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DC CAPE 2.0 Science Grade 5 study materials
DC CAPE 2.0 Science Grade 5 study resources

DC CAPE 2.0 Science Grade 5 practice questions

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Question 1Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A student notices that a puddle on the playground shrinks during the day and is gone by evening. Which question could the student investigate with a fair test?

  1. Is the playground more fun when puddles are gone?
  2. Should puddles be allowed on playgrounds?
  3. Why is water wet?
  4. Does the size of the puddle change when the Sun is out? Correct answer.

Explanation

A testable question can be answered by collecting measurable evidence, such as puddle size under different conditions. Questions about why water is wet, personal preference, or rules cannot be answered by a classroom investigation.

Question 2Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A class wants to find out whether bean plants grow taller in sunlight or in shade. Which plan is a fair test?

  1. Give one plant sunlight and the other shade, keeping water and soil the same. Correct answer.
  2. Ask classmates which plant they think will grow taller.
  3. Put both plants in sunlight but measure only one of them.
  4. Give one plant sunlight and extra water and the other shade and less water.

Explanation

A fair test changes only one variable, the amount of light, while keeping other conditions such as water and soil the same. Changing more than one factor makes it impossible to know which factor caused the result.

Question 3Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A student measures the length of a shadow every hour from morning to afternoon. Which tool is best for this measurement?

  1. A balance scale
  2. A metric ruler Correct answer.
  3. A thermometer
  4. A stopwatch

Explanation

Length is measured with a ruler or meter stick marked in units such as centimeters. Thermometers measure temperature, balances measure mass, and stopwatches measure time.

Question 4Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A student drops a ball from the same height three times and records bounce heights of 40 cm, 41 cm, and 40 cm. What does this pattern most likely show?

  1. The height of the drop was changing.
  2. The ruler was broken.
  3. The ball never bounces.
  4. The measurements are consistent and reliable. Correct answer.

Explanation

Repeated measurements that are close together suggest the results are consistent and can be trusted. Small differences of about a centimeter are normal variation in measurement.

Question 5Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

Which statement is an observation rather than an inference?

  1. The rock has green patches on its surface. Correct answer.
  2. The rock formed under a volcano.
  3. The rock was carried here by a glacier.
  4. The rock is very old.

Explanation

An observation describes something you can directly see, hear, or measure. An inference is an explanation or conclusion based on observations but not directly observed.

Question 6Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A team builds a model of a river system using a tilted tray, soil, and water poured at the top. What is the main purpose of this model?

  1. To prove the exact speed of real rivers
  2. To measure the temperature of river water
  3. To show how water moves and shapes the land Correct answer.
  4. To replace all field observations of rivers

Explanation

Models represent key features of a real system so you can study how it works, such as how flowing water erodes and deposits soil. A model cannot perfectly match a real river or replace real observations.

Question 7Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A student predicts that a paper airplane will fly farther if more mass is added to its nose. What should the student do next?

  1. Ask a friend to guess the answer.
  2. Change the wing shape and nose mass at the same time.
  3. Test the airplane with different nose masses and measure flight distance. Correct answer.
  4. Decide the prediction is true without testing it.

Explanation

A prediction becomes useful when it is tested by changing one variable and measuring the outcome. Changing several things at once would make the results hard to interpret.

Question 8Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

Two students disagree about which paper towel absorbs more water. What is the best way to settle the disagreement?

  1. Use the towel with the brighter color
  2. Choose the towel that feels softer
  3. Run a controlled test and compare the results Correct answer.
  4. Let the taller student decide

Explanation

Scientific disagreements are resolved with evidence from fair tests that others could repeat. Personal traits or appearances are not evidence about absorbency.

Question 9Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A student wants to know if earthworms prefer wet or dry soil. Which observation would best answer the question?

  1. Reading a book about worm colors
  2. Counting worms in wet and dry soil samples kept side by side Correct answer.
  3. Measuring the length of one worm
  4. Asking whether classmates like worms

Explanation

The question is about a preference, which can be tested by giving worms a choice and counting how many go to each condition. Counting worms in each soil type provides evidence about the preference.

Question 10Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A student records that a cup of hot water cools from 80°C to 60°C in 10 minutes and to 45°C in 20 minutes. Which conclusion is best supported?

  1. The water cools quickly at first and then more slowly. Correct answer.
  2. The thermometer cannot measure hot water.
  3. The water gains heat over time.
  4. The water temperature stays the same.

