Science Test 1

What are control experiments (sometimes called controlled experiments)? How do they help determine cause-effect relationships?

A control experiment is an experiment or observation designed to minimize the effects of variables other than the single independent variable. This increases the reliability of the results, often through a comparison between control measurements and the other measurements.

Explain the difference between a hypothesis, a theory, an over-arching theory, and a model.

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a fairly narrow set of observations. A theory is a broad explanation of a wide range of phenomenon, whereas an over-arching theories are very important theories that encompass many subordinate theories. A model is a simplification of a complex hypothesis or theory, often in the form of a computer program or mathematical equation.

What is a scientific model? What are models used for?

A model is a mental construct or picture which attempts to describe the features of a system. A model often describes the system in terms of another system that is more familiar—the atom is like the solar system. Models are used to help us understand and test complex systems and to explain observations.

In what ways are science and religion compatible and complementary?

Both seek to find the truth and those truths when correct will complement each other and increase our understanding of our Heavenly Father.

Carl Sagan is quoted as saying, "Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proofs." In your own words, describe what this means.

Claims of a new theory or explanation of existing data need to be backed up with enough new data to justify making the change in theory.

What is cold fusion?

Cold fusion is a hypothetical type of nuclear reaction that would occur at or near room temperature.

Why isn't the scientific process comparable to following a cookbook recipe?

Cookbook recipes are usually a linear set of instructions in which each step is outlined in the order to be followed. While there are definite steps in the scientific method they are carried out in non-linear fashion often repeating themselves several times before moving on. There is no predetermined path to follow as the process of science unfolds.

What are some of the ways that you use the process of science in your everyday life? (Give at least two examples.

Diagnosing why your car won't start. Deciding which detergent works best for washing your dishes. Evaluating what type of fertilizer to use in your garden.

How did Ernest Rutherford use the scientific process in his work on atomic discovery? (Please give details on Rutherford's work.)

Ernest Rutherford studied the structure of the atom in the early 1900's. He conducted experiments to better understand atoms by firing alpha particles at thin sheets of gold foil. If atoms were made of evenly distributed mass and positive charge, as was thought at the time, he expected the alpha particles to pass through the foil unaffected. However, he observed that while most of the particles passed straight through the foil, some were instead deflected by it. Based on these observations he was able to come up with a new model for the structure of atoms.

How might we use science and not know it?

Every day we are faced with situations where we may deduce why somethings isn't working. We may then make observations or do tests to see what the problem is. Based on these results we use the facts to come to a decision about the problem. This is basically the process of science.

According to the article, what are the 2 fundamental characteristics of a dependable scientific claim?

First, is it supported by reliable, reproducible observations. Second, can it be explained in terms of a rational model.

You have an idea for a new battery design that could extend the range of electric cars and decrease the recharging time. How could you use the process of science described in the reading (Exploration and Discovery, Testing Ideas, Community Analysis and Feedback, Benefits and Outcomes) to possibly produce a marketable battery. Write a few paragraphs on your plan of action.

First, you might want to search through the scientific literature to see if anyone else has proposed and tested such an idea. You may also talk to colleagues to see what they think of the idea. Then you might build several prototype batteries. These would then be subjected to numerous tests to decide if meet your expectations. You might also want to investigate the safety of using these batteries in cars. The lab tests may be followed by testing the batteries in real electric cars and see if they still meet your criteria. If at any point you run into problems you would want to do more research and come up with new ideas. Finally, when you have a satisfactory product you would write your results up and publish them in a peer review journal. You may also consider applying for a patent to protect your investment in the idea. Then you could market the battery to car manufacturers.

How does the information presented by Dr. Lamb correlate with the "science checklist" presented in the "What is Science?" website? Give specific examples.

Focuses on the natural world - cold fusion experiments did aim to understand the natural world; Aims to explain the natural world - again their aim was to explain the natural world; Uses testable ideas - the claims of cold fusion were testable but the researchers did not allow testing at first; Relies on evidence - there was evidence that the claims of cold fusion were based on, but it could not be reproduced by others; Involves the scientific community - Pons and Fleischman did their research on their own and did not include their peers; Leads to ongoing research - cold fusion was a dead end and did not lead to more research; Benefits from scientific behavior - Pons and Fleischman did not engage in good scientific behavior, they did not use peer reviewed journals, their data was kept secret and could not be reproduced.

What are the rules for using science?

