NAME____________________________
BLOCK_________
DATE_________________
FOUNDATIONS OF SCIENCE MIDTERM STUDY GUIDE
Unit 1: Math for Science:
TOPICS
 Be able to use and identify metric and SI units
for such things as length, volume, temperature.
 Convert between common metric prefixes
(metric to metric) and standard/imperial units
of measurement (standard to metric and vice
versa when you are given conversion factor)
 Create graphs to show the relationship between
independent and dependent variables using
histograms, bar graphs, line graphs, and
scatterplots with best-fit lines. Know how to
create an excellent graph according to graphing
rules and which type of graph is best for
certain types of data
 Know how to solve math problems using
combination, permutation, and probability
 Measures of central tendency (mean, median,
mode)
 Calculate standard deviation and explain what
it is used for
 Normal distribution curves. What are they?
What percentages are found within 1, 2, or 3
standard deviations?
 How do you complete conversion problems
using dimensional analysis so that you end up
with the correct units?
 Compute the correlation coefficient using
technology (TI-84 or Excel) and interpret it in
the context of the data.
 Use the multiplication rule to find the
probability of two events occurring in a
sequence and to find conditional probabilities.
 Use the addition rule to find the probability of
two events.
 Know the difference between independent and
dependent events and how to calculate the
probability for both of these events.
RESOURCES
Length measurement lab, Notes: Fractions-decimalspercents, measurement conversions worksheet,
Common Fractions-decimals-and-percents worksheet,
Mr. Florance’s rules for good scientific graph making
worksheet, Normal Distribution HSPA Practice
worksheet, Standard deviation worksheet, Calculating
standard deviation worksheet (Formula 1), ,
Scatterplots worksheet, Metric measurements
worksheet, Changing units of length worksheet,
Measurement: Standard or Imperial measurement
worksheet, Math Smart – Probability and Statistics
worksheet, Macro A – Probability worksheet, Math
Smart – Probability and Statistics: Combinations +
permutations, Probability Activity – Ideal family lab,
Dice Lab, Probability tree diagrams worksheet,
Scientific Notation PowerPoint notes, addition and
subtraction and multiplication and division of numbers
in scientific notation worksheet, Dimensional
Analysis worksheets and activities, Significant
figures packet, All quizzes/tests from this unit.
Major questions:
1) Given a set of data, how do you calculate the standard deviation? What does this number tell you?
2) Know when and how to calculate probability, combinations, permutations, standard deviation, mean, median,
mode, correlation coefficient, and create probability trees.
3) What is a normal distribution curve? What does this tell us about the set of data? What percentages are found
within 1, 2, or 3 standard deviations?
4) If you are given a problem with a set of data and a clear explanation of the experimental procedure, you
should be able to identify the independent and dependent variables, as well as the control and experimental
groups and then create a graph that shows the effect that the independent variable has on the dependent variable.
This graph should have all the characteristics of a good graph including proper labels, units, and an appropriate
scale.
5) Convert between common metric prefixes (metric to metric) using the King Henry system, or memorize the
conversion factors for metric to metric. Be able to convert between standard/imperial units of measurement
(standard to metric and vice versa) when you are given conversion factor. Use dimensional analysis to convert
between different units.
6) Be able to convert between fractions, decimals, and percents, and have an idea which is appropriate for
science labs and other situations.
7) Be able to use significant figures and scientific notation while calculating. Give several examples and solve
them.
Unit 2: Sampling Techniques:
TOPICS
 Distinguish between populations and samples.
Understand statistics as a process for making
inferences about a population based on a
random sample from the population.
 Recognize the differences among sample
surveys, observational studies, and
experiments.
 Explain the importance of random selection in
surveys and observational studies to reduce
bias.
 Use data from a sample to estimate a
population mean and standard deviation.
RESOURCES
Sampling Powerpoint notes, Sampling lab
Unit 3: Scientific Method, Experimental Design, Safety:
TOPICS
 The steps of the scientific method
 Basic safety rules and procedures
 Hypotheses, Theories, Laws, Facts
 Sections of a lab report, their purpose, and
what to include in each section
 Definitions of science, control group,
experimental group, accuracy, precision,
RESOURCES
All labs in your lab composition notebooks such as
Opposable Thumbs Lab and Paper Towel Lab,
Safety Quiz, Lab Safety Contract, Course Syllabus,
Worksheet - Review: Hypotheses and Variables, Plant
Inquiry Lab Template, The science of scientific
writing article, Scientific Methods discussion
questions worksheet, Scientific Method Notes,
Experimental Design and Scientific Principles Test
independent and dependent variables,
hypotheses, theory, law, fact, direct and
indirect observation
 Similarities and differences between journal
articles and news articles
 Methods to analyze and make lab experiments
better
 Creating and identifying good hypotheses and
experiments
 Advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of
using science
 Be able to list and explain how science is
relevant to your own life
 How science and technology are related
Major questions:
1) What are the steps of the scientific method? Why do scientists conduct experiments?
2) What is a good hypothesis?
3) What are acceptable rules and procedures in the lab?
4) What is the difference between a hypothesis, a theory, a law, and a fact?
5) What is science? What are the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of science?
6) How is science related to technology?
7) How do scientists communicate with one another? How do general audiences learn about scientific studies?
8) How would you use the scientific method to answer a question in a scientifically valid way? You must be
able to design an experiment using proper groups and replication that will be able to answer a given question.
9) What are the common safety rules that apply in the lab?