Module 1 : Scientific Concepts & Methodologies Flashcards

0
Q

(Scientific Methodologies : Scientific Methods)

What is the scientific method? How is it used to solve problems?

A
  • A method of of investigation involving observation and theory to test scientific hypotheses
  • Scientific method is used to solve problems by keen observations, rational analysis, and experimentation
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1
Q
(Scientific Methodologies : Scientific Methods)
Explain and give examples of the following components of the scientific method :
(A) observation
(B) question
(C) hypothesis
(D) prediction
(E) reproducible results
(F) conclusion
A

(A) observation :
- information gathered
- example : What do I see in nature? Can be from one’s own experiences, thoughts, or reading
(B) question :
- what you want to know
- Who? What? When? Where? How? Why?
(C) hypothesis :
- prediction or educated guess about what will happen
- select/ develop models, design experiments to test hypothesis
(D) prediction :
- educated guess about what will happen
- if my hypothesis is correct, then I expect a,b,c….
(E) reproducible results :
- whether the results can be replicated
- ability of scientists or other people to reach the same results
(F) conclusion :
- inference about results
- prove or disprove results? Improvements needed?

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2
Q

(Scientific Methodologies : Scientific Methods)

How does creativity play a role in each of the steps of the scientific process?

A
  • question : phrase questions carefully, new questions,
  • hypothesis : imagine what could happen, or what you want to investigate
  • investigation design : figure out how to test hypothesis, building new tools or equipment
  • observation : thinking of best way to do an observation, to avoid bias and come up with observation methods that depend on certain factors
  • conclusions : help figure out what the observations mean and come up with conclusions, multiple ways interpret results that creative thinking could help figure out methods to obtain the best results and that nothing is overlooked, recognizing other possible ways to get results
  • replication : creativity can used to find out other possible explanations in the event the results cannot be replicated
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3
Q

(Scientific Methodologies : Scientific Methods)
What did Galileo do to challenge Aristotle’s belief that heavy objects fall faster than lighter objects? How is what he did related to the scientific method?

A
  • tested observations and ideas of his own and of other philosophers
  • was considered of the founding fathers of science
  • his tests and experiments set him apart from others because others made assumptions on ideas without experimentation
  • dropped a rock and a feather from the Leaning Tower or Pisa and determined that they fell at the same rate
  • also determined that it was the wind that stopped the “lighter feather” from descending as quickly as the “heavy rock”, but that ultimately they still fell at the same rate if there was no wind to stop either of them
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4
Q

(Scientific Methodologies : Scientific Investigations)

What is important when designing a controlled science experiment?

A
  • elements of challenge, adventure and surprise, along with careful planning, reasoning, creativity, cooperation, competition, patience, and the persistence to overcome setbacks
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5
Q

(Scientific Methodologies : Scientific Investigations)

Using examples, describe what an independent variable, dependent variable, and controlled variable are.

A

(A) independent variable :
- in a controlled experiment, the condition that the scientist changes on purpose
- example : faucet
(B) dependent variable :
- in a controlled experiment, the condition that the scientist observes to see the effects of changing the independent variable
- example : quantity of water flow out of faucet when on or off
(C) controlled variable :
- a condition that is kept the same throughout an experiment
- example : water pressure of water from faucet needs to remain constant

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6
Q

(Scientific Methodologies : Scientific Investigations)

Why is it important that results of scientific experiments be reproducible?

A
  • to ensure the results are valid

- helps eliminate bias and random chance

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7
Q

(Scientific Methodologies : Scientific Investigations)
Define and give an example of the following items in science :
(A) a field study
(B) computational modeling

A

(A) field study :
- used in science by naturalists for the scientific study of free-living wild animals in which the subjects are observed in their natural habitat, without changing, harming, or materially altering the setting or behavior of the animals under study
- it helps to reveal the habits and habitats of various organisms present in their natural surroundings
(B) computational modeling :
- the use of mathematics, physics, and computer science to study the behavior of complex systems by computer simulation.
- example : forecasting the weather

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8
Q

(Scientific Methodologies : Hypotheses, Theories and Laws)

What is the principle of falsifiability?

