Environmental Science Chapter
2 – Scientific Tools
Test Review
Ms. Putnam
1. ______ is the classification and collection
of data in numerical form.
• Statistics
2. ______ is the group that does not receive the
experimental treatment in an experiment .
• Control group
3. By examining _____, scientists can test
predictions for situations in which it is impossible
or unethical to use experiments.
• correlations
4. Scientists use predictions to…
• Analyze data
5. In an experiment, the factor of interest is
called the ________________
• variable
6. The average mass of an apple in a basket
of apples is an example of _______.
• mean
7. A model of a car is an example of a
__________________________________ model.
• physical
8. The chance that an tornado will occur in your
town during the next year is an example of
________.
• risk
9. List the 5 steps of the Experimental Method
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Observing
Hypothesizing
Predicting
Experimenting
Communicating results
10. Identify 3 reasons why mathematical models
are important:
• 1. helpful in situations with many variable
• 2. used to create digital images
• 3. used to represent how something works
11. ___________ is the step in the experimental
method scientists are conducting when they
photograph a cheetah running?
• observation
12. If you consider what will add to our
understanding of the natural world in making an
environmental decision, you are examining a(n)
________________ value.
• scientific
13. Before you can make a decision using a
decision-making model, list the 3 steps must you
take:
• 1. gather information
• 2. consider which values apply to the issue
• 3. explore the consequences of each option
14. In a scientific investigation, it is important that
the number of objects or events being sampled be
• Large enough to give an accurate estimate for the whole population
A good hypothesis is more than a guess
because it:
• Makes logical sense
16. List the two essential characteristics a good
experiment has:
A control is used
A single variable is tested
17. When making a decision about whether or
not to build a dam and you consider how many
jobs building the dam will generate. Which value
are you using?
• economic
18. What step in a simple environmental decision-making model are you taking
when you consider whether or not people will benefit financially from setting aside
land as a national park?
• Exploring consequences
Place the last 3 parts of the experimental
method in the correct order:
• Drawing conclusions
• Repeating experiments
• Communicating results
20. When you ask the question, “Should a nuclear waste dump site should be built
near a major body of water?” you are considering what type of values?
• environmental
21. To get an accurate result, a sample size
must be
• Large enough to give an accurate estimate of the whole population
22. Principles or standards we consider
important are known as
• values
23. List 3 things the decision-making model does:
• 1. provides a conceptual model
• 2. provides a logical process
• 3. helps you make decisions
24. What is the difference between a quantitative
and qualitative observation
• Quantitative – measurements that must contain numbers, ex. 15 cm
• Qualitative – observed with your senses, ex. Color, smell
25. The chance that an event will happen is
known as ________.
• probability
26. A(n) _______________________________________ is a logical statement
about what will happen in an experiment if the hypothesis is correct.
• prediction
27. Numeric information called _______________
is gathered in an experiment.
• data
28. In statistics, the group of individuals used
to represent the population is called the ____
• sample
29. Equations used to represent how a scientific
process works are called ________________
models.
• mathematical
30. Principles or standards we consider important
are known as ________________.
• values
31. When scientists are not able to use an
experiment to test a prediction,
___________________ can be examined.
• correlations
32. The probability of an unwanted outcome
occurring is _______
• risk
33. A(n) ____________________________ model is a
systematic process you can use to help you make decisions.
• Decision-making
34. The ______ consists of a series of steps used
by scientists to identify and answer questions.
• Experimental Method
35. Information known as a(n) _______________
is gathered by using the senses.
• observation
36. One step in a decision-making model is to explore both positive and
negative ______________of each option.
• consequences
37. The _____ is the group that does not receive
the experimental treatment in an experiment.
• Control group
38. The first step in the decision-making model is
to ____________________________________.
• Gather information
39. A(n) _______________________ is a
testable explanation for an observation.
• hypothesis
40. Three-dimensional models you can touch are
referred to as ______________________
models.
• physical
41. A(n) ___________ can explain an observation
and predict what might happen in the future.
• theory
42. A(n) _______________ observation is a type
of observation that does not contain a number.
• qualitative
43. The ______________________ variable is the variable being tested in the
experiment. It is the part of the experiment that is manipulated by the
experimenter.
• independent
44. The ______________________ variable is
the variable being measured in response to the
variable being tested.
• dependent
45. The city council is proposing to build a dam on the local river. Site
numerous positive and negative consequences for building the dam.
• Answers may vary but should reflect the student’s understanding of
the decision-making model. Sample:
• Positive short term consequences: construction jobs created, some
home values may increase
• Negative short term consequences: habitats disturbed/destroyed
• Positive long term consequences: recreational opportunities, source
of water and energy
• Negative long term consequences: home owners that don’t want to
move will lose their homes, organisms may become endangered