1. Science TAKS: Bell Ringers Prepared for the Scurry-Rosser High School Science Department Objective 1, I.03A Analyze, review, [and critique] scientific explanations, including hypotheses and theories, as to their strengths and weaknesses using scientific evidence and information.

2. #1) An advertisement claims that patients can be cured of the common cold in 48 hours by vitamin C tablets with secret mineral supplements. In a scientific experiment to test these claims, which data can be considered irrelevant? A. The amount of vitamin C in each tablet B. The severity of the patients’ cold symptoms C. The chemical formula for vitamin C D. The amount of time before symptoms improve State Average: 45% correct

3. #2) The smell of an ammonia solution used to clean a floor can quickly be detected throughout a house. Scientists explain this phenomenon by theorizing that gas molecules from the ammonia are in continuous random high-speed motion, drifting rapidly and permeating the air. Which statement best demonstrates the strength of this theory? F. Scientists have observed tiny smoke particles moved by unseen particles in a rapid, irregular fashion. G. Scientists have unanimously agreed on this theory since Thomas Graham’s experiments in the 1820s. H. The possibility of another theory being formed to explain the phenomenon as well is very remote. J. Reason, as opposed to experimentation, is superior to any explanation found through chemical testing. State Average: 48% correct

4. #3) The table shows the time it took trees of the same type and size to drop all of their leaves after being grown in different atmospheres. For the experiment to be valid, which of these must be a constant for all the trees? A. The height of all the trees during the entire experiment B. The amount of water available to all trees during the experiment C. The mass of fallen leaves collected from each tree D. The rate of photosynthesis in all trees during the experiment State Average: 65% correct

5. #4) The graph below compares the acidity of apples stored for 270 days under different conditions to the acidity of apples that were just harvested. Some apples were stored at room temperature (20 o C), and other apples were stored at 0.5 o C. Some of the apples were treated with MCP, an antispoilage chemical. According to these data, it can be inferred that - F. apples treated with MCP and kept at a low temperature retain acidity best G. low temperature prevents any loss of acidity in stored apples H. apples stored at room temperature are unaffected by treatment with MCP J. high temperature promotes acid production in stored apples State Average: 11 th Grade Retake

6. #5) Which of the following is a strength of this hypothesis? Hypothesis: A glass plate covering a tray of water will keep water molecules from escaping into the atmosphere. Observation: After one week the open tray was dry, but water remained in the covered tray. A. It is more logical than past hypotheses. B. It agrees with the opinion of most people. C. It can be examined using scientific means. D. It challenges the current theory of atoms. State Average: 11 th Grade Retake

7. TAKS Question Set Answers #1 C #2 F #3 B #4 F #5 C