Book work for Ch. 2 The Nature of Science
2.1 The Scientists' Mind
answer # 1-3 (pg. 28)
2.2 Scientific Methods of Inquiry
answer # 1-4 (pg. 33)
2.3 Scientists' Tools
answer # 1, 3 (pg. 37)
Chapter review questions
answer # 1, 2, 5-9, 16, 19-21, 23, 24 (pgs. 40-41)
2.1 The Scientists' Mind
answer # 1-3 (pg. 28)
1. Describe the unique characteristics of Carl Sagan,
Enriqueta Barrera, and Evan Forde that assisted them
in their scientific careers.
– Ex. curious, interested in nature, keen observer…
2. Name two characteristics of scientific thinking that all
scientists share.
– Ex. Inquisitive, observant, creative, skeptical, cooperative
3. Explain why it is important for scientists to be
skeptical.
– Scientists need to question ideas and “prove” or “disprove”
them in order to understand the natural world.
2.2 Scientific Methods of Inquiry
answer # 1-4 (pg. 33)
1. What is a hypothesis? What steps are necessary before
a hypothesis can be formulated?
– A hypothesis is a tentative explanation for an observation.
Making observations and asking questions are necessary
steps before a hypothesis can be formulated.
2. What is peer review? What is its role in scientific
inquiry?
– During peer review, a scientist’s documentation of his
or her work is reviewed by experts in the field prior to
publication. It ensures that proper scientific methods
have been used & that the work is ready to be
considered and texted by other scientists.
2.2 Scientific Methods of Inquiry
answer # 1-4 (pg. 33)
3. Explain the value of testing and retesting ideas
scientifically.
– By testing & retesting ideas, scientists gather evidence
to determine whether an idea is scientifically valid.
4. How have you applied the method of scientific
inquiry—formulating a question, gathering data,
and forming a hypothesis—in your own life??
– Answers will vary but should include the processes of
formulating a question, gathering data, and forming
hypotheses.
2.3 Scientists' Tools
answer # 1, 3 (pg. 37)
1. Describe how tools help scientists in their work.
– Answers will vary.
– Ex. Tools allow scientists access to more
information, extend the senses, etc.
3. How are computers and satellites changing the
nature of science?
– Computers allow scientists to analyze larger
amounts of data in a fraction of the time it took in
the past. Satellites provide new views of Earth—
both its surface & the ocean floor.
Chapter review questions
answer # 1, 2, 5-9, 16, 19-21, 23, 24 (pgs. 40-41)
1. theory, law
–
–
Theory: an explanation based on available information; may be changed as
new info is found
Law: a generalization to which no exception has been found; does not change
2. hypothesis, theory
– Hypothesis: a temporary explanation for an observation or phenomenon
– Theory: a carefully tested hypothesis that seems to be the best explanation for
the phenomenon.
5. evidence, inquiry
– Inquiry: the process of asking questions
– Evidence: information that can be measured & tested to verify a prediction
6. hypothesis, question
– Hypothesis: a temporary answer to a question
– Question: seeks an answer
Chapter review questions
answer # 1, 2, 5-9, 16, 19-21, 23, 24 (pgs. 40-41)
7. What are some qualities that scientists share?
– strong powers of observation, logical, sense of wonder, creativity,
skepticism
8. How do scientists support their hypotheses?
– by gathering, analyzing, & interpreting data
9. Describe the way in which a scientist might approach a question
– Scientists are methodical in their approach & inventive in figuring out
ways to get information.
16. Think about Evan Forde’s 7th grade experience, when his
science teacher asked him to write down observations about a
candle. Take a common object and challenge yourself: How
many observations about the object can you make? Remember
that details are the key.
– Answers will vary.
Chapter review questions
answer # 1, 2, 5-9, 16, 19-21, 23, 24 (pgs. 40-41)
7. What are some qualities that scientists share?
8. How do scientists support their hypotheses?
9. Describe the way in which a scientist might
approach a question.
16. Think about Evan Forde’s seventh grade
experience, when his science teacher asked him to
write down observations about a candle. Take a
common object and challenge yourself: How many
observations about the object can you make?
Remember that details are the key.
Chapter review questions
answer # 1, 2, 5-9, 16, 19-21, 23, 24 (pgs. 40-41)
19. How many times was the water
level tested in Study 1? in Study 2?
– Study 1: 4 times; Study 2: 9 times
20. During Study 1, by how much did
the water level decline between
the first measurement and the
final measurement?
– About 40 feet
21. During Study 2, by how much did
the water level decline between
the first measurement and the
final measurement?
– About 40 feet
Chapter review questions
answer # 1, 2, 5-9, 16, 19-21, 23, 24 (pgs. 40-41)
23. What must have taken place
between the measurement taken near
March 1, 1995, and the one taken
September 1, 1995?
– There must have been a lot of rain.
24. If a third study were done, what do
you think a graph made from its data
would look like? Explain your thinking.
– If it covered the same months, it would
probably look the same as the other two
studies. There are probably periods of
rainy months & dry months in each
season of the year. These would be
roughly the same from year to year.