wayground logo

Free Printable Worksheets

Font size

S
M
L
XL
Worksheets

nature of science ssa

Total questions: 108

Worksheet time: 4hrs 37mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Which one of the questions below is a Testable Question?

a)

What is gravity?

b)

How many stars are in the sky?

c)

Why does the Earth orbit the Sun?

d)

What color candle burns the fastest?

2.

Jasmine found a duck’s nest near the bushes beside the lake at the park on a Saturday. Jasmine wondered how long it will take for the eggs to hatch into ducklings.

What would be the BEST plan for Jasmine to use to find out the answer to her question?

a)

Observe the nest the following Saturday.

b)

Observe the nest once a day for a week.

c)

Observe the nest twice a day for a week.

d)

Observe the nest every day until the eggs hatch.

3.

The class is working with classes in other schools in Jacksonville to investigate the amount of rainfall in different parts of the city. Each class has the same type of rain gauge and the same type of data chart to use to record the rainfall each day.


What is another important step for all the classes to include in their procedure?

a)

Put the rain gauge in a grassy area at each school.

b)

Use the same color pen to record the rainfall data.

c)

Put the rain gauge next to the building at each school.

d)

Use the same schedule for measuring the amount of rainfall.

4.

Alexander has a new type of liquid fertilizer for his house plants. He wonders what solution of fertilizer and water will make his plants grow the tallest?


What is the best way to investigate the question?

a)

look in his gardening books

b)

interview the local nursery owner

c)

take a survey of people coming out of the nursery

d)

do an experiment with different amounts of fertilizer solutions

5.

Sonya wanted to know if mowing affects the health of grass during a drought. To find out, she collected data on how often her neighbors mowed their grass.


Based on the information she collected, what is the BEST next step?

a)

Report her findings to her neighbors.

b)

Develop a plan to save everyone's lawns.

c)

Stop her neighbors from mowing their lawns.

d)

Find out if other things might be affecting the grass.

6.

Thomas and Julie wanted to find out which material would insulate their teacher's coffee cup and keep the coffee hot for the longest period of time. They first wrapped her cup with bubble wrap and recorded the temperature of the coffee once every 15 minutes for 2 hours. They repeated the investigation, this time using newspaper instead of bubble wrap, but they got the same results for both materials.

What could they do to make sure their results are valid?

a)

Repeat their experiment.

b)

Use tea instead of coffee.

c)

Use a different thermometer.

d)

Conduct their investigation in a colder room.

7.

Brianna's class wants to determine if boys or girls recycled more paper each day. They set up separate recycling bins in the classroom and labeled them "Boys" and "Girls." The students then placed their paper items in the right bins.

Which of the following should the students do each day before emptying the bins?

a)

Make lists of the different types of paper in each bin.

b)

Count and record the number of paper items recycled in each bin.

c)

Make a list of which student recycled which paper item in each of the bins.

d)

Record their estimate of the number of times students placed items in each bin.

8.

Jonathan and Sarah have performed an experiment and are not sure their results are valid.


What should they do to check their results?

a)

average their data

b)

change their lab report

c)

perform a new experiment

d)

repeat the same experiment

9.

Jordan wants to find out if a hamster can learn a maze as quickly as a mouse can. She has researched mice and hamsters and predicts which rodent she thinks will learn more quickly. What should her next step be?

a)

analyze hamster behavior in the maze

b)

research how a rabbit would behave in a maze

c)

observe the behavior of both rodents in the maze

d)

make conclusions about rodent behavior in the maze

10.

A group in a scientific experiment that serves as a reference for comparison to the experimental group; a group that is untreated by the factor being tested.

a)

Control group

b)

Variable group

c)

hypothesis group

d)

I am Groot

11.

Four students are planning to do science projects. Only one of the projects is an experiment.


Which student is doing an experiment?

a)

Selene

b)

Walden

c)

My

d)

Sasha

12.

Isabella is deciding which of these to choose for her science project.

Which project is an experiment?

a)

exploring recent incidences of smallpox

b)

making a model of the respiratory system

c)

identifying the most absorbent type of paper towel

d)

recording images and calls of birds in local wetlands

13.

When Jacob was trimming a bush, he found a caterpillar. He put the branch with the caterpillar in a cage. He fed the caterpillar leaves from the plant. He watched it go

through metamorphosis.

What is the main difference between this activity and an

experiment?

a)

This activity is done under carefully controlled conditions

b)

No question is being investigated

c)

No observations are being made.

d)

An experiment is repeatable.

14.

Valeria wrote these observations about orange juice.

