Think you’ve got your head wrapped around Nature of Science? Put your knowledge to
the test. Good luck — the Stickman is counting on you!
Q. What typically leads scientists to making a hypothesis?
Data analysis
Calibrating lab equipment
Creating a graph
An observation
Drawing conclusions
Q. What most closely describes the process of the scientific method?
The path of the ball during a game of ping pong
An uncooked piece of spaghetti
A telephone pole
A ruler
The 100-meter dash
Q. What is a hypothesis?
A guess or prediction
A testable explanation for an observed phenomenon
A fake leg for a hippo
The right answer
A theory
Q. Which of the following is important for a scientist to keep in mind when collecting data?
Avoiding bias
Using their equipment correctly
Recording all the data, even the really weird stuff
Repeating the experiment multiple times
All of these answers are correct.
Q. What is the best way to avoid equipment error?
Make sure our equipment is in good condition and calibrated properly
Don't use equipment
Use the equipment in whatever way is comfortable for you
Buy new equipment for each experiment
Trust a fellow scientist to handle the equipment
Q. Which of the following is not an example of scientific honesty?
Reporting when data was collected as the result of an equipment malfunction
Discussing all sources of error
Citing work of previous experiments that informed the current experiment
Manipulating graphs or statistical analyses to fit a hypothesis
Properly citing the work of other scientists
Q. What is the purpose of the peer review process?
To annoy the scientists
To ensure that scientists have a well-designed experiment, accurate data, proper conclusions, and they have followed the code of ethics
To check for spelling and grammar errors
To get ideas for our next experiment
To give each other high-fives and improve self-esteem
Q. What is a scientific law?
An explanation that never changes
An explanation for a detailed phenomenon with many complex interacting parts
A testable explanation for how something works
A rule enforced by the science cops
A specific, usually mathematical, explanation for a phenomenon
Q. Which of the following is not a theory?
An explanation for how species have changed over time
An explanation for how the entire universe was created
An equation for the relationship between pressure, temperature, and volume of a gas
The idea that all matter is made of different types of atoms
The explanation that the Earth's temperature is rising as a result of burning fossil fuels
Q. What should a scientist take into consideration when conducting an experiment with human subjects?
Maintaining their privacy
Ensuring their safety
That the benefit of the experiment outweighs any negative effects
That there is no bias on the part of the scientist or the subjects
All of these answers are correct.