Focuses on the natural world; aims to explain the natural world; uses testable ideas; relies on evidence; involves the scientific community; leads to ongoing research; benefits from scientific behavior.

What was the process that led to Henri Becquerel's discovery of radioactivity?

Henri Becquerel made an accidental discovery when he observed that photographic plates stored next to samples of uranium salts were spotted as though they had been exposed to light. Rather than throw out the plates as ruined he was intrigued to find out what happened. After conducting a series of experiments he discovered radioactivity.

What kinds of questions can science answer? (Give at least 2 examples not found in the reading.)

How are traits passed down from generation to generation. What causes earthquakes. How do stars form. What is the most efficient design for an airplane. etc.

Why are scientists interested in studying cold fusion?

If it works it has the potential to produce large amounts of energy cheaply and pollution-free. It would essentially solve all of the world's energy needs.

How is the scientific definition of a theory different than our everyday use of the word theory?

In science, theories are are broad explanations that are supported by many lines of evidence. The everyday use of the word theory implies a guess or a hunch about an idea.

Is Intelligent Design scientific? Give a reason for your answer.

Intelligent Design is interested in explaining what we observe in the world and therefore has the appearance of science. However, most of the ideas behind Intelligent Design are not testable through experimentation and observation. Intelligent Design does not bear any of the other hallmarks of science and cannot be validated by the central method of science. Therefore we must conclude that it is not scientific.

What kinds of questions can science not answer? (Give at least 2 examples not found in the reading.)

Is there a God? Is Beethoven better than Bach? Should we clone living things? Is assisted suicide ever justified?

Why is it important to have a scientific community?

Many times research is conducted as part of a collaboration. In a diverse group each person brings their specialized knowledge to the research effort. In addition the scientific community embodies the cumulative knowledge base that allows science to build on itself. Also the community can provide checks and balances in evaluating the validity of each others work.

What are some of the important ingredients of "behaving scientifically"?

Paying attention to what other people have already done; expose your ideas to testing; assimilate the evidence; openly communicate ideas and tests to others; act with scientific integrity, play fair.

Dr. Lamb says that, "the normal procedure for disseminating new research is by publication in peer-reviewed journals." What is a peer-reviewed journal and how would you find out if a science magazine is peer-reviewed?

Peer-reviewed journal are the gold standard of scientific publications in which the articles are carefully reviewed by a scientists peer (experts in the same field of study). You can determine if a journal is peer reviewed by asking experts in the field, consulting sources such as the internet looking at the journal to see if list the review process.

What is science?

Science is both a body of knowledge and the process used to get that knowledge.

What were the two different hypotheses for the formation of coral atolls? What evidence supported one hypothesis over the other hypothesis?

The first hypothesis stated that coral atolls were formed by coral growing on top of undersea mountains whose tops were very close to the surface of the water. The second hypothesis stated that atolls formed as coral grew on top of a sinking volcanic island. When geologists drilled into the coral atoll they found a layer of coral over 4000 feet thick sitting on top of volcanic rocks. This supported the second hypothesis that the atolls formed as coral grew atop a sinking volcanic island.

What is the purpose of peer review? Describe how the peer review process works?

The purpose of peer review is for other scientists to provide feedback on an article and tell the editor of the publication whether or not they think the study is of high enough quality to be published. After scientists conduct a study they write up the results and submit them as an article to be published in a scientific journal. The editor of the journal sends the manuscript of the article to other scientific experts (peers) in the field of study. These peers evaluate the study and tell the editor whether it is of high enough quality to be published. The authors can these revise their manuscript to satisfy the reviewers. If the article meet the highest quality standards then it is published.

How does the process of science actually work?

The scientific method follows a very complex path that is often iterative, meaning that it circles back on itself over and over as it tries to understand things. The scientific process is exciting, dynamic and unpredictable. There is predetermined path in the scientific process.

You want to determine if global warming is affecting the average annual temperature in Rexburg. You use historical temperature records in the area for the past 100 years to conclude that the temperature has shown a slight warming trend. What are some possible assumptions that will be a part of your study?

The temperature measurements were obtained correctly. Temperatures were measured at the same time each day. The measurements were not affected the location of the thermometer. The historical data are accurate.

What is "voodoo science"?

Voodoo science is research that falls short of adhering to the scientific method. It is also known as pseudoscience, junk science or can be just plain fraudulent science meant to deceive