“What is Science?
” Study Guide KEY
Use this sheet to check your answers on your study guide. Answers do not need to be exactly the same word-for-
word, but main ideas/details should match. Use a RED PEN to add information or make corrections to your sheet.
Pages 14-15: Goal 1. Describe the purpose and process of scientific inquiry. Identify the common steps in
scientific inquiry. Describe each step in detail.
1. What is “Science? (What is its purpose?)
The purpose of science is to find answers to questions about the world around us.
2. What is “Scientific Inquiry?”
It is an organized way to investigate scientific questions
3. What type of question is considered “scientific”?
A scientific question is one that can be answered using data/inquiry
4. What step do all forms of inquiry begin with?
someone making observations and then asking a question or identifying a problem
5. Experiments should be designed and carried out so that they provide
data related to the question/problem
Pages 16-17: Goal 2. Define what “data” includes. Explain the difference between qualitative and quantitative
data; describe the results of an investigation using both types of observations.
6. Data be described as being facts or information used to calculate, analyze, or plan
something
7. What does data include? It includes things you already know from prior experience as
well as information you create and collect
8. What are qualitative observations? (What do they describe? What type of words do they use?)
Describes the qualities or characteristics of an object or event; uses adjectives
9. What are quantitative observations? (What do they “give”? What type of words do they use?)
Gives an exact amount (quantity) or measurement; uses numbers
Pages 16-19 Goal 3. Differentiate between bar and line graphs. Set up data tables and graphs to accurately
organize and reflect data that has been collected.
10. What type of information should be displayed in a bar graph? compares # of items in
different groups/categories
11. What type of information should be displayed in a line graph? shows change over time for
one thing
12. Add information to show the parts Title
that every graph should have.
Data
Scale
Label
Entered
Categories
Label
Pages 22-23 Goal 4. Tell how the analysis of data can be used to determine if the results of an experiment
are acceptable. Discuss the properties of data that is reliable, precise, accurate, and reasonable.
13. What does it mean if data is “acceptable”? It can be used (to answer the question)
14. For data to be “reliable”, what two things must be able to be said about it? The results are
consistent/agree with with previous results and can be repeated/reproduced by others
15. Data may be valid if one or more of these factors apply: Being “Valid” means being
“”close to the real answer” or the truth. Data is valid if: the experiment was designed and
carried out properly; it was repeated enough times to eliminate errors; it controlled as
many factors as possible; the data was processed/recorded carefully.
16. What does being “within the acceptable margin of error” mean?
If it is not exactly what was expected, it is very close
17. If the results are logical, that means: they make sense
18. What do “credible” and “free from bias” mean? Trustworthy and “free from opinion”
Pages 24-25 Goal 5: Use the inquiry method to design and conduct an experiment. Draw conclusions
based upon the results. Use data to support the conclusions.
Define each of the following terms:
19. Hypothesis: a proposed explanation made as a starting point for further investigation
20. Inference: a conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning.
21. Claim: a statement that asserts a belief or truth
22. Reason: a statement of logic that supports the claim
23. Evidence: proof that the claim is true; includes facts, data, expert opinions, and
observations
NOTE: You should be ready to identify the claim, reason, and evidence in an argument that will be provided on the
test.