Name: 
 

Process skills review quiz



Modified True/False
Indicate whether the sentence or statement is true or false.  If false, change the identified word or phrase to make the sentence or statement true.
 

1. 

The diverse ways in which scientists study the natural world is known as scientific inquiry. _________________________

 

2. 

When you look at the shape and structure of a bird's nest, you are making an inference. _________________________

 

3. 

The number of bears in a park is an example of scientific data. _________________________

 

4. 

A variable is a possible explanation for a set of observations or answer to a scientific question. _________________________

 

5. 

A scientist changes the manipulated, or independent, variable during a controlled experiment. _________________________

 

6. 

A responding, or dependent, variable changes as a result of changes to the manipulated variable. _________________________

 

7. 

The International System of Units is based on the metric system of measurements. _________________________

 

8. 

A theory tells if the data support the hypothesis. _________________________

 

9. 

A scientific theory is a well-tested idea that explains and connects a wide range of observations. _________________________

 

10. 

A marine biologist helps people regain their strength after an injury. _________________________

 

Multiple Choice
Identify the letter of the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
 

11. 

What skill is a scientist using when she listens to the sounds that whales make?
a.
interpreting data
b.
developing hypotheses
c.
making observations
d.
drawing conclusions
 

12. 

Measurements of the heights of various plants in an experiment are called
a.
data.
b.
inquiries.
c.
theories.
d.
inferences.
 

13. 

Your friends return from a canoe trip on the lake and they are dripping wet. What inference might you make?
a.
Their clothes are wet.
b.
They are tired.
c.
Their canoe tipped over.
d.
They are skillful at canoeing.
 

14. 

A possible explanation for a set of observations is known as a (n)
a.
variable.
b.
hypothesis.
c.
theory.
d.
conclusion.
 

15. 

A scientist hypothesizes that the temperature at which an alligator's egg is incubated will determine whether the alligator will be a male or female. If the scientist conducts a controlled experiment, temperature would be called
a.
the responding variable.
b.
the conclusion.
c.
the dependent variable.
d.
the manipulated variable.
 

16. 

A scientist conducted an experiment to determine how the amount of salt in a body of water affects the number of plants that can live in the water. In the experiment, the responding variable is
a.
the amount of salt in the water.
b.
the temperature of the water.
c.
the depth of the water.
d.
the number of plants in the water.
 

17. 

Which of the following helps scientists all over the world communicate about experimental results with one another?
a.
They all speak English.
b.
They all use the International System of Units.
c.
They all use an English System of Measurement.
d.
They all speak Latin.
 

18. 

When you analyze a table of measurements taken during an experiment, you are
a.
posing questions.
b.
interpreting data.
c.
making inferences.
d.
manipulating variables.
 

19. 

When you decide whether or not the data support the original hypothesis, you are
a.
making an inference.
b.
making an observation.
c.
drawing a conclusion.
d.
posing a question.
 

20. 

When a scientist shares his or her findings with other scientists, the scientist is
a.
communicating.
b.
experimenting.
c.
hypothesizing.
d.
theorizing.
 

21. 

What is a well-tested concept that explains a wide range of observations?
a.
scientific observation
b.
scientific inquiry
c.
scientific theory
d.
scientific inference
 

22. 

What is the most important skill in any experiment?
a.
making measurements
b.
communicating ideas
c.
making observations
d.
practicing safe laboratory practices
 

23. 

Your teacher hands out a copy of a laboratory experiment. What is the first thing you should do to conduct the experiment safely?
a.
Obtain and open any materials described in the experiment.
b.
Begin heating any materials that will need to be hot.
c.
Mix your materials with those of another group to save time.
d.
Read every step of the procedure to make sure you understand it.
 

24. 

Which of the following scientists might study the growth of plants?
a.
veterinarian
b.
botanist
c.
physical therapist
d.
physician
 

Short Answer
 
 
process_skills_review_files/i0280000.jpg
 

25. 

Identify the manipulated variable in the experimental setup shown in the diagram.
 

26. 

What hypothesis might be tested by the setup shown in the diagram?
 



 
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