Reading Guide, Section 1-3 Name ____________________

1. What is an observation?


2. What observation did John Harte make about tiger salamanders?


3. A [ prediction / hypothesis ] is an educated guess that can be tested by experimentation.

4. What was John Harte's hypothesis regarding the salamanders?

5. A planned procedure to test a hypothesis is called a(n) _____________________

6. Why are salamanders harmed more by acid rain than other animals (like geese)?


7. In an experiment,a group that receives no treatment is called the _______________

8. Study the following steps in a scientific investigation. Number them in the correct order.

____ forming a hypothesis

____ asking a question

____ making a prediction

____ drawing a conclusion

____ experimenting (confirm predictions)

9. Once a scientist completes an experiment, she often publishes the report in a(n)
________________________________

10. A(n) _____________________ unites and explains a broad range of observations.

11. It is important in science to not be mislead by ________________ observations.

12. To scientists, a theory represents that which they are [ certain / uncertain ] of.

13. To the general public, the word "theory" implies [ certainty / lack of knowledge ]

14. A scientific theory can [ never / sometimes ] be revised or rejected.

15. There is no absolute [ values / certainty ] in a scientific theory.