1. Fresh-squeezed orange juice is better than frozen orange juice.

2. Brand A orange juice contains more vitamin C than Brand B orange juice.

3. Orange juice is good frozen into ice pops.

4. My favorite breakfast drink is orange juice.


Which of Valeria’s statements can be tested with an experiment?

a)

Statement 1

b)

Statement 2

c)

Statement 3

d)

Statement 4

15.

John is measuring how adding salt to water changes the time it takes the water to boil. John concludes that water boils at a higher temperature when salt is added. Which of these observations is evidence to support Hoy's conclusion?

a)

Stirring the water made it boil faster.

b)

All of the salt did not dissolve in the water.

c)

The water with salt did not boil until the temperature was 104 °C (219 °F).

d)

Adding more salt may change the boiling temperature even quicker and to a greater degree.

16.

George is comparing the distances traveled by two toy cars. The cars have different masses, but the heights and lengths of the ramps are the same. What is the best reason for other people to repeat this experiment?

a)

to change the heights of the ramps

b)

to see whether they can get the same results

c)

to compare the prediction with the conclusion

d)

to check that the conclusion matches the evidence

17.

Mia and Jake investigated how the temperature in their school playground changes during the day. They measured the temperature every hour for six hours on the same day. The table shows their results. Why did they most likely have different results?

a)

They used two different thermometers.

b)

They measured the temperature too many times.

c)

They placed their thermometers in different areas.

d)

They investigated the temperature on only one day.

18.

The Bangs fifth grade students conducted an investigation. They planted seeds in small pots. Some pots were put in the window. Some pots were put in a box with a lid. Which of the questions can be answered from the results of this experiment?


a)

How much water do plants need in order to grow?

b)

Does light affect plant growth?

c)

Does the size of the pot change how the plant grows?

d)

How long does a plant light bulb last?

19.

Scientists use a problem they have defined and research from appropriate sources to form a ________________, or a hypothesis.

a)

Prediction

b)

Opinion

c)

Inference

d)

Guess

20.

A scientific investigation should only test _____ variable at a time.

a)

5

b)

2

c)

1

d)

3

21.

Which of these is an example of something you SHOULD do when performing a science experiment?

a)

Smell every chemical

b)

Wear safety goggles

c)

Wear loose clothing

d)

Use tools without permission

22.

Information from which a conclusion can be drawn from or a prediction can be made is called?

a)

Data

b)

Research

c)

Opinions

d)

Facts

23.

For a scientific conclusion to be valid, it must be based on ____________________ and sound reasoning, not opinion.

a)

Inference

b)

Guessing

c)

Observations

d)

Mr. Ragon's theories

24.

An ____________________ is something you find out about objects.

a)

Truth

b)

Their favorite food

c)

Observation

d)

Idea

25.

When a scientist examines random individuals from a population this is called?

a)

Singling Out

b)

Sampling

c)

Just wing it

d)

A hail mary

26.

The first step of the Scientific Method is?

a)

Ask a question

b)

Test your results

c)

Repeat your experiment

d)

State your hypothesis

27.

The ability to consistently repeat the same measurement or result is ____________________

a)

Accuracy

b)

Dumb Luck

c)

Precision

d)

Good Aim

28.

The ability to make a measurement or get a result as close to absolute value as possible is ____________________

a)

Accuracy

b)

Blind Luck

c)

Precision

d)

Annie Oakley

29.

A prediction (hypothesis) must be testable. Which prediction (hypothesis) is testable?

a)

Blue is the best color.

b)

Summer is nicer than fall.

c)

Dogs are better than cats.

d)

A beagle can jump higher than a Persian cat.

30.

Which one of the questions below is a Testable Question?

a)

What is gravity?

b)

How many stars are in the sky?

c)

Why does the Earth orbit the Sun?

d)

What color candle burns the fastest?

31.

Jasmine found a duck’s nest near the bushes beside the lake at the park on a Saturday. Jasmine wondered how long it will take for the eggs to hatch into ducklings.

What would be the BEST plan for Jasmine to use to find out the answer to her question?

a)

Observe the nest the following Saturday.

b)

Observe the nest once a day for a week.

c)

Observe the nest twice a day for a week.

d)

Observe the nest every day until the eggs hatch.

32.

This map was made on Tuesday.


What are meteorologists doing when they create storm tracks such as this one?

a)

Predicting

b)

Testing their ideas

c)

Explaining how a hurricane develops

d)

Gathering information to determine the strength of a hurricane

33.

Researchers at Florida International University surveyed people to find out how many would not evacuate if a hurricane were approaching.


In 1992, 18% would not evacuate. In 1999, 46% said they would not evacuate. How can scientists use this information?

a)

To predict where people go when they evacuate

b)

To explain why people choose not to evacuate

c)

To predict how many people will not evacuate

d)

To predict which route people will use to evacuate

34.