A
  • in order for a hypothesis to be considered scientific, it must be testable; it must in principle, be capable of being proven wrong
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9
Q

(Scientific Methodologies : Hypotheses, Theories and Laws)
Define and give an example of the following items in science. How do each of these terms differ from each other?
(A) fact
(B) hypothesis
(C) theory
(D) law

A

(A) fact :
- generally something that competent observers can observe and agree to be true not open to interpretation or analysis
- example : the amputated limb of a salamander can grow back
(B) hypothesis :
- a supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation
- example : if I give a plant an unlimited amount of sunlight, then the plant will grow to its largest possible size
(C) theory :
- a broad synthesis of facts and well tested hypotheses about certain aspects of the natural world; supported by a massive body of evidence
- example : no new evidence will demonstrate that the Earth does not orbit around the sun
(D) law :
- General hypothesis or statement about the relationship of natural quantities that has been tested over and over again and has not been contradicted, also know as principle
- example : Newton’s Third Law - in every action there is always an opposed equal reaction

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10
Q

(Scientific Methodologies : Hypotheses, Theories and Laws)

Why is evidence important in evaluating scientific claims? How is evidence used to refute scientific claims?

A
  • if expected results of a scientific investigation equal the actual results, the evidence supports the claim
  • if expected results of a scientific investigation do not equal the actual results, the evidence refutes the claim
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11
Q

(Scientific Methodologies : Science, Technology, and Systems)
How might a systems approach be helpful in studying science?

A
  • a trend in methodology used in specialized sciences and in broader, practical applications in society based on studying objects as systems
  • the systems approach permits an adequate formulation of problems in applied sciences and the development of an effective strategy for studying the problems
  • the specific methodological nature of the systems approach is determined by directing the investigation toward uncovering the integrity of the object and its mechanisms, identifying the many types of relations within a complex object, and reducing the relations to a single theoretical picture
  • a systems approach is useful because it allows you to observe the behavior of an entire biological organization system
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12
Q

(Scientific Methodologies Part 1 : Science, Technology, and Systems)
How are science and technology similarly and different?

A
  • Science is concerned with gathering knowledge and organizing it
  • Technology lets humans use that knowledge for practical purposes, and it provides the instruments scientists need to conduct their investigations
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13
Q

(Scientific Methodologies Part 1 : Science, Technology, and Systems)
science

A
  • a systematic way of learning about the natural world that relies on observation, evidence, and objective investigation
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14
Q

(Scientific Methodologies Part 1 : Science, Technology, and Systems)
observation

A
  • information gathered about the natural world using tools or human senses
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15
Q

(Scientific Methodologies Part 1 : Science, Technology, and Systems)
hypothesis

A
  • a prediction about the outcome of a scientific investigation; a proposed explanation for an aspect of the natural world
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16
Q

(Scientific Methodologies Part 1 : Science, Technology, and Systems)
prediction

A
  • a guess about what will happen
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17
Q

(Scientific Methodologies Part 1 : Science, Technology, and Systems)
conclusion

A
  • an inference or summary of the meaning of the results of a scientific investigation
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18
Q

(Scientific Methodologies Part 1 : Science, Technology, and Systems)
reproducible result

A
  • a result of a scientific investigation that has been replicated by others
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19
Q

(Scientific Methodologies Part 1 : Science, Technology, and Systems)
Aristotle

A
  • 384-322 BCE
  • never tested ideas
  • believed a heavier object causes more damaged when dropped than a lighter object does
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20
Q

(Scientific Methodologies Part 1 : Science, Technology, and Systems)
investigation

A
  • a way to test the hypothesis
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21
Q

(Scientific Methodologies Part 1 : Science, Technology, and Systems)
In a scientific investigation, a hypothesis is
(A) the second step in the investigation?
(B) an explanation for the results gathered in the investigation ?
(C) data collected to test the scientific question?
(D) a testable prediction about the prediction about the outcome of the investigation?

