Science Inquiry & Data Interpretation Flashcards

A student records the height of a plant every 3 days for 3 weeks. Which type of graph best shows this change over time?

Answer: Line graph

A line graph is best for showing how a variable changes continuously over time.

In an experiment testing whether salt affects water's boiling point, what is the independent variable?

Answer: The amount of salt added

The independent variable is what the experimenter deliberately changes — in this case, the amount of salt.

A scientist runs an experiment three times and gets results of 42°C, 41°C, and 43°C. What do these repeated trials indicate?

Answer: The results are consistent and reliable

Similar results across repeated trials show the data is consistent and increases confidence in its reliability.

Which statement best describes a scientific hypothesis?

Answer: A testable explanation for an observation

A hypothesis is a testable, evidence-based prediction or explanation for an observed phenomenon.

A data table shows that taller students tend to have larger shoe sizes. This relationship is best described as:

Answer: A positive correlation

When both variables increase together, the relationship is a positive correlation.

Which tool would a student use to measure the volume of an irregularly shaped rock?

Answer: Graduated cylinder with water displacement

Water displacement in a graduated cylinder measures the volume of objects that cannot be calculated by simple formulas.

A student's experiment shows results opposite to the hypothesis. What is the best next step?

Answer: Report the results and revise the hypothesis

Unexpected results are still valid; scientists report findings and use them to refine or revise their hypotheses.