20 ml of water, for exactly 15 seconds. The towels were removed. What step should be next in the procedure in order to accurately identify the paper towel that absorbed the most water? A Feel the paper towels to see which is the wettest. B Squeeze each towel into a separate graduated cylinder and measure the contents. C Measure the remaining water in each of the three beakers and compare the results. D Use three more paper towels to see how fast the remaining water is absorbed.

C. To accurately compare the paper towel absorption, the amount of water remaining in each of the beakers must be measured and compared after removing the soaking paper towels.

Mr. Orlando is on the far side of the room when he sees a student mishandling equipment during a laboratory activity. Which of the following is the best first step Mr. Orlando should take to resolve the problem? A Immediately tell the student to handle the equipment with care, using a loud voice so the student will hear across the room. B Do nothing at that time, but write a report about it to give to the principal. C Move closer to the student. D Loudly call out the student's name.

C. Using proximity, or moving close to a misbehaving student, is an excellent first step. It does not escalate the issue, but lets the student know you see what he or she is doing and that it is inappropriate. Often the student will then self-monitor. The next steps might involve quietly correcting the student and talking with the student individually during recess.

...... are those that remain the same across experimental trials. These can include the temperature at which the experiment is conducted, atmospheric conditions, and so forth. The presence of controlled variables ensures that the only factor affecting the dependent variable is, in fact, the independent variable.

Controlled variables

Mr. Anderson assigns a group of students to research and present rainfall disparities between the Sahara Desert and the Amazon Rainforest. Which of the following graphs would be most appropriate for the students to use? A a drawing B a Venn diagram C a pie chart D a bar graph

D. A bar graph is the best answer. A bar graph is best for comparing amounts between two or more categories.

A student was given the kernels from an ear of seed corn that had been placed in a moist environment and allowed to sprout. The student sorted the kernels and found the percentage of kernels that had not changed at all, the percentage that had swollen but not sprouted, and the percentage that had sprouted. Which of the following types of graph is most the appropriate to use to present the findings? A scatter plot B contour graph C line graph D pie graph

D. A pie chart is useful for comparing parts of a whole, in this case, percentages.

What is the most important use of a control group in an experimental investigation? A Control groups allow scientists to practice making measurements. B Control groups allow scientists to save time by not taking measurements. C Control groups set the standard for the experimental group to try to achieve. D Control groups give a baseline to compare results to.

D. Control groups allow scientists to compare the experimental results with a baseline expectation.

When students are conducting an experiment or investigation using glassware, which of the following is the most important piece of safety equipment for them to use? A body shower and eyewash station B fire extinguisher C ear coverings D goggles

D. Goggles would be the most important piece of safety equipment because of the potential for glass breaking and hurting the students' eyes.

When deciding to house a live animal in the classroom, the risk of a potential health hazard to the student or animal must be weighed against the educational value added. What guidelines must first be considered to address this potential hazard, prior to making a choice of getting the animal for the classroom? A procedures for caring for the animal during weekends and holidays B standards for keeping the conditions sanitary and odor free C plans for food, housing and comfort of the animal D the children that might be affected by allergic symptom

D. Safety standards require that any live animal in the classroom must be fed and kept in sanitary conditions every day. Although the care and comfort of the animal is important, the safety concern with regards to the students is the teacher's first priority.

Which of the following is the responsibility of the teacher with regard to the use of chemicals? A requiring labels on all hazardous materials B disposing of hazardous substances by taking them outside to the dumpster C maintaining material safety data sheets for available chemicals D knowing the chemicals used in each laboratory experiment and reviewing the material safety data sheet for them

D. The teacher is responsible for knowing the substances and reviewing the safety guidelines.

Fifth-grade students are working on an experiment and writing down their discoveries. Which of the following should the teacher be doing as the students work on the experiment? A conducting a demonstration as instruction B presenting situations and posing questions C grading papers previously turned in D coaching and guiding children as needed

D. This is the best answer because the teacher is able to guide instruction on an as-needed basis.

Which of the following is the best definition of a hypothesis? A a summary of the results of an experiment B a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is acquired through the scientific method and repeatedly tested and confirmed through observation and experimentation C a guess of what might happen based upon observations D a predicted outcome based on an observation that can be further tested by experimentation

D. This is the definition of a hypothesis.

Which of the following is the appropriate piece of safety equipment to use if chemicals are splashed in someone's eye? A safety shower B sink C fire extinguisher D eyewash station

D. When chemicals get into someone's eyes, the best safety equipment to use is the eyewash station. Eyes should be flushed for a minimum of 15 minutes.

........ are those that depend on the condition or value of the independent variable. These are the factors measured by the scientist. Usually, experiments are conducted in order to study effects on the dependent variable. They are typically plotted on the y-axis when graphed.

Dependent variables

They may then test this hypothesis during .......

experimentation

Older students should design an experiment where they manipulate only one variable at a time (the ......) and determine the effects on the responding variable (the ......). The experiment should also have a ....., a set of conditions that are not changed at all, to ensure the manipulated variable is affecting the responding variable and it isn't by chance. Results are to be properly collected and displayed in charts, graphs, tables, and descriptors.

independent variable dependent variable control group

The scientific method is used to guide scientists through the steps of planning the process and conducting the experiment. These steps include: 1. The scientist identifies the .... and attempts to explain it. 2. The scientist makes ......., recording information gathered using the five senses. 3. The scientist forms a ....., or prediction, based on the observations. 4. The scientist tests the hypothesis in an ........ In an experiment, a scientist may have a control group, or group which does not receive the experimental treatment, and an experimental group, which does. 5. The scientist records and communicates ....., or measurements and observations taken during the experiment. 6. The scientist draws a ....... stating whether the hypothesis was supported or rejected. 7. The scientist reforms the hypothesis and ..... a new experiment.

problem observations hypothesis experiment data conclusion designs

A ..... is a proven and documented description of observations surrounding a phenomenon.

scientific law

A common misconception among students is the distinction between a hypothesis, ...., and .......

theory scientific law