A

ANSWER :

(D) a testable prediction about the outcome of the investigation

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22
Q

(Scientific Methodologies Part 1 : Science, Technology, and Systems)
Which of the following is NOT a part of the scientific methods?
(A) collecting information using tools of the senses
(B) making educated guesses about what will happen
(C) changing or ignoring data that do not agree with your prediction
(D) thinking creatively about how to answer a question

A

ANSWER :

(C) changing or ignoring data that do not agree with your prediction

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23
Q

(Scientific Methodologies Part 1 : Science, Technology, and Systems)
Which of the following is NOT an example of using scientific methods to answer a question?
(A) drawing a conclusion based entirely on logical reasoning
(B) observing a natural system to figure out how it works
(C) collecting data to determine whether a prediction is accurate
(D) repeating an experiment to see if you get the same results

A

ANSWER

(A) drawing a conclusion based entirely on logical reasoning

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24
Q
(Scientific Concepts : Fields of Study)
Define the following branches of science associated with the natural sciences :
(A) biology
(B) chemistry
(C) physics
(D) geology 
(E) astronomy
A

(A) biology : the science that studies living organisms
(B) chemistry : looking at atoms and molecules and how they interact with each other
(C) physics : study of matter and energy and the interactions between the two through forces and motion
(D) geology : study of rocks, how forms of land form, movements of planets, moons, etc.
(E) astronomy : scientific study of the universe and the objects in it, including stars, planets, nebulae, and galaxies

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25
Q

(Scientific Concepts : Fields of Study)

Why is an integrated approach very helpful and useful in learning more about our natural world?

A
  • all the sciences are important in explaining the natural world- biology, physics, chemistry, earth science
  • understanding the basics of each area will allow you to understand the other areas in more detail
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26
Q

(Scientific Concepts : Fields of Study)

What are some examples of questions that science can answer? What are examples of questions that science cannot answer?

A
  • can :
  • how many western sage grouse currently live in Utah?
  • what type of habitat do sage grouse need to thrive?
  • how they attract mates?
  • cannot :
  • should sage grouse be protected as an endangered species?
  • do we value having sage grouse around?
  • how do we protect the rights of owners of land that include sage grouse habitat?
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27
Q

(Scientific Concepts : Fields of Study)

How does science differ from art and religion?

A
  • science asks HOW
  • religion asks WHY
  • art bridges the two together
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28
Q

(Scientific Concepts : Simple Machines)

What is the equation for work?

A
  • work = force x distance
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29
Q

(Scientific Concepts : Simple Machines)
Using an example of a simple machine such as a lever, describe how the force and distance input are different than the force and distance output

A
  • Giant wheel of cheese
  • really heavy, is going to to take 100 Newton’s of force to move and/or lift
  • we need to lift it one meter off the ground
  • use lever, place fulcrum closer to cheese than to where I’m actually pushing down it will provide a mechanical advantage so I can use less force
  • I will use 50 newtons of force to push the lever down, but need to push lever down greater distance
  • less force = greater distance
  • can help us to do work by reducing the amount of force we have to put in and spreading it out over a longer distance
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30
Q

(Scientific Concepts : Simple Machines)

Can a simple machine reduce the total amount of work that is done to move an object? Why or why not?

A
  • no , the work still needs to get done but we can make it easier by reducing the amount of force
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31
Q
(Scientific Concepts : Measurement)
Identify the basic units used to describe each of the following quantities. Include both the name and its abbreviation. Describe a situation where you would use these units.
(A) mass
(B) time
(C) length
(D) current
(E) temperature
(F) volume
(G) energy 
(H) power
(I) force
(J) electrical resistance
(K) electrical potential 
(L) pH
A
(A) mass :
  - gram (g) 
  - weight
(B) time 
  - second (s)
  - minutes, hours
(C) length 
  - meter (m)
  - distance, height
(D) current 
  - ampere (A)
  - voltage for power
(E) temperature 
  - kelvin (K) and degree Celsius (C) 
  - hot, cold
(F) volume 
  - liter (L)
  - capacity of an object
(G) energy 
  - joule (J) also known as calories
  - how much force you need to do something, lift an apple 
(H) power 
  - watt (W) energy divided by time 
  - light bulbs 
(I) force 
  - newton (N) 
(J) electrical resistance
  - ohm (omega symbol)
(K) electrical potential
  - volt (V)
(L) pH
  - level of acidity 
  - soil, water
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32
Q
(Scientific Concepts : Measurement)
Identify the power of ten associated with each of the following metric prefixes
(A) nano- (n) 
(B) micro- (u)
(C) centi- (c) 
(D) milli- (m)
(E) kilo- (k)
A