Explanation

The first 10 minutes show a 20°C drop, while the next 10 minutes show only a 15°C drop. Comparing the changes shows the cooling rate slows as the water gets closer to room temperature.

Question 11Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A bar graph shows that plant height increased each week for four weeks. Which statement is a reasonable interpretation of the graph?

  1. The plant needed no water to grow.
  2. The plant grew shorter each week.
  3. The plant stopped growing after week one.
  4. The plant grew taller over the four weeks. Correct answer.

Explanation

A graph that rises each week shows an increasing value, which here means greater height over time. Interpretations must match the direction and pattern shown in the data.

Question 12Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A class tests how far a toy car rolls on carpet, wood, and tile. They use the same car and the same push each time. Why do they use the same push?

  1. To keep the starting force the same so only the surface changes Correct answer.
  2. To make the car heavier on each surface
  3. To change two variables at once
  4. To make the test take longer

Explanation

Controlling the push keeps the force constant so any difference in distance can be attributed to the surface. Only the variable being tested should change between trials.

Question 13Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A student's model of the solar system places the planets in a straight line at equal distances. Which limitation should the student note?

  1. The model cannot show that planets exist.
  2. The model uses too many colors.
  3. Models should never be used in science.
  4. Real planets are not equally spaced or lined up. Correct answer.

Explanation

A good scientific model should be evaluated for how well it matches reality. Real planets orbit at different distances and are not arranged in a straight line, so the model oversimplifies spacing and position.

Question 14Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A student claims, "Ice melts faster in salt water than in fresh water." Which evidence would best support this claim?

  1. Timing how long equal ice cubes take to melt in each liquid Correct answer.
  2. Asking which liquid looks colder
  3. Weighing the containers before adding ice
  4. Measuring the color of each liquid

Explanation

The claim is about melting rate, so evidence must measure how quickly ice melts under each condition. Timing equal ice cubes provides a direct comparison.

Question 15Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

During a shadow investigation, a student records shadow lengths of 12 cm, 8 cm, and 4 cm at three times of day. What pattern do the data show?

  1. The shadows get shorter over the recorded times. Correct answer.
  2. The shadows stay the same length.
  3. The shadows get longer over the recorded times.
  4. The shadows disappear completely.

Explanation

The values decrease from 12 cm to 8 cm to 4 cm, showing a pattern of shortening shadows. Reading the numbers in order reveals the trend.

Question 16Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A student wants to know which brand of paper towel holds the most water. Which procedure gives the most reliable comparison?

  1. Test only the brand the student likes
  2. Test three sheets of each brand and average the results Correct answer.
  3. Test sheets of different sizes for each brand
  4. Test one sheet of each brand once

Explanation

Multiple trials reduce the effect of random variation, and averaging gives a more reliable comparison. Using equal-sized sheets also keeps the test fair.

Question 17Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

Two groups investigate how sunlight affects plant growth and get different results. What is the best next step?

  1. Pick the result that matches the hypothesis
  2. Compare procedures to find differences in how the tests were done Correct answer.
  3. Ignore both results and start over
  4. Assume one group made up its data

Explanation

When results disagree, scientists check whether procedures, materials, or measurements differed between the tests. Comparing methods helps explain the discrepancy before drawing conclusions.

Question 18Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A student observes that a metal spoon in hot soup gets warm while a plastic spoon stays cooler. Which question best follows from this observation?

  1. Why do people use spoons to eat soup?
  2. How many spoons are in a kitchen drawer?
  3. Which materials allow heat to move through them more easily? Correct answer.
  4. What color is the soup?

Explanation

Good scientific questions grow from observations and can be tested. The observation about heat transfer suggests a testable question about how different materials conduct heat.

Question 19Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A class builds a model of a watershed using a sloped tray, soil, and a spray bottle. Which change would best improve the model's ability to show pollution spreading?

  1. Adding a few drops of washable color to the soil at one spot Correct answer.
  2. Removing the soil from the tray
  3. Using a larger spray bottle
  4. Painting the tray a brighter color

Explanation

A model should be changed to represent the feature being studied. Colored drops act as a visible pollutant that shows how water carries material through the watershed.

Question 20Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A student measures the mass of a rock three times and gets 52 g, 52 g, and 71 g. What is the most reasonable conclusion?

  1. The rock's mass is exactly 71 g.
  2. The balance cannot measure rocks.
  3. The 71 g reading is likely an error and should be rechecked. Correct answer.
  4. The rock's mass changed each time.

Explanation

Two measurements agree closely while one is far off, which suggests an outlier likely caused by a measurement mistake. Rechecking the outlier is the appropriate response.

