1. Environmental Science Chapter 2 – Scientific Tools Test Review
Ms. Putnam

2. 1. ______ is the classification and collection of data in numerical form.
Statistics

3. 2. ______ is the group that does not receive the experimental treatment in an experiment .
Control group

4. 3. By examining _____, scientists can test predictions for situations in which it is impossible or unethical to use experiments.
correlations

5. 4. Scientists use predictions to…
Analyze data

6. 5. In an experiment, the factor of interest is called the ________________
variable

7. 6. The average mass of an apple in a basket of apples is an example of _______.
mean

8. 7. A model of a car is an example of a __________________________________ model.
physical

9.   8. The chance that an tornado will occur in your town during the next year is an example of ________.
risk

10. 9. List the 5 steps of the Experimental Method
Observing
Hypothesizing
Predicting
Experimenting
Communicating results

11. 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

12. 11. ___________ is the step in the experimental method scientists are conducting when they photograph a cheetah running?
observation

13. 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

14.   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

15.   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

16. A good hypothesis is more than a guess because it:
Makes logical sense

17. 16. List the two essential characteristics a good experiment has:
A control is used
A single variable is tested

18.   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

19. Exploring consequences
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

20. Place the last 3 parts of the experimental method in the correct order:
Drawing conclusions
Repeating experiments
Communicating results

21. 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

22. 21. To get an accurate result, a sample size must be
Large enough to give an accurate estimate of the whole population

23. 22. Principles or standards we consider important are known as
values

24. 23. List 3 things the decision-making model does:
1. provides a conceptual model
2. provides a logical process
3. helps you make decisions

25.   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

26. 25. The chance that an event will happen is known as ________.
probability

27. 26. A(n) _______________________________________ is a logical statement about what will happen in an experiment if the hypothesis is correct.
prediction

28. 27. Numeric information called _______________ is gathered in an experiment.
data

29. 28. In statistics, the group of individuals used to represent the population is called the ____
sample

30.   29. Equations used to represent how a scientific process works are called ________________ models.
mathematical

31. 30. Principles or standards we consider important are known as ________________.
values

32. 31. When scientists are not able to use an experiment to test a prediction, ___________________ can be examined.
correlations

33. 32. The probability of an unwanted outcome occurring is _______
risk

34. 33. A(n) ____________________________ model is a systematic process you can use to help you make decisions.
Decision-making

35. 34. The ______ consists of a series of steps used by scientists to identify and answer questions.
Experimental Method

36. 35. Information known as a(n) _______________ is gathered by using the senses.
observation

37. 36. One step in a decision-making model is to explore both positive and negative ______________of each option.
consequences

38.   37. The _____ is the group that does not receive the experimental treatment in an experiment.
Control group

39. 38. The first step in the decision-making model is to ____________________________________.
Gather information

40.   39. A(n) _______________________ is a testable explanation for an observation.
hypothesis

41.   40. Three-dimensional models you can touch are referred to as ______________________ models.
physical

42. 41. A(n) ___________ can explain an observation and predict what might happen in the future.
theory

43.   42. A(n) _______________ observation is a type of observation that does not contain a number.
qualitative

44. 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

45.   44. The ______________________ variable is the variable being measured in response to the variable being tested.
dependent

46. 45. The city council is proposing to build a dam on the local river
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