Science Literacy Flashcards

A student observes that plants near a window grow toward the light. What is the best next step to turn this observation into a scientific investigation?

Answer: Form a testable hypothesis and design an experiment

A scientific investigation requires forming a testable hypothesis and designing a controlled experiment to test it.

Which of the following best describes the role of a control group in an experiment?

Answer: The group that remains unchanged to provide a baseline comparison

A control group does not receive the experimental treatment and serves as a baseline to compare results against the experimental group.

A scientist reports that a new fertilizer increases crop yield by 40%. What additional information is most important to evaluate this claim?

Answer: Whether the study was peer-reviewed and replicated

Peer review and replication are essential to validate scientific claims and rule out bias or error.

What does it mean when scientists say a result is 'statistically significant'?

Answer: The result is unlikely to have occurred by chance

Statistical significance means the result is unlikely to be due to random chance, suggesting the experimental variable had a real effect.

A student measures the length of a worm five times and gets: 8 cm, 8.1 cm, 7.9 cm, 8 cm, 8.2 cm. These measurements are best described as:

Answer: Both precise and accurate

The measurements are clustered closely together (precise) and centered near 8 cm, which is a reasonable true value (accurate).

Which type of graph is most appropriate for showing how temperature changes over a 24-hour period?

Answer: Line graph

A line graph is best for showing continuous change over time, making it ideal for displaying temperature trends across 24 hours.

In science, a theory is best defined as:

Answer: An explanation supported by extensive evidence and repeated testing

A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation supported by a large body of evidence from many observations and experiments.