Earth Science Common Assessment October 3-7, 2011

1. A part of an experiment that can be manipulated or changed by the person conducting the experiment is called? A independent variable B control group C hypothesis D dependent variable

2. A common system of measurement used by all scientist is called? A confidence interval B International Decimal System C power of 10 D International System of Units

3. The statement that consistently and correctly describes a natural phenomenon is a Scientific ? A hypothesis B theory C observation D control

4. Which of the following is the first possible step in scientific problem solving? A form hypothesis B make an observation C state a conclusion D conduct an experiment

5. The correct order of the steps of the scientific method is? A observation, hypothesis, experiment, conclusion B hypothesis, conclusion, observation, experiment C observation, conclusion, hypothesis, experiment D experiment, hypothesis, conclusion, hypothesis

6. A scientist explains that life on other planets is much like life on planet Earth. In order for this to be a valid explanation it must be based on logical analysis of A hypotheses. B scientific steps. C evidence. D internet sources.

7. After posing an initial question, the next step in a scientific investigation or experiment is to formulate a(n) A hypothesis. B theory. C procedure. D conclusion.

8. Students are conducting a scientific investigation into the effect of pollution on a local freshwater lake. Which of the following is the BEST example of a scientific hypothesis for the investigation? A If the pollution to the lake increases, then pollution will also increase in the nearby towns and cities. B Pollution to freshwater lakes often ends up in drinking water and can pose a serious health concern. C Students found no difference in the size of indicator species after pollution increased in the lake. D If pollution to the lake increases, there will be a decrease in the size of indicator species.

A specific, testable proposed answer to one scientific question is known as a(n) __________. A hypothesis B theory C conclusion D scientific fact

10. Students are measuring the rate of growth among bean plants placed in different locations around their school campus. They think that bean plants placed in areas with the most direct sunlight will have the fastest rate of growth. This is an example of a(n) __________ A theory B conclusion C scientific fact D hypothesis

11. Which of the following is a characteristic of a well–developed, working hypothesis? A it is able to be tested B it is proved by the experiment C it is disproved by the experiment D it is supported by a large body of scientific evidence

12. The diagram below shows a topographical map of a local hill. Which of the points above show the highest elevation of the hill? A.Point A B.Point B C.Point C D.Point D

13. Many scientists believe that human burning of fossil fuels is the major contributor to current changes in climate. This scientific idea may be affirmed or modified when scientists accumulate more A information from scientific magazines. B scientific hypotheses C scientific evidence. D public opinion on the idea.

14. Scientific knowledge increases by the addition of cumulative evidence. So, in order for a piece of scientific evidence to be widely accepted, the scientific results that prove it must A change as time goes on. B be repeated many times by many scientists. C disprove scientific experiments in the past. D agree with popular opinion.

15. The image in the diagram below was produced while conducting a scientific experiment. Which of the following technologies was used to create the image? A.Graphing Calculator B.Scientific Model C.Computer Linked Probe D.Computer Sensor

16. The table above contains data collected during a scientific investigation. Which of the following technologies was used to create the table? A.Computer Model B.Computer Linked Probe C.Computer Calculator D.Computer Spreadsheet

17. Martin has proposed a hypothesis about the function of a well known enzyme in the human body. What must happen for his hypothesis to be considered a scientific theory? A He must publish his findings in a scientific journal B He must disprove his own hypothesis C The hypothesis must be supported by a large body of scientific data D He must design a drug that helps the functioning of the enzyme

18. Doctors are beginning clinical trials on a new medication for diabetes. They propose that there will be no difference in insulin levels between diabetic patients taking the medication and healthy individuals. This is an example of a scientific _______. A conclusion B theory C hypothesis D fact

19. Charles Darwin's explanation of the origin of species through natural selection is BEST considered __________. A a theory B a hypothesis C an inference D an observation

20. While looking in the yard, Jill noticed that the areas directly under the trees had less grass than the other areas in the yard. Which of the following is the BEST explanation for this observation? A The trees are blocking the sunlight. B The grass is receiving too much fertilizer. C The areas under the trees are too cool for grass to grow. D The areas under the trees are receiving less water.