EXAM LATEST UPDATE 2026 QUESTIONS
AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS|| A+
GRADE
Understand the properties of science -CORRECTANSWER - Explaining what our world
is like
- Use thought, observation, description, creativity
- Establish what is true
What makes good science versus junk science? -CORRECTANSWER Junk Science:
- Presentation of selective results
- Public distortions of scientific work
- Political motivation
- Publication in quasi-scientific journals / internet (gray literature, not subject to peer
review)
- Skepticism required
What is a theory versus a hypothesis versus a prediction? -CORRECTANSWER
Theory:
- Over-riding explanation of a natural phenomenon
- Concepts supported by experimental evidence
- Theory is near certainty and based on rigorous testing
,Hypothesis:
- A testable idea
Prediction:
- Beliefs about what will happen under certain conditions
Understand the scientific process from question to theory -CORRECTANSWER The
scientific process is:
1) Develop question from observations
2) Form hypothesis (testable idea)
3) Good hypothesis lead to predictions (beliefs about what will happen under certain
conditions)
4) Test through experiments
5) REJECT or FAIL TO REJECT
6) Peer-review
7) Form theories
Do we prove something in science? -CORRECTANSWER No!
What is the current human population? -CORRECTANSWER 7.8 Billion
, Understand the Kyoto Protocol and its implications to the U.S. -CORRECTANSWER -
This was a response to greenhouse gas
- 166 nations gathered to negotiate a treaty to reduce greenhouse emissions
- Clinton administration: First signed and agreed to reduce emissions to levels below
those of 1990
- Adopted in 1997, and to begin in 2005
- Bush administration (and Kazakhstan) withdrew from Kyoto process (presented the
questions: is the U.S. ready? And are we ready to sacrifice?)
- Canada withdrew in 2012
What are the four requirements for a sustainable solution? -CORRECTANSWER 1)
Economically Feasible
2) Politically popular
3) Socially fair/desirable
4) Ecologically viable
Why are religion and ethics not part of sound science? -CORRECTANSWER Because
these create bias! Sound science is defined as gain and explanation of factual
knowledge, not belief or opinion. Religion, ethics, and emotions are important, but
cannot be observed objectively
Is there ever controversy in science? When do we see it? What is it based on? -
CORRECTANSWER Yes, there is sometimes controversy in science.