Question 1

Which of the following best describes a scientific hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

An educated guess that can be tested through experimentation.

Question 2

In the termite experiment, which of the following would be considered the independent variable?

Accepted Answer

The color or brand of ink used to draw the line.

Question 3

A student observes that termites follow a black ink line more often than a blue ink line. Which is the best hypothesis for this observation?

Accepted Answer

Termites prefer black ink lines over blue ink lines due to chemical composition.

Question 4

Which of the following is the best example of a dependent variable in the termite experiment?

Accepted Answer

The number of termites that follow the line.

Question 5

Why is it important to control variables such as paper type and termite starting point in the experiment?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that changes in the dependent variable are due to the independent variable.

Question 6

If 15 termites are tested and 11 follow the line, what percentage of termites followed the line? Use the formula $$	ext{Percentage} = \frac{	ext{Number followed}}{	ext{Total tested}} 	imes 100.$$

Accepted Answer

$$73\%$$

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the role of replication in scientific experiments?

Accepted Answer

Replication allows scientists to confirm the reliability and validity of their results.

Question 8

A student finds that termites follow red ink lines 60% of the time and blue ink lines 30% of the time. What is the best conclusion?

Accepted Answer

Termites are more attracted to red ink than blue ink.

Question 9

Which step comes immediately after analyzing your data in the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Accepting, rejecting, or modifying your hypothesis.

Question 10

If a scientist shares their findings in a peer-reviewed journal, which part of the scientific process are they completing?

Accepted Answer

Communication of results.

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of a control treatment in the termite experiment?

Accepted Answer

Using a blank piece of paper with no ink lines.

Question 12

A student wants to test if termites follow lines more often when the lines are longer. What is the independent variable?

Accepted Answer

The length of the line.

Question 13

Which of the following statements about hypotheses is correct?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a testable statement that can be supported or refuted by data.

Question 14

If termites follow a black line for an average of $$3.5$$ seconds and a blue line for $$1.3$$ seconds, what is the difference in average following time?

Accepted Answer

$$2.2$$ seconds

Question 15

Why is it important to repeat an experiment multiple times?

Accepted Answer

To reduce the impact of random errors and increase reliability.

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a valid inference from observing termites following a line?

Accepted Answer

Termites follow lines because they are trained to do so.

Question 17

A student tests two brands of ink and finds termites follow Brand A 80% of the time and Brand B 20% of the time. What is the best way to communicate these results?

Accepted Answer

Write a summary and share it with classmates or publish in a scientific journal.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the difference between an observation and an inference?

Accepted Answer

An observation is a direct measurement; an inference is a conclusion drawn from observations.

Question 19

If a student’s data does not support their hypothesis, what should they do?

Accepted Answer

Reject or modify the hypothesis based on the data.

Question 20

Which of the following is a multi-step approach to designing a termite experiment?

Accepted Answer

Observe termite behavior, develop a question, form a hypothesis, design and conduct an experiment, analyze data, and communicate results.

Scientific Inquiry and Hypothesis Testing: Termite Behavior Lab

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