Big Idea 1 & 2

Rory completes his science project on rocks for his fifth grade teacher by carrying out a scientific investigation. Which statement about Rory's investigation is true?

• Rory's investigation must include observations and evidence.

• Rory's project is valid only if the teacher personally likes the results.

• Rory must have an investigation with a prediction that matches his results.

• Rory must include all the steps of the scientific method for his results to be valid.

Tags

NGSS.4-ESS2-1

NGSS.5-PS1-3

Which rock’s description on the rock cards is an inference and NOT an observation? 

• gneiss

• granite

• sandstone

• conglomerate

A group of farmers worked with scientists at the local university to find an inexpensive solution to protect the rich soil of their farmland from erosion by water due to rain and irrigation. They set up their investigation in four sections of farmland located next to each other with the following variables in place meant to slow the amount of erosion.When the group finished their investigation, they published their detailed procedures and conclusions.

Why was it important for the group to publish their procedures and conclusions from their investigation? 

• So other farmers are able to decide which crop to plant.

• So other scientists are able to replicate the investigation.

• So other farmers are able to grow crops in their own section.

• So other scientists are able to record the amount of watering that occurred.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-1

NGSS.MS-ETS1-2

Sara is investigating the growth of ryegrass seeds for her science fair project. She plants half the seeds in sand and the other half in soil. The seeds begin to grow. What should Sara do next? 

• Sara should research how ryegrass grows.

• Sara should interpret the data she collected.

• Sara should keep accurate records of her observations.

• Sara should predict why the seeds might grow differently.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Thomas and Julie wanted to find out which material would insulate their teacher's coffee cup in order to keep the coffee hot for the longest period of time. First they wrapped her cup with bubble wrap and recorded the temperature of the coffee once every 15 minutes for 2 hours. Next, they wrapped the cup with newspaper and followed the same procedure. After analyzing the data, they concluded the results were the same for both materials. What could they do to make sure their results are valid?

• Use all the steps of the scientific method.

• Change the procedure and repeat the investigation.

• Use a different thermometer to measure the temperature.

• Keep the procedure the same and repeat the investigation.

Throughout history, scientists, including astronomers, have repeatedly observed and recorded the pattern and relationship of movement between the Sun and the Earth. The Earth rotates on its axis and therefore the Sun appears to rise in the east and set in the west every day causing day and night. Which method of investigation will present-day scientists most likely use to study this pattern for comparison with past scientists findings? 

• They will repeatedly observe and record their observations.

• They will strictly follow the steps of The Scientific Method.

• They will repeat experimental trials and record their observations.

• Scientists no longer investigate the relationship between the Sun and the Earth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

 Which statement is a scientific observation of the picture from Chapter 2? 

• The boot weighs a lot. 

• The boot is colored white.

• The boot print is not smooth.

• The temperature of the boot is very cold.

 A teacher writes the following note on a student’s experimental design: “You did not identify a control group for your experiment.” Why is it important for a scientist to identify a control group for their experiment? 

• A control group is required to keep every variable the same.

• A control group is required because it is the variable you are testing.

• A control group is required to follow all the steps of the scientific method.

• A control group is required to compare what you are testing to what normally occurs.

How are activities 1, 2, and 3 the same?

• They all require making observations.

• They all involve the force of magnetism. 

• They all follow the exact steps of the scientific method.

• They all have questions answered using control groups.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

Max and Shane are carrying out a scientific investigation. The main goal of scientists conducting investigations is which of the following?

• to become famous for their work

• to include opinions in their results

• to answer questions about the natural world

• to follow every step of the scientific method during every investigation

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-1