(A) nano- : one billionth of a unit (n)
(B) micro- : one millionth of a unit (Greek letter u)
(C) centi- : one hundredth of a unit (c)
(D) milli- : one thousandth of a unit (m)
(E) kilo- : (kg) unit of measurement used to measure larger amounts of mass (one thousand times the size of a gram)

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33
Q

(Scientific Concepts : Measurement)

How can you combine the basic units no prefixes above to describe quantities?

A
- 1 cm
centi- (c) + meter (m)
- 150 MW
mega- (M) + watt (W)
-0.5 mJ
milli- (m) + joule (J)
34
Q

(Scientific Concepts : Measurement)

What is pH? What does is measure?

A
  • degree of acidity
  • pH < 7 : acid
  • pH > 7 : base
  • pH = 7 : neutral
35
Q

evidence

A
  • evidence which serves to either support or counter a scientific theory or hypothesis
36
Q

experiment

A
  • a scientific in which a scientist manipulates one or more conditions to see the results
37
Q

controlled experiment

A
  • an experiment in which one condition is allowed to vary and all others are kept constant
38
Q

independent variable

A
  • in a controlled experiment, the condition that the scientist changes on purpose
39
Q

dependent variable

A
  • in a controlled experiment, the condition that the scientist observes to see the effects of changing the independent variable
40
Q

controlled variable

A
  • a condition that is kept the same throughout an experiment
41
Q

field study

A
  • a scientific investigation that is not conducted in a laboratory setting
42
Q

model

A
  • a representation of an aspect of the natural world
43
Q

computational model

A
  • a model created or designed using computers
44
Q

Which of these scientific investigations would be most appropriate as a field study?
(A) determining how a new antibiotic affects bacterial cells in a Petri dish?
(B) calculation how long it takes volcanic ash to move through the atmosphere?
(C) measuring how a hot rock needs to get before it melts?
Or
(D) observing how coral interact with parrotfish?

A

ANSWER

(D) observing how coral interact with parrotfish

45
Q
A farmer wants to figure out which brand of fertilizer will produce the largest tomato yield. In a controlled experiment, to answer this question, what would be the most appropriate independent variable?
(A) type of tomato plant?
(B) type of fertilizer?
(C) amount of fertilizer?
Or
(D) tomato yield?
A

ANSWER

(B) type of fertilizer

46
Q

Which of the following questions could not be answered with a controlled experiment?
(A) What kinds of minerals form at a volcano?
(B) How does increasing temperature affect the rate of a chemical reaction?
(C) Which type of food helps mice grow fastest?
Or
(D) How does adding salt to water affect how long it takes the water to freeze?

A

ANSWER

(A) What kinds of minerals form at a volcano?

47
Q

fact

A
  • an observation or phenomenon that all competent observers agree on
48
Q

The Big Bang theory is an important unifying idea in astronomy. What must be true of the Big Bang theory?
(A) it can explain all available evidence and observations?
(B) it allows scientists to make predictions about the natural world?
(C) it is a testable, falsifiable set of ideas?
Or
(D) all of the above are true?

A

ANSWER

(D) All of the above are true

49
Q

How is a scientific hypothesis different from a scientific theory?
(A) a hypothesis is supported by more observations than a theory?
(B) a hypothesis is broader that a theory is?
(C) a hypothesis is tentative, but a theory is well accepted?
Or
(D) a hypothesis is based on facts, but a theory is a guess?

A

ANSWER

(C) a hypothesis is tentative, but a theory is well accepted.