Question 21Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A student wants to know whether the shape of a boat affects how much mass it can float. Which is the independent variable?

  1. The amount of mass added
  2. The temperature of the room
  3. The type of water used
  4. The shape of the boat Correct answer.

Explanation

The independent variable is the one the investigator deliberately changes, which here is the boat's shape. The mass the boat can hold before sinking is the outcome being measured.

Question 22Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A class finds that seeds watered with 10 mL sprouted faster than seeds watered with 30 mL. Before concluding that less water is better, what should the class consider?

  1. Whether the cups were the same brand
  2. Whether the seeds were the same color
  3. Whether other amounts of water or other conditions were tested Correct answer.
  4. Whether the students liked the experiment

Explanation

A conclusion is stronger when the range of conditions tested is known. Testing only two amounts limits how far the results can be generalized, so more amounts and controlled conditions should be considered.

Question 23Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

Two students argue about whether a toy car will roll farther down a steeper ramp. Which response best reflects scientific argumentation?

  1. Insist the steeper ramp wins because it looks faster
  2. Flip a coin to decide who is correct
  3. Test ramps at several heights and compare the distances rolled Correct answer.
  4. Refuse to test because both are sure they are right

Explanation

Scientific argumentation relies on evidence from fair tests that can be repeated. Testing several ramp heights provides data to compare and supports a conclusion.

Question 24Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A student's data table shows that a plant given fertilizer grew 2 cm more than a plant without fertilizer, but the fertilized plant also received more sunlight. What is the best critique of the conclusion that fertilizer caused the extra growth?

  1. Two variables changed, so the cause of the difference cannot be determined. Correct answer.
  2. The data should be ignored because plants are living things.
  3. The conclusion is valid because fertilizer always helps plants.
  4. The conclusion is valid because the fertilized plant grew more.

Explanation

When two variables change at once, the result cannot be attributed to just one of them. The extra sunlight is a confounding factor, so a fair test would keep light the same.

Question 25Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A class models a food web with string connecting students. When one student lets go, several others feel the string go slack. What does this model best demonstrate?

  1. That changes to one part of a food web can affect other parts Correct answer.
  2. That food webs never change
  3. That string is the best material for all models
  4. That each organism lives alone

Explanation

The connected strings represent feeding relationships, so loosening one shows how a change in one population can ripple through the system. Models highlight relationships that might be hard to see in nature.

Question 26Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A student watches a puddle shrink during a sunny afternoon and wants to know why. Which action is the best first step in a scientific investigation?

  1. Pour more water into the puddle to make it larger
  2. Guess that the puddle will be gone by evening
  3. Ask a friend whether they think the puddle is shrinking
  4. Record how the puddle changes over time and where it is located Correct answer.

Explanation

Scientific investigations usually begin by carefully observing and recording the phenomenon before forming explanations. Recording changes and conditions provides evidence that can later be used to build a question and a testable idea.

Question 27Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A student wonders whether bean plants grow taller when placed near a window. Which of these is a testable scientific question?

  1. Why are bean plants more beautiful than other plants?
  2. Should people grow more bean plants in their gardens?
  3. Do bean plants grown near a window grow taller than bean plants grown away from a window? Correct answer.
  4. Is it wrong to keep bean plants in dark rooms?

Explanation

A testable question can be answered by collecting measurable evidence, such as plant height under two light conditions. Questions about beauty, opinions, or right and wrong cannot be settled by measurement.

Question 28Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A class wants to find out whether a ball bounces higher on grass or on pavement. Which procedure would best test this question?

  1. Roll the ball across each surface and time how long it rolls
  2. Ask students which surface they think makes a ball bounce higher
  3. Drop different balls from different heights onto each surface
  4. Drop the same ball from the same height onto each surface and measure the bounce Correct answer.

Explanation

A fair test changes only the surface and keeps everything else, such as the ball and drop height, the same. Measuring bounce height then shows the effect of the surface.

Question 29Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A student builds a model of a volcano using clay and baking soda. Which statement best describes a strength of this model?

  1. It shows the exact temperature of real lava
  2. It proves that all volcanoes erupt in the same way
  3. It can be used to measure the real height of a volcano
  4. It helps show how material can erupt from an opening in the ground Correct answer.

Explanation

Models are useful because they represent key features of a real system in a way people can observe and manipulate. A clay volcano with an erupting mixture shows the idea of material leaving through an opening, even though it is not a perfect copy.

