Scientific Inquiry Answers

An independent variable isa.directly changed by the experimenter.b.manipulated by changes to the dependent variable.c.a variable that is kept constant.d.a variable that is used as a control.

Which of the following is an inference? a. The flower is pink. b. Vinegar has a pungent aroma. c. A dog barks. d. A cup with steam coming from it will be hot to the touch. Please select the best answer from the choices provided

An observation is _______.a.a possible explanation for events using prior knowledgeb.always quantitativec.made using any of the five sensesd.always qualitative

Which of the following statements describes a scientific law?a.A scientific law explains a set of events.b.A scientific law describes what occurs every time in a situation.c.A scientific law is constantly modified.d.A scientific law is developed without experimentation.

A statement that can be proven by observation or measurement is known as a(n):a.opinionb.valuec.factd.belief

Scientific questions must be _______.a.based on scientific theoriesb.generalc.biasedd.testable

A hypothesis is _______.a.a proposed solution to observed phenomenab.a question derived from observed phenomenac.a testable explanation for observed phenomenad.generated as the final step in scientific inquiry

Scientific theories are explanations for scientific phenomena that can be changed when and if new information is found to support or refute the explanation. Which of the following statements provides an example of a scientific theory? a. An object at rest will remain at rest unless acted on by an outside force. b. Species evolve by passing on advantageous hereditary traits. c. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. d. In a closed system, energy is neither created nor destroyed. Please select the best answer from the choices provided

A student conducts an experiment to determine how the amount of water given to a plant affects its growth.

Scientific experiments are specially designed to test explanations for an observed phenomenon. A student decides to conduct an experiment to determine the effect that the amount of time spent in the sunlight has on the overall growth of a plant. The student will conduct the experiment using two identical plants that will only spend different amounts of time in the sunlight. All other aspects needed for growth will remain identical for each. In the experiment described, what would the amount of water given to each plant be considered? a. an observation b. a dependent variable c. an independent variable d. a control or constant Please select the best answer from the choices provided