The class is working with classes in other schools in Jacksonville to investigate the amount of rainfall in different parts of the city. Each class has the same type of rain gauge and the same type of data chart to use to record the rainfall each day.


What is another important step for all the classes to include in their procedure?

a)

Put the rain gauge in a grassy area at each school.

b)

Use the same color pen to record the rainfall data.

c)

Put the rain gauge next to the building at each school.

d)

Use the same schedule for measuring the amount of rainfall.

35.

Alexander has a new type of liquid fertilizer for his house plants. He wonders what solution of fertilizer and water will make his plants grow the tallest?


What is the best way to investigate the question?

a)

look in his gardening books

b)

interview the local nursery owner

c)

take a survey of people coming out of the nursery

d)

do an experiment with different amounts of fertilizer solutions

36.

Jane is investigating to find out if bean plants grow taller in ordinary topsoil or special potting soil over a three week period. She sets up her investigation with 10 bean plants of equal size in each type of soil.


What should Jane do each day to make sure she gets valid results?

a)

Water only the plants in special potting soil.

b)

Calculate the average plant height for each soil type.

c)

Move the plants in ordinary topsoil to different locations.

d)

Estimate the height of each plant's stem and record the estimate.

37.

Sonya wanted to know if mowing affects the health of grass during a drought. To find out, she collected data on how often her neighbors mowed their grass.


Based on the information she collected, what is the BEST next step?

a)

Report her findings to her neighbors.

b)

Develop a plan to save everyone's lawns.

c)

Stop her neighbors from mowing their lawns.

d)

Find out if other things might be affecting the grass.

38.

Thomas and Julie wanted to find out which material would insulate their teacher's coffee cup and keep the coffee hot for the longest period of time. They first wrapped her cup with bubble wrap and recorded the temperature of the coffee once every 15 minutes for 2 hours. They repeated the investigation, this time using newspaper instead of bubble wrap, but they got the same results for both materials.

What could they do to make sure their results are valid?

a)

Repeat their experiment.

b)

Use tea instead of coffee.

c)

Use a different thermometer.

d)

Conduct their investigation in a colder room.

39.

Brianna's class wants to determine if boys or girls recycled more paper each day. They set up separate recycling bins in the classroom and labeled them "Boys" and "Girls." The students then placed their paper items in the right bins.

Which of the following should the students do each day before emptying the bins?

a)

Make lists of the different types of paper in each bin.

b)

Count and record the number of paper items recycled in each bin.

c)

Make a list of which student recycled which paper item in each of the bins.

d)

Record their estimate of the number of times students placed items in each bin.

40.

Kevin wanted to find out which of his toy cars, the Corvette or the Mustang, would roll downhill faster. He made a ramp by putting several books under one end of a board so that the board was slanted. Which would be the best way for him to perform his experiment?

a)

Roll each car down the ramp separately five times and estimate which car looked faster.

b)

Roll both cars down the ramp together one time and see which one gets to the bottom first.

c)

Roll each car down the ramp separately one time, and time them with the second hand on his watch.

d)

Roll both cars down the ramp together five times and record which gets to the bottom first each time.

41.

Jonathan and Sarah have performed an experiment and are not sure their results are valid.


What should they do to check their results?

a)

average their data

b)

change their lab report

c)

perform a new experiment

d)

repeat the same experiment

42.

The students in Miss Smith's class were using catapults to launch small and large marshmallows across the room. The table below shows the distances in centimeters (cm) that the marshmallows traveled. Which of the following statements best describes the students' data?

a)

Small marshmallows travel an average of 9 centimeters.

b)

Large marshmallows travel an average of more than 20 centimeters.

c)

On average, small marshmallows travel farther than large marshmallows.

d)

On average, large marshmallows go higher in the air than small marshmallows.

43.

During a recent drought, Sonya noticed some yards in her neighborhood were healthy and green, and some were mostly brown and dead. Sonya believes the difference has to do with how often her neighbors mow their grass.


What should Sonya do first to find out if she is right?

a)

Ask her neighbors to cut their grass on the same schedule.

b)

Study other neighborhoods to see if there are similar problems.

c)

Compare the neighbors' lawn mowers to see if there are similarities.

d)

Survey her neighbors about their mowing schedule and record the details.

44.

Jordan wants to find out if a hamster can learn a maze as quickly as a mouse can. She has researched mice and hamsters and predicts which rodent she thinks will learn more quickly. What should her next step be?

a)

analyze hamster behavior in the maze

b)

research how a rabbit would behave in a maze

c)

observe the behavior of both rodents in the maze

d)

make conclusions about rodent behavior in the maze

45.

