ACT Science

A researcher conducted an experiment to determine the effect of different light intensities on the growth of a particular plant species. The data table below shows the average height of plants after 30 days under various light conditions: | Light Intensity (lux) | Average Height (cm) | |-----------------------|---------------------| | 500 | 15 | | 1000 | 20 | | 1500 | 22 | | 2000 | 24 | | 2500 | 23 | Based on the data, what light intensity promotes the maximum growth of the plants?

• 500 lux

• 1000 lux

• 1500 lux

• 2000 lux

• 2500 lux

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

In the same experiment mentioned above, if a researcher hypothesizes that increasing light intensity continuously increases plant growth, how does the data support or refute this hypothesis?

• Supports, as plant height increases with light intensity up to 2500 lux

• Refutes, as plant height does not increase beyond 2000 lux

• Supports, as plant height decreases with light intensity

• Refutes, as there is no clear pattern in plant growth with different light intensities

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Consider an experiment where two variables are tested: soil type and amount of water for growing tomatoes. The researcher keeps the amount of light constant. Which of the following is the dependent variable?

• Amount of light

• Soil type

• Amount of water

• Growth of tomatoes

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

A study involves testing the effect of four different fertilizers on rose plant growth. The hypothesis states that fertilizer C will significantly enhance growth compared to others. After conducting the experiment, the following results were recorded for the average height increase: | Fertilizer | Average Height Increase (cm) | |------------|------------------------------| | A | 5 | | B | 7 | | C | 10 | | D | 6 | Which fertilizer contradicts the hypothesis?

• A

• B

• C

• D

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

A data table shows the pH levels of soil and the corresponding growth rate of bean plants. If a student needs to predict the growth rate at a pH of 6.5 based on a trend, what type of reasoning is primarily being used?

• Deductive reasoning

• Inductive reasoning

• Hypothetical reasoning

• Analytical reasoning

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

In an experiment to determine the optimal temperature for yeast fermentation, the following data was collected: | Temperature (°C) | Fermentation Rate (units) | |------------------|---------------------------| | 20 | 50 | | 25 | 75 | | 30 | 100 | | 35 | 90 | | 40 | 80 | What is the optimal temperature for yeast fermentation according to the data?

• 20°C

• 25°C

• 30°C

• 35°C

• 40°C

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Given the same data on yeast fermentation, if a student hypothesizes that fermentation rate increases linearly with temperature, what does the data suggest about this hypothesis?

• Supports, as the rate increases with each increment

• Refutes, as the rate peaks and then decreases

• Supports, as the rate doubles with each increment

• Refutes, as there is no consistent pattern

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

In a controlled experiment, a biologist studies the impact of different amounts of sunlight on the life span of a certain type of algae. If the biologist keeps the water temperature and nutrient levels constant, which of the following is an independent variable?

• Amount of sunlight

• Water temperature

• Nutrient levels

• Life span of algae

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

A researcher claims that a new supplement significantly increases the cognitive abilities of students. To test this, a random sample of students is divided into two groups: one receiving the supplement and the other a placebo. After a month, both groups are tested using a standard cognitive assessment tool. The results are as follows: | Group | Average Score | |-------------|---------------| | Supplement | 82 | | Placebo | 80 | What conclusion can be drawn about the hypothesis based on the data provided?

• The supplement has a significant effect on cognitive abilities.

• The supplement has no effect on cognitive abilities.

• The supplement decreases cognitive abilities.

• More data is needed to draw a conclusion.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

A table shows the average daily temperatures and the number of visitors at a park. If a student is asked to determine the relationship between temperature and visitor numbers, what type of analysis are they performing?

• Causal analysis

• Comparative analysis

• Correlational analysis

• Descriptive analysis

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept