Scientific Method Quiz
Instructions: Answer the following questions about the scientific method and a controlled
experiment. Write the answers on your own paper.
Part A: True or False
Decide whether each statement is true or false.
1. _______ A reliable experiment can have 2 or 3 independent variables.
2. _______ Scientists MUST follow the scientific method to ensure valid results in an experiment.
3. _______ An independent variable is a change that occurs as a result of the 1st change. This change
usually takes place at the end of an experiment.
4. _______ In the Scientific Method step known as “Statement of the Problem,” the problem should
always be written in question form.
5. _______ Research must always be conducted prior to forming a hypothesis.
Part B: Understanding Experiments
Read through each scenario and answer the following questions.
Mr. Higgenbottom wants to know the effect of different colors of light on the height of rose
bushes. He believes that rose bushes can grow taller when exposed to green light. He buys 5
rose bushes of the same species, which are all approximately the same age and height. He
places one in white light, one in blue light, one in green light, one in red light and one in a dark
box. All of the rose bushes are planted in the same soil and given 300 mL of water once a day for
3 weeks. After the three weeks, Mr. Higgenbottom observes the rose bushes and makes
measurements.
6. Which of the following would BEST describe the “Statement of the Problem?”
a.
b.
c.
d.
Does the color of light affect the height of a rose bush?
The color of light does affect the growth of a rose bush.
How can plants best survive different temperatures?
Does Miracle Grow affect the height of a rose bush?
7. Which of the following BEST describes Mr. Higgenbottom’s hypothesis?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Plants survive best in red light.
Plants survive best in blue light.
Plants survive best in green light.
Plants survive best in the dark.
8. Which of the following is NOT considered to be a constant in the experiment?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Plant type
Soil
Light
Amount of water
9. Which of the following is the independent variable in the experiment?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Soil
Amount of water
Temperature
Color of light
10. Which rose bush is considered the “control” group?
a.
b.
c.
d.
The roses given blue light.
The roses given red light.
The roses given white light.
The roses placed in the dark box.
11. The following table shows the results from the experiment.
Plant/Light
Plant Height
White
Blue
7 inches
10 inches
Green
12.5 inches
Red
8 inches
No Light
No growth
Which of the following would be a valid conclusion for this experiment?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Rose bushes grow tallest in Blue light.
Rose bushes grow in White light.
Rose bushes grow in No light.
Rose bushes grow in Green light.
Scientific Method Quiz Answer Key
Instructions: Answer the following questions about the scientific method and a controlled
experiment. Write the answers on your own paper.
Part A: True or False
Decide whether each statement is true or false.
1. False A reliable experiment can have 2 or 3 independent variables.
2. True Scientists MUST follow the scientific method to ensure valid results in an experiment.
3. False A independent variable is a change that occurs as a result of the 1st change. This change
usually takes place at the end of an experiment.
4. True In the Scientific Method step known as “Statement of the Problem,” the problem should
always be written in question form.
5. True Research must always be conducted prior to forming a hypothesis.
Part B: Understanding Experiments
Mr. Higgenbottom wants to know the effect of different colors of light on the height of rose
bushes. He believes that rose bushes can grow taller when exposed to green light. He buys 5
rose bushes of the same species, which are all approximately the same age and height. He
places one in white light, one in blue light, one in green light, one in red light and one in a dark
box. All of the rose bushes are planted in the same soil and given 300 mL of water once a day for
3 weeks. After the three weeks, Mr. Higgenbottom observes the rose bushes and makes
measurements.
6. Which of the following would BEST describe the “Statement of the Problem?”
a.
b.
c.
d.
Does the color of light affect the height of a rose bush?
The color of light does affect the growth of a rose bush.
How can plants best survive different temperatures?
Does Miracle Grow affect the height of a rose bush?
7. Which of the following BEST describes Mr. Higgenbottom’s hypothesis?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Plants survive best in red light.
Plants survive best in blue light.
Plants survive best in green light.
Plants survive best in the dark.
8. Which of the following is NOT considered to be a constant in the experiment?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Plant type
Soil
Light Color
Amount of water
9. Which of the following is the independent variable in the experiment?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Height of rose bush
Amount of water
Temperature
Color of light
10. Which rose bush is considered the “control” group?
a.
b.
c.
d.
The roses given blue light.
The roses given red light.
The roses given white light.
The roses placed in the dark box.
11. The following table shows the results from the experiment.
Plant/Light
Plant Height
White
Blue
7 inches
10 inches
Green
12.5 inches
Red
8 inches
No Light
No growth
Which of the following would be a valid conclusion for this experiment?
e.
f.
g.
h.
Rose bushes grow tallest in Blue light.
Rose bushes grow in White light.
Rose bushes grow in No light.
Rose bushes grow in Green light.