Name: 
 

Scientific Inquiry Test



Multiple Choice
Identify the letter of the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
 

 1. 

Which scientific skill are you using when you see that the sky is cloudy?
a.
making an observation
b.
making an inference
c.
posing a question
d.
drawing a conclusion
 

 2. 

What type of scientist would track an approaching storm?
a.
astronomer
b.
oceanographer
c.
geologist
d.
meteorologist
 

 3. 

A controlled experiment is designed to test
a.
a conclusion.
b.
a hypothesis.
c.
data.
d.
a measurement.
 

 4. 

The factor that a scientist changes during a controlled experiment is called the
a.
dependent variable.
b.
responding variable.
c.
initial variable.
d.
manipulated variable.
 

 5. 

A chart showing the amount of rain each month in a region is an example of a scientist's
a.
variables.
b.
inferences.
c.
data.
d.
conclusions.
 

 6. 

What must be true of a conclusion to a controlled experiment?
a.
A conclusion must show that the data support the hypothesis.
b.
A conclusion must show that the hypothesis was incorrect.
c.
A conclusion must be reached for every experiment.
d.
A conclusion must relate the data to the hypothesis.
 

 7. 

A scientific explanation that can be tested by observation or experiment is a(n)
a.
inference.
b.
simulation.
c.
variable.
d.
hypothesis.
 

 8. 

A well-tested scientific concept that explains a wide range of observations is called a
a.
scientific inquiry.
b.
scientific hypothesis.
c.
scientific method.
d.
scientific theory.
 

 9. 

Why might symbols appear at the beginning of a lab or activity?
a.
to indicate the expected conclusion
b.
to provide the data
c.
to alert you to needed precautions
d.
to give the necessary observations
 

 10. 

Your teacher hands out a copy of a laboratory experiment. What is the first thing you should do to conduct the experiment safely?
a.
Obtain and open any materials described in the experiment.
b.
Review the lab and the safety procedures with your teacher.
c.
Mix your materials with those of another group to save time.
d.
Begin heating any materials that will need to be hot.
 

Modified True/False
Indicate whether the sentence or statement is true or false.  If false, change the identified word or phrase to make the sentence or statement true.
 

 11. 

A model that imitates something in the real world is called a simulation. _________________________

 

 12. 

Scientists often use controlled experiments to test observations. _________________________

 

 13. 

Data are the factors that can change during an experiment. _________________________

 

 14. 

Always follow your teacher's instructions on safety in the laboratory before conducting an experiment. _________________________

 

 15. 

A scientific hypothesis is a well-tested idea that explains a wide range of observations. _________________________

 

Completion
Complete each sentence or statement.
 

 16. 

An interpretation based on observations and prior knowledge is called a(n) _________________________.
 

 

 17. 

A(n) _________________________ tells whether or not the data of a controlled experiment support the hypothesis.
 

 

 18. 

Around the world, scientists use a system of measurement known as the _____________________________.
 

 

Short Answer
 
 
Colin's High Tide Data
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
5:52 a.m.
6:34 a.m.
7:17 a.m.
7:51 a.m.
8:27 a.m.
9:04 a.m.
9:42 a.m.
5:56 p.m.
6:41 p.m.
7:23 p.m.
8:03 p.m.
8:44 p.m.
9:25 p.m.
10:08 p.m.
 

 19. 

Colin lives near the ocean. There, tides occur twice a day as the ocean waters rise and fall along the shore. The time when the water is highest is called high tide. Colin observed the high tide each day for a week. Then he recorded the time of the high tide in a data table. What pattern can you detect in Colin's data?
 

 20. 

Colin lives near the ocean. There, tides occur twice a day as the ocean waters rise and fall along the shore. The time when the tide is highest is called high tide. Colin observed the high tide each day for a week. Then he recorded the time of the high tide in a data table. What can you predict about the times of the high tides on the Sunday after the last day in the table?
 

Essay (Extra Credit - 5 points each)
 

 21. 

Is an experiment a failure if the data do not support the hypothesis? Explain your answer.
 

 22. 

What is the difference between an observation and an inference?
 



 
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