Unit 1: Lesson 5: What Is Scientific Inquiry? Assessment, p. 24

2. What is the difference between a scientific theory and a hypothesis?

A hypothesis is a possible explanation for how or why things happen. A scientific theory is well-tested and widely accepted by the scientific community.

5. When is a model useful in scientific investigations?

A model can be used at any point in the process, such as testing a hypothesis or explaining a theory.

6. Why do most scientists follow a set order of steps when carrying out a scientific investigation?

If an orderly set of steps is followed, the observations and results are more reliable. The experiment can be conducted again using the sample procedure.

1. You have just come up with an explanation to a question that has bothered you for some time. What must you do to have your explanation become a hypothesis?

Test and analyze the hypothesis.

7. While carrying out an investigation, a scientist observes some unexpected results. What are the scientist's next steps?

The scientist should record his or her observations and any numerical results that can be recorded. The scientist should continue carrying out the experiment and reanalyze the hypothesis to see if it can be adjusted to accommodate the new results.

4. What happens if more than one hypothesis is put forward to explain the same observations?

They are all tested and analyzed.

8. Why is it necessary to use careful and systematic methods when carrying out scientific investigations?

To be accepted by the scientific community, all experiments must be able to be conducted repeatedly with the same results obtained and with a minimal amount of error. By using systematic methods, this can be done.

3. According to the scientific community, how does the natural word behave?

in a consistent and predictable manner