50
Q
Which of the following is true of a scientific theory, but not true of a scientific law?
(A) explains natural phenomena 
(B) based on personal opinion
(C) testable
(D) supported by evidence
A

ANSWER

(A) explains natural phenomena

51
Q

reductionist approach

A
  • an approach to studying a system in which the focus is on each part of the system in isolation
52
Q

systems approach

A
  • an approach to studying a system in which the focus is on the system as a whole and the interactions between the parts of the system
53
Q

technology

A
  • the application of science to fulfill a need or address a problem
54
Q

Which of the following is the best example of a systems approach to studying the natural world?
(A) measuring the heir of an oak tree
(B) studying how well a new kind of wire conducts electricity
(C) observing how wolves hunt elk
Or
(D) determining the structure of a cell protein

A

ANSWER

(C) observing how wolves hunt elk

55
Q
A systems approach would be most useful for studying which of the following systems?
(A) a cell phone
(B) a thermostat
(C) a car
Or
(D) a forest
A

ANSWER

(D) a forest

56
Q

Which is an example of a scientific discovery leading to new technology?
(A) sonar allowing us to determine the structure of the ocean floor
(B) identification of the electron allowing for the development of electricity
(C) computers being used to analyze human genetic information
Or
(D) people collaborating online to map the surface of the moon

A

ANSWER

(B) identification of the electron allowing for the development of electricity

57
Q
Which of the following fields of study is concerned with the formation of rocks and the landforms found on the surface of the Earth?
(A) biology
(B) chemistry
(C) physics
(D) geology
(E) astronomy
A

ANSWER

(D) geology

58
Q

Which is an advantage of using an integrated approach to the study of science?
(A) It enables us to see connections among different fields
(B) It provides a more complete understanding of the concepts bring studied
(C) It enables us to see how systems, as a whole, function
Or
(D) All of the above

A

ANSWER

59
Q

Which is an example of a question that is appropriately addressed by science?
(A) What is the purpose of human life?
(B) Which painting in the Museum of Modern Art is the most beautiful?
(C) How do Whooping Cranes navigate as they migrate south in the fall?
Or
(D) Should wolves be reintroduced to areas outside Yellowstone National Park?

A

ANSWER

(C) How do Whooping Cranes navigate as the migrate south in the fall?

60
Q

Joule

A
  • it is equal to the energy transferred (or work done) to an object when a force of one Newton acts on that object in the direction of its motion through a distance of one meter (1 Newton meter)
61
Q

Which accurately describes the advantage of using a simple machine, such as a lever?
(A) simple machines reduce the amount of work input
(B) simple machines reduce the amount of distance input
(C) simple machines reduce the amount of force input

A

ANSWER

(C) simple machines reduce the amount of force input

62
Q

In order to decrease the amount of force that must be applied to move an object a simple machine :
(A) increases the distance over which the force must be applied
(B) decreases the amount of work that must be done to move the object
(C) decreases the distance over which the force must be applied
Or
(D) increases the amount of work that must be done to move the object

A

ANSWER

(A) increases the distance over which the force must be applied

63
Q

Quiz A

What must be true about a scientific hypothesis?

A
  • Hypotheses must be falsifiable.

- Hypotheses must be capable of being proven wrong.

64
Q

Quiz A

What is important for the formation of scientific hypotheses and the advancement of scientific knowledge?

A
  • Creativity and cooperation
  • The advancement of science depends on the ability of scientists to work together and share their knowledge. Cooperation, creativity, communication, patience, and competition are some of the qualities that are important to help form hypotheses, develop theories, and further our scientific understanding.
65
Q

Quiz A

What correctly describes a theory?

A
  • A group of well-tested hypotheses that provide evidence to support explanations for scientific phenomena.
  • A theory explains many hypotheses and is supported by extensive evidence.
66
Q

Quiz A

What statement accurately describes the purpose of the scientific method?

A
  • To provide a systematic way for obtaining evidence to support or refute a hypothesis.
  • The scientific method provides a way to plan and execute a controlled experiment so that data can be collected to support or refute a hypothesis. Other techniques are also used in science such A model building and computer simulations.
67
Q

Quiz A

What statement correctly describes a scientific hypothesis?

A
  • It is a postulate that must be testable.
  • Scientific hypotheses are educated guesses that must be testable and falsifiable (have the ability to be proven wrong).
68
Q

Quiz A

What is the benefit of using a systems approach when studying biology?

A
  • A systems approach focuses on how component parts interact and can then predict how a change in one component affects the whole system.
  • A systems approach allows scientists to better understand the unique properties that emerge due to the interactions and relationships that exist between the system components.
69
Q

Quiz A

What topics are included in the study of physics?

