STEAM CER and the Scientific Method Final

During a science fair, Kanisia and Kyle are explaining their experiment results. Which part of their scientific explanation states what they believe or have found?

• Claim

• Evidence

• Reasoning

• Hypothesis

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'Claim' because it represents what you believe or have found in a scientific explanation. Evidence supports the claim, while reasoning connects the claim to the evidence.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

The first step Malachi and Gigi should take in the scientific method when they notice that the plants in their classroom are growing at different rates is to (a)   .

• Form a hypothesis
• Analyze data
• Ask a question or identify a proble
• Draw a conclusion

Answer explanation

The first step in the scientific method is to ask a question or identify a problem. This step lays the foundation for further investigation and experimentation.

Kelvin and Nalah are conducting an experiment to see if plants grow faster with music. A hypothesis for their experiment is best defined as a (a)   .

• A summary of results
• A testable prediction
• A list of materials
• A proven fact

Answer explanation

A hypothesis is best defined as a testable prediction about the relationship between variables. It is not a summary of results, a list of materials, or a proven fact, making 'A testable prediction' the correct choice.

Match each part of the CER framework with its correct description.

• Claim

• The final conclusion

• Conclusion

• The explanation of why something happened

• Evidence

• The data or observations that support the claim

• Reasoning

• The question being investigated

Answer explanation

In the CER framework, 'Evidence' specifically refers to the data or observations that support the claim. This is crucial for validating the claim made in the argument.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-3

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

After Autumn and Tyrell conduct an experiment to test their hypothesis about plant growth, which step in the scientific method should they do next?

• Forming a hypothesis

• Analyzing results

• Making a claim

• Asking a question

Answer explanation

After conducting an experiment, the next step in the scientific method is analyzing results. This involves examining the data collected to draw conclusions and determine if the hypothesis is supported.

Jaylan and Zaniya are conducting a science experiment and have made a claim based on their results. What is the main purpose of reasoning in their scientific explanation?

• To list the materials used

• To connect the evidence to the claim

• To state the hypothesis

• To describe the experiment

Answer explanation

The main purpose of reasoning in a scientific explanation is to connect the evidence to the claim, demonstrating how the evidence supports the conclusion drawn from the hypothesis.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

Match each statement with the type of information it represents in a scientific experiment about how sunlight affects plant growth.

• A general scientific fact about plant growth.

• The average height of plants in sunlight was 15 cm.

• A measurement or observation collected during the experiment.

• Plants need sunlight to grow.

• A scientific explanation related to the experiment.

• I think plants grow faster in sunlight.

• A personal opinion or prediction about the experiment.

• Sunlight is important for photosynthesis.

Answer explanation

The average height of plants in sunlight was 15 cm provides measurable data from the experiment, making it a clear example of evidence. The other options are statements or opinions, not direct evidence.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Trinitee writes, "If I water plants with salt water, then they will grow less than plants watered with fresh water." This is an example of a (a)   in the scientific method.

• Claim
• Hypothesis
• Evidence
• Conclusion

Answer explanation

The statement made by the student is a testable prediction about the effect of salt water on plant growth compared to fresh water. This is characteristic of a hypothesis, which proposes a relationship that can be investigated.

Gigi and Kelvin conducted an experiment to see how different amounts of sunlight affect plant growth. Which of the following best describes how they should analyze their experimental results?

• Make a guess about what will happen

• Organize and interpret the data collected

• Write a summary of the experiment

• List the materials used

Answer explanation

To analyze experimental results, it is essential to organize and interpret the data collected. This step allows for understanding patterns and drawing conclusions, which is crucial for evaluating the experiment's outcomes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Zaniya observes that a metal nail rusts faster in water than in air. Which is the best claim Zaniya can make?

• Water is wet.

• Metal nails rust faster in water than in air.

• Rust is brown.

• Air contains oxygen.

Answer explanation

The student can claim that metal nails rust faster in water than in air, as this observation directly supports the conclusion about the conditions affecting rusting. The other options do not address the student's observation.