The scientific method involves forming a hypothesis, testing it through experimentation and analysis of data. Scientific knowledge may be modified as new information is obtained, as demonstrated by ongoing work to classify a possible new planet. In the 1600s, Redi scientifically tested the prevailing theory that flies spontaneously generated from meat, showing they came from eggs laid by flies attracted to the meat. Before designing an experiment, researchers thoroughly review previous work in the area to help design an effective experiment and build on existing knowledge.

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2. What should be the first
step to solve a problem
according to the scientific
method?
A: forming a hypothesis
B: testing a hypothesis
C: analyzing data
D: recognizing and identifying
the problem

3. In 2005 a possible new planet was
discovered in our solar system.
Scientists are now working to
determine whether this new body is
actually a planet or some other type
of natural satellite. This work by
scientists demonstrates that
A: scientists are rarely correct
B: scientific knowledge may be modified
as new information is obtained
C: our technology is insufficient to say
anything for sure about the solar system
D: new planets are being formed in our
solar system all the time

4. In the early 1600's it was commonly believed
that flies spontaneously developed out of
raw meat. A scientist named Redi
scientifically tested this theory and
determined that the meat attracted flies
who laid their eggs on the meat, the meat
did not produce the flies. This is an example
of the concept that
A: the scientific method can be used to
reevaluate existing theories.
B: the scientific method has only been in
use since the 1900s.
C: the scientific method is not as reliable
as historical understanding.
D: the scientific method only works with
modern technology.

5. Robert Hooke was the first
scientist to discover that living
things were made up cells. Why
hadn't anyone discovered this
before him?
A: scientists weren't allowed to dissect
animals.
B: the development of new technology -
the light microscope - allowed seeing
with magnification
C: no one had thought about it before
D: all of the above

6. The process used to investigate
the world around us is called
A: controls.
B: a hypothesis.
C: the scientific method.
D: a theory.

7. Before an experiment is designed,
the experimenter does extensive
research about the topic that he
will be testing and the previous
research that has been done in
that area. Why is this an
essential part of the scientific
method?
A: it helps scientists prove others wrong
B: it helps scientists to only repeat other
experiments
C: it is important to follow copyright
laws
D: it helps the experimenter to make

8. Great scientists don't only ask
"what" questions, they ask "why"
questions. This demonstrates
A: that inquiry is the foundation of
science
B: scientists start out without any
knowledge
C: that scientists don't care about details
D: all of the above

9. Biologists, chemists, geologists,
and physicists all use similar
techniques but have different
philosophies of the scientific
method.
A: True
B: False

10. A chemist has developed a new
way to produce energy from
chemical reactions. Why is it
important for him to keep
detailed and accurate records?
A: so that no one copies his work
B: so that his research can be verified and
duplicated
C: so that the predicted results are
obtained
D: so that no human subjects are harmed

11. The independent variable in a
scientific experiment is the
factor that is changed.
A: True
B: False