A
  • Motion, sound, energy

- Physics is a fundamental study of matter and energy that includes topics such as motion, atoms, forces, and energy.

70
Q

Quiz A

How does a study of science differ from the study of religion?

A
  • Religion is based on faith, beliefs, and spirituality whereas science depends on evidence generated from the experimental scientific method.
  • Science and religion seek to find answers to different questions using different means. Science explains physical phenomena using experimentation and evidence whereas religion explains the meaning of life using faith and spirituality.
71
Q

Quiz A

What units are used to measure electricity?

A
  • Ohms, millivolts, amperes
  • Ohms are used to measure electrical resistance, millivolts measure potential difference, and amperes measure the rate of electrical flow (current).
72
Q

Quiz A

What is the advantage of using a lever to lift a boulder?

A
  • The lever allows a smaller input force to be exerted over a longer distance to make it easier to move the Boulder.
  • The lever decreases the amount of input force required by increasing the distance over which the force is applied. Work input always equals work output so mechanical advantage comes from either changing the distance or the force.
73
Q

Quiz B

How can creativity be helpful to scientists?

A
  • It helps in generating new ideas and new hypotheses to test.
  • Creativity is useful and helps scientist generate new hypotheses to test using experimental scientific method.
74
Q

Quiz B

What definition correctly describes a fundamental scientific term?

A
  • A fact is something that has been observed or experienced by many observers and agreed to be true.
  • A fact is something experienced and confirmed by many observers, such as seeing the leaves change color in the fall - we could observe this and agree that it is true, and so leaves changing color in the fall could be considered and example of a fact.
75
Q

Quiz B

What are scientific methodologies used to understand scientific phenomena?

A
  • Field studies, experimentation, building models
  • Each discipline utilizes different techniques and methods to gain understanding. The discipline of natural science uses techniques such as scientific inquiry, scientific method (controlled experiments)’ field studies, model building, computer simulations, etc.
76
Q

Quiz B
A student working on a controlled experiment desires to test the effect of water pH on tomato plant size. What should be controlled?

A
  • Amount of soil, sun exposure, amount of water
  • In this experiment the independent variable (what is varied) is the water pH and the dependent variable (what is measured) is plant growth. The variables that need to be controlled (held constant) include : amount of water, amount of soil, type of soil, sun exposure, number of seeds, type of seed, water temperature, tools and materials used, procedures, measurement techniques, etc.
77
Q

Quiz B

What study follows a systems approach for biology?

A
  • Analyzing how the concentration of ions in cardiac cells affects the electrical impulse in the heart.
  • A systems approach analyzes the interactions between the component parts that make up a complex system. Reductionism, the opposite approach, focuses on studying individual components to better understand their structure and function. In this example, cells are studied and analyzes to learn more about the heart organ and ultimately, the cardiovascular system.
78
Q

Quiz B

What is an example of a systems approach to studying a forest ecosystem?

A
  • Studying how insects in the first help pollinate the plants.
  • A systems approach focuses on the interactions that occur between the parts of a system. Studying the interactions between insects and plants is an example of a systems approach.
79
Q

Quiz B

What topics are studied in the Earth science category of the Natural Sciences?

A
  • Plate tectonics, acid rain, minerals
  • Earth science focuses on the structure and processes of the Earth and includes topics such as rocks, minerals, plate tectonics, mountain building, volcanoes, and earthquakes.
80
Q

Quiz B

What is the purpose of science?

A
  • To explain the causes of natural phenomena.
  • The purpose of science is to explain physical phenomena using techniques such as controlled experiments, model building, and field studies.
81
Q

Quiz B

What would be measured using micrometers?

A
  • Plant cell nuclei length and mitochondria width.
  • Micrometers measure the length, width, and height of small objects that can be seen with a light microscope, including plant nuclei and mitochondria.
82
Q

Quiz B

What correctly describes the mechanical advantage of simple machines?

A
  • A turn of an axle to move a wheel provides a mechanical advantage by decreasing the input force while increasing the distance.
  • Turning an axle requires less input force because it increases the distance that the wheel turns.