Stephen and his classmates are going on a field trip to a nature preserve. His teacher has told the class that when they return to school, they will be required to give a report on their trip and the animals and plants they saw while walking through the preserve.

What is the BEST method Stephen can use to make sure he remembers everything he sees?

a)

He should bring a pad and pen to write down his observations.

b)

He should do research on the computer when he returns to class.

c)

He should ask his classmates to help him remember what he saw.

d)

He should look for a map of the nature preserve at the visitors' center.

46.

Avi is comparing two brands of batteries. He uses two identical flashlights to see which battery lasts longer. What is the best reason for this experiment to be repeated?

a)

to check whether the results are consistent

b)

to make sure the flashlights were not broken

c)

to check that no one turned off one of the flashlights

d)

to make a prediction about a different brand of battery

47.

Lauren is investigating the way plant stems transport liquids. She puts a white flower in a glass of water and then adds red food coloring to the water. She concludes that the

colored water moved up the stem to the flower petals. If the conclusion is correct, what should happen if Lauren repeats the experiment?

a)

She should get the same results

b)

She will follow a new procedure

c)

She should use a different kind of flower

d)

She will probably make different observations

48.

Manuel and Chris are investigating the kinds of flowers that attract butterflies. They took a survey of people who work at local garden shops and nurseries. What is the best reason they should take careful notes about how they carry out their survey?

a)

so they do not leave out any steps

b)

so they can take out answers they do not like

c)

so their conclusions can be checked with another survey

d)

so they can decide whether they want to finish

their investigation

49.

Edena compares the time of one back-and-forth swing for each of five pendulums. She concludes that the longest pendulum swings back and forth the most slowly.

However, she does not record the lengths of the strings, the times, or the masses she uses.

What is the best reason that the results of Edena’s experiment are not very useful?

a)

She did not decide if her hypothesis is supported.

b)

She did not write down a prediction before beginning.

c)

The experiment cannot be repeated to confirm her results

d)

The experiment should have tested different types of string

50.

Allison is studying constellations. On a clear night, she sketches the constellations she sees at different times. She concludes that the constellations appear to move in the

night sky. If this conclusion is correct, what should happen if Allison repeats the investigation?

a)

She should reach a new conclusion

b)

She should make similar observations

c)

She should choose different constellations

to study.

d)

She should form an opinion about her favorite

constellation.

51.

Yoshi is investigating the way surface area affects the evaporation of water. She pours the same amount of water into a shallow dish and into a tall, narrow jar. She

measures the volume of water left after a few days. What is the best reason for Yoshi to record her steps and results carefully?

a)

The experiment will still work if it is cloudy

b)

She does not need to do the experiment again

c)

No one else will have to carry out the experiment

d)

Another student can repeat the experiment to check the results

52.

Harry is investigating magnets. He wants to find out whether a magnet can pick up a paper clip through paper, glass, and other materials. What is the best reason for recording his steps and results carefully?

a)

No one will question his conclusions

b)

Someone else can repeat the experiment

c)

People might think he just made up the results

d)

He may not remember what materials he tested

53.

Lauri is comparing the forces needed to pull a toy car up a ramp at different heights. She uses stacks of books to change the height of the ramp and then she measures the

force with a spring scale.

What is the best reason for several other students to repeat

this experiment?

a)

to change the results

b)

to make a new prediction

c)

to get enough data for a graph

d)

to check that the results are correct

54.

Debbie is experimenting with static electricity. She rubs a balloon on the carpet and then records how long the balloon sticks to the wall.

What is the best reason another person should repeat this experiment?

a)

to make sure the results are accurate

b)

to find out if static electricity is dangerous

c)

to check that she did not use glue or tape

d)

to check that she recorded her data correctly

55.

Fred is experimenting with electrical circuits. He connects three bulbs to a battery using this set up. What is the best reason for Fred to make an accurate drawing of his experimental set up?

a)

so he will not get an electrical shock

b)

so that all three bulbs will light up together

c)

so someone else can repeat the experiment

d)

so he can make a prediction before he starts

56.

Vanka compared the water temperature in two beakers placed on different colors of paper. He found the temperature was higher in the beaker placed on dark paper.

Connie repeated Vanka’s experiment and got different results.

Which statement describes what most likely happened?

a)

Vanka is right, and Connie is wrong

b)

Connie is right, and Vanka is wrong

c)

One student made a mistake recording the data.

d)

One student did not follow established safety procedures

57.

Marshall adds ice to a jar of water and closes the top. After some time passes, he sees that drops of water form on the outside of the jar.

