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Questions and Answers
What is science?
What is science?
A way of knowing and an approach to understanding the natural world
What is inquiry?
What is inquiry?
What is a hypothesis?
What is a hypothesis?
An explanation based on observations and assumptions that leads to a testable prediction
You can prove a hypothesis is true.
You can prove a hypothesis is true.
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What is an experiment?
What is an experiment?
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Match the types of data with their descriptions:
Match the types of data with their descriptions:
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What is inductive reasoning?
What is inductive reasoning?
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What is deductive reasoning?
What is deductive reasoning?
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A controlled experiment is designed to compare an ______ group and a control group.
A controlled experiment is designed to compare an ______ group and a control group.
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What is the independent variable in an experiment?
What is the independent variable in an experiment?
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What is the dependent variable in an experiment?
What is the dependent variable in an experiment?
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What is a theory in scientific terms?
What is a theory in scientific terms?
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What defines matter?
What defines matter?
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What is an element?
What is an element?
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Which of the following elements makes up 96% of living matter?
Which of the following elements makes up 96% of living matter?
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What is a compound?
What is a compound?
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What is an atom?
What is an atom?
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Study Notes
Science and Inquiry
- Science is a systematic way of knowing about the natural world.
- Inquiry involves seeking information and explanations for natural phenomena through observation, hypothesis formulation, and testing.
- Observations reveal crucial details about nature, often aided by tools like microscopes and thermometers.
- A hypothesis is an explanation based on observations, leading to predictions that can be tested.
- Testing hypotheses may require revisions; it’s impossible to verify all explanations or prove a hypothesis as absolute truth.
- Scientific inquiry only encompasses natural phenomena, excluding supernatural aspects.
Experiments and Data
- Experiments are scientific tests conducted in controlled settings.
- Data, the foundation of scientific inquiry, can be qualitative (descriptive) or quantitative (numerical).
- Data analysis often uses statistics to determine significance or randomness of results.
Reasoning in Science
- Inductive reasoning leads to generalizations from numerous specific observations, e.g., “All organisms are made of cells.”
- Deductive reasoning predicts specific outcomes based on general premises, structured in “if...then” statements.
Realistic Scientific Process
- The scientific process is not linear; it involves backtracking, repetition, and feedback.
- Key components include exploration, data gathering and interpretation, societal impacts, and community feedback.
Experimental Design
- Controlled experiments compare an experimental group that receives the tested factor and a control group that does not.
- Variables:
- Independent variable: manipulated by the experimenter, graphed on the x-axis.
- Dependent variable: measured and affected by the independent variable, graphed on the y-axis.
Scientific Theories
- A theory provides a broader explanation supported by substantial evidence and can generate new hypotheses.
- An example is the theory of evolution through natural selection; colloquially, “theory” may imply untested speculation.
Matter and Elements
- Matter occupies space and possesses mass, composed of various elements.
- Elements cannot be further broken down through chemical reactions, with over 90 found in nature.
- Essential elements comprise 20-25% of total elements, vital for organisms’ health and reproduction.
- Four primary elements (O, C, H, N) constitute 96% of living matter, with an additional seven secondary elements making up the remaining 4%.
- Trace elements are essential for life in extremely small quantities.
Compounds and Emergent Properties
- Compounds consist of two or more differing elements combined in fixed ratios, exhibiting unique characteristics.
- Sodium chloride (NaCl), a compound, is formed from sodium (a metal) and chlorine (a gas), showcasing emergent properties distinct from its individual components.
- Water (H2O) illustrates this principle with hydrogen and oxygen in a 2:1 ratio.
Atomic Structure
- Atoms, the smallest units of matter, retain the properties of elements.
- They comprise three primary subatomic particles:
- Neutrons (neutral charge, located in the nucleus).
- Protons (positive charge, also found in the nucleus).
- Electrons (negatively charged, orbiting the nucleus).
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Description
Test your knowledge on the principles of science and the process of inquiry. Explore the significance of observations, hypotheses, experiments, and data analysis in the scientific method. This quiz includes various aspects of scientific reasoning and experimentation.
