A scientist claims the local pond is polluted. Which of the following statements provides the strongest scientific evidence to support this claim?

Lab tests show high bacteria levels.

A nearby resident thinks the water is dirty.

The water looks much greener than it did last year.

An engineer says, "I believe the bridge is unsafe because my inspection showed several cracked support beams." Which part of this statement represents the claim?

"several cracked support beams"

The freezer's cooling system is broken.

The temperature inside the freezer is 40°F.

The freezer needs to be replaced with a new model.

There is an electrical fault in the appliance.

The data collected during an experiment.

A proposed answer to a scientific question or problem.

A step-by-step procedure for an investigation.

A guess made before any observations are recorded.