What is the best reason for another person to do the same experiment again?

a)

to try another procedure

b)

to get the results more quickly

c)

to see if the results are the same

d)

to make more careful measurements

58.

Hamil is investigating how adding salt to water changes the amount of time it takes water to boil. He concludes that it takes longer for the water containing salt to boil.

However, he does not record how long it took for the water to boil or the amounts of water and salt he used.

What is the best reason the results of Hamil’s investigation are not very useful?

a)

He did not record a prediction.

b)

Someone else might want to test a

different variable

c)

He did not use the correct safety procedures.

d)

Someone else could not repeat his experiment

to check his results

59.

Chim drew this picture of what he observed after putting a pencil in a glass of water.

He concluded that the light rays were bent as they passed from the air to the water.

Why should another student do the same experiment again?

a)

to make a new prediction

b)

to use pencils of different lengths

c)

to try water at a different temperature

d)

to check that the results are the same

60.

Suzanne is experimenting to find out what makes some objects float and others sink.

She fills an aquarium with water and tries many different objects. She tries to use

objects with about the same volume.

What is the best reason for Suzanne to describe the objects accurately?

a)

so she can make a graph

b)

so her experiment can be repeated

c)

so she does not use two objects that are

the same

d)

so she can compare her conclusion

with her prediction

61.
Jane is investigating to find out if bean plants grow taller in ordinary topsoil or special potting soil over a three week period. She sets up her investigation with 10 bean plants of equal size in each type of soil. 
What should Jane do each day to make sure she gets valid results?
a)
A.  Water only the plants in special potting soil.
b)
A.  Calculate the average plant height for each soil type.
c)
A.  Move the plants in ordinary topsoil to different locations.
d)
Estimate the height of each plant's stem and record the estimate 
62.
Sonya wanted to know if mowing affects the health of grass during a drought. To find out, she collected data on how often her neighbors mowed their grass.
Based on the information she collected, what is the BEST next step?
a)
Report her findings to her neighbors.
b)
Develop a plan to save everyone's lawns.
c)
Stop her neighbors from mowing their lawns
d)
Find out if other things might be affecting the grass.
63.
1)  Thomas and Julie wanted to find out which material would insulate their teacher's coffee cup and keep the coffee hot for the longest period of time. They first wrapped her cup with bubble wrap and recorded the temperature of the coffee once every 15 minutes for 2 hours. They repeated the investigation, this time using newspaper instead of bubble wrap, but they got the same results for both materials.  
What could they do to make sure their results are valid?
a)
Repeat their experiment.
b)
Use teas instead of coffee.
c)
Use a different thermometer.
d)
Conduct their investigation in a colder room. 
64.
1)  Brianna's class wants to determine if boys or girls recycled more paper each day. They set up separate recycling bins in the classroom and labeled them "Boys" and "Girls." The students then placed their paper items in the right bins.  
Which of the following should the students do each day before emptying the bins?
a)
Make lists of the different types of paper in each bin.
b)
Count and record the number of paper items recycled in each bin.  
c)
Make a list of which student recycled which paper item in each of the bins.
d)
Record their estimate of the number of times students placed items in each bin.
65.
1)  Kevin wanted to find out which of his toy cars, the Corvette or the Mustang, would roll downhill faster. He made a ramp by putting several books under one end of a board so that the board was slanted.
Which would be the best way for him to perform his experiment?
 
