Scientific Inquiry Answers

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1
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Which of the following is an observation and not an inference?

A
A cup with steam coming from it will be hot to the touch.
B
Dark clouds in the sky will mean rain later in the afternoon.
C
Bubbles form when two chemicals are mixed together.
D
A plastic bag moving along the ground is being pushed by the wind.
2
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Which of the following is the correct order for the steps of scientific inquiry?

A
observe, question, hypothesize, analyze, experiment, formulate a conclusion
B
question, observe, hypothesize, experiment, analyze, formulate a conclusion
C
question, hypothesize, observe, experiment, analyze, formulate a conclusion
D
observe, question, hypothesize, experiment, analyze, formulate a conclusion
3

A dependent variable is

A
directly changed by the experimenter.
B
manipulated by changes to the independent variable.
C
a variable that is kept constant.
D
a variable that is used as a control.
4

A scientific theory _______.

A
describes what occurs every time in a given situation
B
is not validated by experimentation
C
can never be changed
D
is an explanation for a set of events
6

Which of the following is an observation and not an inference?

A
A cup with steam coming from it will be hot to the touch.
B
Dark clouds in the sky will mean rain later in the afternoon.
C
Bubbles form when two chemicals are mixed together.
D
A plastic bag moving along the ground is being pushed by the wind.
7

A student is conducting an experiment to determine how far a ball will roll down a ramp based on the angle of incline.

Answer:

The angle of incline is the independent variable, and the distance the ball rolls is the dependent variable. Other conditions should be kept constant.

8

How is a scientific law different than a scientific theory?

Answer:

A scientific law describes what consistently happens in nature, while a scientific theory explains how or why something happens. Both are supported by evidence.

9

What is the difference between an observation and an inference?

Answer:

An observation is information directly gathered through the senses or measuring tools, while an inference is a conclusion or interpretation based on those observations.

10

A student is conducting an experiment to determine how far a ball will roll down a ramp based on the angle of incline.

Answer:

The angle of incline is the independent variable, and the distance the ball rolls is the dependent variable. The ball, ramp, and other conditions should be controlled.

11

A dependent variable is

A
directly changed by the experimenter.
B
manipulated by changes to the independent variable.
C
a variable that is kept constant.
D
a variable that is used as a control.
12

Explain how the first three steps of scientific inquiry are related.

Answer:

Observations provide information that leads to questions. A question can then be used to form a testable hypothesis that predicts what will happen.

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