Frosh PhySci Scientific Skills Flashcards
(32 cards)
F- Inference is a ………………….
reasonable conclusion from an observation.
F- Define the components of the scientific methodology
1- Propose a hypothesis (idea/belief) and look for evidence to support that idea
2- Make observations/do experiments to gather evidence
3- Draw inferences from data and reject, refine, or expand on the idea.
F- An observation is ___________________.
Any information gathered with
- the five senses
- extension of these senses - microscopes, telescopes, thermometers, etc.
F- A controlled scientific study of specific variables is known as a scientific _____.
Experiment
F- What is the goal of scientific methods
To solve a problem or better understand it.
To draw inferences from data and reject, refine or expand the idea or hypothesis
F- How does scientific law differ from scientific theory?. Define each
Scientific law describing what always happens under certain conditions but is not an explanation. i.e. law of gravity
Scientific Theory is a widely accepted explanation supported by a great deal of evidence (NEVER PROVEN, only supported more/less with additional data.
F- Scientific measurements are done in what units?
SI
In science, measurements are usually made in _____ units of measurement.
SI
F- If 1 inch equals 2.54 centimeters, how many millimeters are in an inch?
254 mm
F- True or false: The amount of matter in an object is its volume
False Amount of matter is measured in weight or grams
F- True or false: A graduated cylinder is used to measure length
False. It is used to measure volume
F- In science, volume may be measured in
a) cups.
b) milliliters.
c) centimeters.
d) kilograms.
b. - Milliliters ML
F- Know how to do scientific notation Convert 64,960,000 3.8x10^4 450x10^-2
6.496 x 10^7
38,000
4.5
F- What is a variable?
Anything that can be changed that could affect the outcome of an experiment
F- True or false: There must be at least two variables in a scientific experiment.
True An independent variable and a dependent variable
F- A variable that is changed by the researcher is called a(n)
a) responding variable.
b) manipulated variable.
c) dependent variable.
d) two of the above
Independent or manipulated variable
F- A manipulated variable is also called a(n) _____ variable.
Independent
If you did an experiment to find out how the mass of a toy car affected its speed down a ramp, what would be the manipulated variable?
Mass
What would be the responding variable in the toy car racing down the ramp?
Speed
F- What is a control in a scientific experiment?
Variable that are kept constant.
Examples of controls in the experiment with a toy car and ramp include the
a) smoothness of the ramp.
b) steepness of the ramp.
c) size of the car tires.
d) all of the above
D
True or false: Experiments can be carried out only in a science lab.
False
The lowest point on the curved surface of a liquid is called the
a) fill line.
b) beam.
c) meniscus.
d) none of the above
c. meniscus
How does the scientific process start and end?
Begins with curiosity and often ends with discovery