a)
Roll each car down the ramp separately five times and estimate which car looked faster.
b)
Roll both cars down the ramp together one time and see which one gets to the bottom first.  
c)
Roll each car down the ramp separately one time, and time them with the second hand on his watch.
d)
Roll both cars down the ramp together five times and record which gets to the bottom first each time.
66.
Jonathan and Sarah have performed an experiment and are not sure their results are valid.
What should they do to check their results?
a)
average their data
b)
change their lab report
c)
perform a new experiment
d)
repeat the same experiment
67.
The students in Miss Smith's class were using catapults to launch small and large marshmallows across the room. The table shows the distances in centimeters (cm) that the marshmallows traveled.
 of the following statements best describes the students' data?
a)
Small marshmallows travel an average of 9 centimeters
b)
Large marshmallows travel an average of more than 20 centimeters
c)
On average, small marshmallows travel farther than large marshmallows.
d)
A.  On average, large marshmallows go higher in the air than small marshmallows
68.
During a recent drought, Sonya noticed some yards in her neighborhood were healthy and green, and some were mostly brown and dead. Sonya believes the difference has to do with how often her neighbors mow their grass.
What should Sonya do first to find out if she is right?
a)
A.  Ask her neighbors to cut their grass on the same schedule.
b)
Study other neighborhoods to see if there are similar problems.
c)
A.  Compare the neighbors' lawn mowers to see if there are similarities.
d)
Survey her neighbors about their mowing schedule and record the details
69.
Jordan wants to find out if a hamster can learn a maze as quickly as a mouse can. She has researched mice and hamsters and predicts which rodent she thinks will learn more quickly.
What should her next step be?
a)
analyze hamster behavior in the maze
b)
A.  research how a rabbit would behave in a maze
c)
observe the behavior of both rodents in the maze
d)
A.  make conclusions about rodent behavior in the maze
70.
1)  Stephen and his classmates are going on a field trip to a nature preserve. His teacher has told the class that when they return to school, they will be required to give a report on their trip and the animals and plants they saw while walking through the preserve.  
What is the BEST method Stephen can use to make sure he remembers everything he sees?
a)
He should bring a pad and pen to write down his observations.
b)
He should do research on the computer when he returns to class.
c)
He should ask his classmates to help him remember what he saw.
d)
He should look for a map of the nature preserve at the visitors' center.
71.
For her science fair project, Marcy is investigating how levels of carbon dioxide affect plant growth. Which of the following is most important for Marcy to do?
a)
She needs to make sure her results match her predictions.
b)
She needs to make sure that her results contain both words and numbers
c)
She needs to make sure that the explanation of her results is based on evidence.
d)
She needs to make sure her results get published so that everyone can read them.
72.
Which of the following must be true for scientific results to be valid?
a)
The results must be drawn in a graph.
b)
The results should be based on evidence.
c)
The results should support the ideas of other scientists. 
d)
The results should match the predictions of the scientist.
73.
Kyle completes his science project for his 5th grade teacher by carrying out a scientific investigation.
Which statement about Kyle's investigation is true?
a)
Kyle's investigation must include observation and evidence.
b)
Kyle must have an investigation with steps that follow a set pattern.  
c)
Kyle's project is valid only if the teacher personally likes the results.
d)
Kyle must include all the steps of the scientific method for his results to be valid.
74.
When conducting an investigation, a scientist's main goal should be which of the following?
a)
The scientist should include his opinions in the results.
b)
The scientist should aim to become famous for his work.
c)
The scientist should follow a very specific scientific method.
d)
The scientist should aim to answer questions about the natural world.
75.
Which of the following questions could be answered by a scientific investigation?
a)
What color is the best to paint with?
b)
What animal makes a good pet?
c)
What is the best flavor of soft drink?
d)
What causes some metals to rust?
76.
Jose wants to create an excellent science fair project for the school competition. In order for his project to be valid, which of the following must happen?
a)
The project must include his beliefs
b)
The results must be based on evidence
c)
The project must prove his predictions correct
d)
The results must be based on personal opinion
77.
Which of the following statements about science is true?
a)
Science always contains the opinions of the investigator
b)
Science proves the predictions of scientists to be correct
c)
Science is based on observation or measurement that answers a question
d)
Science answers all questions using strict rules called the scientific method
78.
Which of the following is the main purpose of a scientific investigation?
a)
to prove a scientific law
b)
to determine the investigator's opinion
c)
A.  to answer questions about the natural world
d)
to support results from previous investigations
79.
Which of the following should be a goal of a scientific investigation?
a)
to help the scientist make money
b)
to make sure the scientist is correct
c)
to help the scientist solve a problem
d)
A.  to make sure other scientists are incorrect
80.
Ellie conducts an investigation to determine if size or weight affect how fast objects fall. Her investigation includes repeatedly dropping a basketball and a golf ball at the same time. After many trials, she determines that both balls land at the exact same time.  
Why would Ellie's investigation be valid?
a)
It includes her opinion
b)
it is based on evidence
c)
it uses objects that move
d)
it proves her predictions are correct
81.

Avi is comparing two brands of batteries. He uses two identical flashlights to see which battery lasts longer. What is the best reason for this experiment to be repeated?

a)

to check whether the results are consistent

b)

to make sure the flashlights were not broken

c)

to check that no one turned off one of the flashlights

d)

to make a prediction about a different brand of battery

82.

Edena compares the time of one back-and-forth swing for each of five pendulums. She concludes that the longest pendulum swings back and forth the most slowly.

However, she does not record the lengths of the strings, the times, or the masses she uses.

What is the best reason that the results of Edena’s experiment are not very useful?

a)

She did not decide if her hypothesis is supported.

b)

She did not write down a prediction before beginning.

c)

The experiment cannot be repeated to confirm her results

d)

The experiment should have tested different types of string

83.

