4th grade: Data and Models Lesson

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements is considered data?

• I observed 10 butterflies in the garden.

• I think there are more butterflies here than in Canada.

• Butterflies are beautiful creatures.

• Maybe it will rain tomorrow.

Open Ended

Why is it important to record and display data in science and everyday life?

Multiple Choice

Which of the following are examples of models used in science?

• A diagram

• A scale model of the solar system

• A computer simulation

• All of the above

Multiple Choice

Why is it important to use observations instead of guesses when collecting data?

• Because observations are based on facts and can be measured.

• Because guesses are always correct.

• Because data is only about numbers, not descriptions.

• Because observations are less important than guesses.

Multiple Choice

What is the definition of "model"?

• the speed of an object in a particular direction

• the sprouting of a seed

• a computer program that models an event or object

• a picture, idea, or object that represents an object of process

Multiple Choice

What is a "pan balance"?

• a tool used to measure mass with units called grams (g)

• a tool that makes an object look several times bigger than it is

• a container marked with a scale used for measuring liquids

• a model that has the dimensions of width and height only

Multiple Choice

What is "inference"?

• information you observe or information collected in numbers

• the study of the natural worlds

• an untested conclusion based on your observations

• using reference materials and talking to experts to learn what is known

Multiple Choice

What is a "variable"?

• the original or model on which something is based

• information that you gather with your senses

• any part of an investigation or experiment that can be changed

• a tool used to measure force with units called Newtons (N)

Multiple Choice

What is a "hypothesis"?

• a statement of what you think will happen and why. A possible answer to a question that can be tested.

• a procedure carried out to gather data about an object or event

• the original or model on which something is based

• the location of an object in relation to a nearby object or place

Multiple Choice

Students in Zoe's class measure the time it takes a toy car to move along a track. Why should Zoe compare her data to other students' data?

• to choose the best time to record

• to see if she needs to changer her data

• to decide why the car moved slowly

• to see if her data match other students' data

Multiple Choice

Jenna makes a 2-D picture model on a computer. Alfonso makes a 3-D diorama model. Which evidence supports the claim that the two models are different?

• Jenna's model shows only a view from the top of the classroom.

• Alfonso's model shows only the floor plan of the classroom.

• Jenna 's model cannot show the placement of objects in the classroom.

• Alfonso's model cannot show the placement of objects in the classroom.

Multiple Choice

Franz wants to investigate moon craters. He drips water into a shallow pan of flour. He holds the dropper at a different height each time he moves to a new area of the pan. Franz observes that the water drops make dents of differing sizes in the flour. What claim does this evidence support?

• The flour is not very strong.

• The water is too heavy for his test.

• The flour will dent when the water drops on it.

• The flour will not dent if he drops water on it.

Multiple Choice

Lataya is studying a dollar bill. Which tool would be most useful if Lataya wants to see the tiny details on the dollar bill?

• telescope

• pan balance

• microscope

• spring scale

Multiple Choice

Sally arrives at home at 4:30 and knows that her mother does not get off of work until 5. Sally also sees that the lights are off in their house. Sally thinks that her mother is not home from work yet. What scientific tool did Sally use?

• communicating

• inferring

• comparing

• measuring

Multiple Choice

Shawna is studying two-types of fish for a project. She draws pictures of the fish. Which is an observation Shawna might make of the fish?

• The boxfish has a funny shape.

• Most people have seen pictures of the clown fish.

• People will laugh when they see the boxfish picture.

• The clown fish as stripes around its head, body, and tail.

Multiple Choice

Emily grew one plant on the window sill. She grew another plant inside a black plastic bag. She made a poster about how the plants grew. What does Emily's poster do?

• predicts the data

• classifies the data

• hypothesizes the data

• communicates the data

Multiple Choice

A procedure that can be repeated to collect data.

• experiment

• observation

• survey

Multiple Choice

A method of collecting data by watching people or events in a natural setting.

• experiment

• observation

• survey

Multiple Choice

The graph is an example of a....

• bar graph

• line plot

Multiple Choice

Kiera is planning an investigation of fossils that scientists have found where she lives in Florida. Which will be her best source of information?

• book about dinosaurs

• science dictionary

• local science museum

Multiple Choice

During gym class , Julia had an ice pack on one arm. You think she hurt one arm. What scientific skill you use?

• measuring

• inferring

• comparing

Multiple Choice

A tool used to measure the mass of an object is a _____________

• pan balance

• fan

• inference

Multiple Choice

Amara wants to compare close up views of different bird feathers. Which tool should he use?

• meterstick

• microscope

• pan balance

Multiple Choice

What would you use this map for?

• to locate the different biomes in Minnesota

• to find a river

• to figure out which animals live in the biomes in Minnesota

• to see what colors you would see in the biomes of Minnesota

Multiple Choice

To sort into categories based on an observation

• Classify/Order

• Inference

• Numbers

• Observe

Multiple Choice

What can you use to display your data?

• graphs, tables, coloring pages

• Pictures and words

• graphs, tables, or maps.

• Essay

Multiple Choice

What are useful tools for sharing information?

• Experiments

• Computers

• Talking

• Music

Multiple Choice

What information is NOT shown in this diagram of the solar system?

• the names of planets

• the order of the planets

• the path the planets travel in their orbit

• the distance between the planets

Multiple Choice

Which of the following describes the purpose of this diagram?

• to show the importance of watering plants

• to show how water accumulates

• to show the path and continuous movement of water on Earth

• to show how much rain can fall