1. A scientist wants to determine if a new fertilizer helps bean plants grow taller. In her controlled experiment, which of the following must be kept consistent for all plant groups?
- A. The final height of the bean plants.
- B. The type of fertilizer given to each plant.
- C. The amount of water and sunlight.
- D. The scientist's prediction about the results.
2. What is the primary purpose of conducting a controlled experiment in a scientific investigation?
- A. To use as many different variables as possible to see what happens.
- B. To ensure the experiment produces the expected or desired outcome.
- C. To make the experimental process faster and more cost-effective.
- D. To isolate the effect of one specific variable by keeping other conditions constant.
3. A student is testing a hand-crank generator. They turn the crank at varying speeds and observe that the connected light bulb's brightness changes. Why is it difficult to conclude that the generator itself is faulty?
- A. The changing crank speed is an uncontrolled variable that also affects brightness.
- B. The light bulb is likely burned out from the start.
- C. Hand-crank generators are not meant to be tested scientifically.
- D. The experiment was not conducted for a long enough period.
4. What is the most significant problem when an experiment's test environment is not kept consistent?
- A. The experiment will take much longer to complete.
- B. The equipment is more likely to break down.
- C. It becomes impossible to reliably link a specific cause to an observed effect.
- D. The results are guaranteed to support the original hypothesis.
5. In the context of scientific investigation, what is the main function of a 'testing protocol'?
- A. To summarize the final conclusions of the experiment.
- B. To provide a step-by-step guide for ensuring the test is consistent and repeatable.
- C. To list the potential financial costs and budget for the research.
- D. To be the initial hypothesis that the experiment is designed to test.
6. Which sequence best describes a single cycle within the iterative design process?
- A. Test Prototype, Analyze Data, Modify Design
- B. Modify Design, Build Prototype, Write Report
- C. Analyze Data, Market Product, Test Prototype
- D. Build Prototype, Test Prototype, Finalize Design
7. An engineering team is testing a new bridge prototype made of popsicle sticks. Data from a stress test shows that the bridge consistently breaks near the center. What does the iterative process suggest the team do next?
- A. Redesign the entire bridge from the beginning using a completely new concept.
- B. Focus on reinforcing the central part of the bridge and then re-testing it.
- C. Paint the bridge a different color to improve its appearance.
- D. Ignore the failure and test how much weight the ends of the bridge can hold.
8. Which of the following actions is contrary to the philosophy of iterative design?
- A. Building a final version after only one successful test.
- B. Modifying a component that repeatedly fails.
- C. Using failure data to inform the next version of a prototype.
- D. Performing multiple cycles of testing and modification.
9. When test data reveals that a wire in an electrical prototype has high resistance and is overheating, what is the most appropriate iterative response?
- A. Change the color of the prototype's casing.
- B. Replace the wire with one of a different material or larger gauge.
- C. Increase the voltage supplied to the circuit to force more current through.
- D. Disassemble the entire prototype and start building from scratch.
10. What is the primary purpose of iteration in the engineering design process?
- A. To document the final successful design for manufacturing.
- B. To create the initial prototype from a brand-new idea.
- C. To systematically refine a design through repeated cycles of testing and modification.
- D. To market the finished product to potential consumers.