Allison is studying constellations. On a clear night, she sketches the constellations she sees at different times. She concludes that the constellations appear to move in the

night sky. If this conclusion is correct, what should happen if Allison repeats the investigation?

a)

She should reach a new conclusion

b)

She should make similar observations

c)

She should choose different constellations

to study.

d)

She should form an opinion about her favorite

constellation.

84.

Harry is investigating magnets. He wants to find out whether a magnet can pick up a paper clip through paper, glass, and other materials. What is the best reason for recording his steps and results carefully?

a)

No one will question his conclusions

b)

Someone else can repeat the experiment

c)

People might think he just made up the results

d)

He may not remember what materials he tested

85.

Vanka compared the water temperature in two beakers placed on different colors of paper. He found the temperature was higher in the beaker placed on dark paper.

Connie repeated Vanka’s experiment and got different results.

Which statement describes what most likely happened?

a)

Vanka is right, and Connie is wrong

b)

Connie is right, and Vanka is wrong

c)

One student made a mistake recording the data.

d)

One student did not follow established safety procedures

86.

For her science fair project, Marcy is investigating how levels of carbon dioxide affect plant growth. Which of the following is most important for Marcy to do?

a)

She needs to make sure her results match her predictions.

b)

She needs to make sure that her results contain both words and numbers.

c)

She needs to make sure that the explanation of her results is based on evidence.

d)

She needs to make sure her results get published so that everyone can read them

87.

Which of the following must be true for scientific results to be valid?

a)

The results should be drawn in a graph.

b)

The results should be based on evidence.

c)

The results should support the ideas of other scientists.

d)

The results should support the ideas of other scientists.

88.

Kyle completes his science project for his 5th grade teacher by carrying out a scientific investigation. Which statement about Kyle's investigation is true?

a)

Kyle's investigation must include observation and evidence.

b)

Kyle must have an investigation with steps that follow a set pattern.

c)

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

d)

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

89.

When conducting an investigation, a scientist's main goal should be which of the following?

a)

The scientist should include his opinions in the results.

b)

The scientist should aim to become famous for his work.

c)

The scientist should follow a very specific scientific method.

d)

The scientist should aim to answer questions about the natural world

90.

Which of the following questions could be answered by a scientific investigation?

a)

What color is the best to paint with?

b)

What animal makes a good pet?

c)

What is the best flavor of soft drink?

d)

What causes some metals to rust?

91.

Jose wants to create an excellent science fair project for the school competition. In order for his project to be valid, which of the following must happen?

a)

The project must include his beliefs.

b)

The results must be based on evidence

c)

The project must prove his predictions correct.

d)

The results must be based on personal opinion.

92.

Jose wants to create an excellent science fair project for the school competition. In order for his project to be valid, which of the following must happen?

a)

The project must include his beliefs.

b)

The results must be based on evidence

c)

The project must prove his predictions correct.

d)

The results must be based on personal opinion.

93.

Which of the following statements about science is true?

a)

Science always contains the opinions of the investigator.

b)

Science proves the predictions of scientists to be correct.

c)

Science is based on observation or measurement that answers a question.

d)

Science answers all questions using strict rules called the scientific method.

94.

Ellie conducts an investigation to determine if size or weight affect how fast objects fall. Her investigation includes repeatedly dropping a basketball and a golf ball at the same time. After many trials, she determines that both balls land at the exact same time. Why would Ellie's investigation be valid?

a)

It includes her opinion.

b)

It is based on evidence.

c)

It uses objects that move.

d)

It proves her predictions are correct

95.

Sam wanted to learn how much a green buttonwood bush might

grow in a month. Every day, she took notes on three green

buttonwood bushes in a row in her garden. Which of her notes is a

personal opinion?

a)

The bush on the left does not seem to have grown as much as the

other two.

b)

The bush in the middle has grown by one inch.

c)

All of the bushes grew two inches in the past week.

d)

The bush on the right has three new shoots today.

96.

Amber saw a hummingbird feeding in her backyard. She left out three

different substances to determine which one it would try. She made notes

as she watched the hummingbird. Which of her notes is evidence?

a)

The hummingbird drank the sugar water more slowly than the plain

water.

b)

The hummingbird drank all of the sugar water.

c)

The hummingbird guarded the sugar water.

d)

The hummingbird bathered in the sugar water but drank the plain water.

97.

Amber saw a hummingbird feeding in her backyard. She left out three

different substances to determine which one it would try. She made notes

as she watched the hummingbird. Which of her notes is evidence?

a)

The hummingbird drank the sugar water more slowly than the plain

water.

b)

The hummingbird drank all of the sugar water.

c)

The hummingbird guarded the sugar water.

d)

The hummingbird bathered in the sugar water but drank the plain water.

98.

