Question

directions: determine which question in each pair of questions is the better testable, scientific question and then clearly explain why you think so. for extra credit, make a smiley face near the number 17 below.
question pairs\twhich is testable (a or b)?\twhy?

1. a. what are the different things that make up air? b. what is air?\tb\tbecause it is a question that it is easy to find
2. a. why is the sun out today? b. what atomic elements make up stars?\tb\tbecause|
3. a. what is the reason that collies (a breed of dogs) have bad hip sockets? b. what causes grass to turn brown during the summer?\t
4. a. how does the space shuttle keep from burning up? b. why is the international space station in orbit?

20 try to write your own testable question

Explanation:

1. "What are the different things that make up air?" is more testable as it has a clear - cut set of components to identify through experiments or research. "What is air?" is too broad.
2. "What atomic elements make up stars?" is testable as there are scientific methods to analyze the composition of stars. "Why is the Sun out today?" is more of a weather - related question with a rather simple and obvious answer in daily context and less of a scientific exploration in the context of atomic elements.
3. "What causes grass to turn brown during the summer?" is more testable as factors like water availability, sunlight, and heat can be studied. "What is the reason that collies have bad hip sockets?" is more of a genetic or veterinary - specific question which may be more difficult to test in a simple scientific experiment.
4. "How does the space shuttle keep from burning up?" is testable as it involves physical and engineering principles that can be studied. "Why is the International Space Station in orbit?" has a more fundamental physics - based answer and may not be as easily testable in a hands - on way for a simple experiment.

Answer:

1. a. What are the different things that make up air?
2. b. What atomic elements make up stars?
3. b. What causes grass to turn brown during the summer?
4. a. How does the space shuttle keep from burning up?
5. Example: What causes leaves to change color in the fall?