A Scientist wanted to determine how long it would take to charge a

new type of battery. He placed the battery in a charger and noted his

observations. Which of his notes is a personal opinion?

a)

The charging process was fully effective.

b)

After four hours, the battery was no longer charging.

c)

The charging process took a long time.

d)

After two hours, the battery was 90% charged.

99.

Mr. Capo observed how a species of dragonfly laid eggs. Which of his

observations is a personal opinion?

a)

Adult dragonflies lay eggs underwater.

b)

Adult dragonflies are in an awkward position when they lay eggs.

c)

Adult dragonflies sometimes land on floating plants before they lay

eggs.

d)

Adult dragonflies lay eggs underwater.

100.

Arnella sometimes leaves bread pieces on her bird feeder for the robins to eat. She is trying to determine which type of bread—rye, wheat, or white—robins like. She hypothesized that robins like wheat bread more than other types of bread. Arnella places equal amounts of each bread on the bird feeder. What information would help determine if her hypothesis is correct?

a)

when the robins come to eat

b)

how many robins come to eat

c)

which type of bread is gone first

d)

how long until all the bread is gone

101.

Julie had four bottles. She wanted to know which bottle could hold the most water. Julie found the mass of each bottle when it was empty. Then she found the mass of each bottle when it was full of water. She recorded the following results. Which bottle held the most water?

a)

1

b)

2

c)

3

d)

4

102.

Philip observed that more fireflies appeared at his campsite than his

sister’s campsite. She did not believe him. Which is the best way for

Philip to prove to his sister that he is correct?

a)

Trap the fireflies at each campsite in a jar on one night.

b)

Observe and record how many fireflies are at each campsite every night for a week.

c)

Attract more fireflies to his campsite each night.

d)

Use an insect repellent at her campsite to keep the fireflies away.

103.

Philip observed that more fireflies appeared at his campsite than his

sister’s campsite. She did not believe him. Which is the best way for

Philip to prove to his sister that he is correct?

a)

Trap the fireflies at each campsite in a jar on one night.

b)

Observe and record how many fireflies are at each campsite every night for a week.

c)

Attract more fireflies to his campsite each night.

d)

Use an insect repellent at her campsite to keep the fireflies away.

104.

Curious Carl conducted an experiment on the eating habits of black bears. While living in the woods, Carl was able to record the daily diet of five bears. After a year of observation, Carl summarized his findings in the graph.


Which statement is an observation rather than an inference?

a)

Land animals were more abundant than fish.

b)

The bears ate more large animals than fish.

c)

Given a choice, bears would rather eat plants.

d)

Rodents were hard for the bears to find and catch.

105.

Hannah wants to know which items are attracted to magnets. She decides to conduct an experiment to test a silver crayon, a metal screw, a cotton ball, a bookmark, and a paper clip. Before she investigates, she makes a prediction. She predicts that the silver crayon, the metal screw, and the paper clip will be attracted to the magnet. After conducting her experiment, Hannah finds out that only the metal screw and the paper clip were attracted to the magnet.


What reason MOST LIKELY explains Hannah's prediction that the silver crayon would be attracted to the magnet?

a)

The silver crayon is made of iron.

b)

The silver crayon is made of nickel.

c)

The crayon is silver, which is the color of a metal.

d)

She had tried this experiment before using a crayon.

106.

Maya's father told her that hummingbirds like to drink the nectar from red flowers. Maya noticed that most of the hummingbird feeders in the store were made of red plastic, and wondered if what her father said was true.


She decided to conduct an experiment to see if hummingbirds really preferred red to other colors. Maya hung three bottles, upside-down, in her garden. One was red, one was green, and the last one was clear. She filled the bottles with the same sugar solution and screwed a drip nozzle into each one.


Then she waited and watched.


Maya counted twelve hummingbirds and all twelve flew to the red feeder for food. What can we conclude from Maya's results?

a)

Hummingbirds are color blind.

b)

Hummingbirds respond to flower color.

c)

Hummingbirds will eat from all flowers.

d)

Maya's father was not correct about hummingbirds.

107.
  1. 3. Ali and Harmony learned that sound travels through some materials faster than others. They fill an aquarium with water and then tap spoons together underwater to make a sound. Then they tap the spoons together in the air. Which of the following best describes what the class is doing?

a)

A.    forming opinions

b)

B.    making predictions

c)

C.    making observations

d)

D.    drawing conclusions

108.

John's class has done an investigation using pendulums with different numbers of weights tied to the end of the strings. They counted and recorded the number of complete swings each pendulum made in a 30 second period and completed ten trials for each of the three different weights.

Which of the following objects will the students better understand because of what they have observed during this investigation?

a)

an automobile

b)

a crane

c)

a microwave

d)

a swing set