Question 30Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A student says, "The ice in my cup melted because the cup is blue." Which statement best explains why this is not a strong scientific claim?

  1. It is based on an observation that anyone can repeat
  2. It uses a cup, which is not a scientific object
  3. It describes something that happens slowly
  4. It gives a cause that is not supported by evidence Correct answer.

Explanation

A scientific claim should be supported by evidence that connects a cause to an effect. The color of the cup was not tested and does not explain melting, so the claim lacks supporting evidence.

Question 31Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A student wants to know which of two soils holds more water. Which measurement would best answer the question?

  1. The mass of the container used for each soil sample
  2. The color of each soil sample
  3. The amount of water that drains out of each soil sample Correct answer.
  4. The temperature of each soil sample

Explanation

The question is about water-holding ability, so the evidence must involve water. Measuring how much water drains through each soil shows which soil retains more.

Question 32Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A student wants to compare how fast two brands of ice melt at room temperature. Which observation would provide the best evidence?

  1. The shape of each ice sample before melting
  2. The color of the bowl each sample is placed in
  3. The time each ice sample takes to melt completely Correct answer.
  4. The brand name printed on each bag

Explanation

Melting speed is best measured by timing how long each sample takes to melt under the same conditions. This gives a number that can be compared directly.

Question 33Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A class is studying how plants respond to light. Which tool would be most useful for measuring the direction a seedling bends?

  1. A magnifying glass
  2. A ruler and a protractor Correct answer.
  3. A thermometer
  4. A stopwatch

Explanation

Direction of bending is an angle, and length of the stem can be measured with a ruler. A protractor measures angles, so together these tools give useful data.

Question 34Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A student wants to test whether the temperature of water affects how quickly sugar dissolves. Which is the independent variable?

  1. The amount of sugar used
  2. The type of cup used
  3. The temperature of the water Correct answer.
  4. The time it takes the sugar to dissolve

Explanation

The independent variable is the factor the investigator deliberately changes. Here the student changes the water temperature to see its effect.

Question 35Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A group predicts that a ball will roll farther down a steeper ramp. They test three ramp heights and record the distances. What should they do next?

  1. Stop the investigation because they already made a prediction
  2. Change the ball and repeat the test
  3. Decide the prediction was right without looking at the data
  4. Compare the recorded distances to their prediction Correct answer.

Explanation

After collecting data, scientists compare results with the prediction to see whether the evidence supports it. This comparison is how predictions are evaluated.

Question 36Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

Two students each measure the length of the same leaf and get 12 cm and 15 cm. What is the best way to find out which measurement is more accurate?

  1. Choose the measurement that seems more likely
  2. Measure the leaf again carefully with the ruler starting at zero Correct answer.
  3. Average the two measurements and use that value
  4. Measure a different leaf instead

Explanation

Accurate measurement requires careful technique, such as lining up the object with the zero mark on the ruler. Re-measuring carefully provides new evidence to check the earlier values.

Question 37Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A class makes a model of the water cycle in a clear container with a lid. Water droplets form on the inside of the lid. Which part of the water cycle does this best represent?

  1. Runoff flowing downhill
  2. Evaporation from the ocean
  3. Water soaking into the soil
  4. Condensation forming clouds Correct answer.

Explanation

Water vapor rising and then forming droplets on a cool surface models condensation, the process that forms clouds. The droplets are the visible result of vapor cooling.

Question 38Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A student claims that plants grow better with music. Which evidence would most strongly support this claim?

  1. One plant that was played music and grew tall
  2. A photo of a plant next to a radio
  3. Two plants of the same kind, one with music and one without, measured over several weeks Correct answer.
  4. A report that a famous gardener plays music

Explanation

Strong evidence comes from a controlled comparison where only the music differs and growth is measured over time. This allows the effect of music to be separated from other factors.

Question 39Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A class is debating whether a new playground surface makes falls safer. Which type of evidence would be most useful?

  1. The cost of each surface material
  2. Measurements of how high a ball bounces on each surface
  3. Opinions from students about which surface looks nicer
  4. Measurements of how much a dropped egg decelerates on each surface Correct answer.

Explanation

Safety from falls relates to how much a surface slows a falling object. Measuring deceleration or impact on each surface provides evidence directly related to the claim.

Question 40Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A student wants to know if a paper clip can be picked up by a magnet through a sheet of paper. Which is the best way to find out?

  1. Place the paper over the clip and move the magnet above it to see if the clip moves Correct answer.
  2. Think about whether magnets usually work through paper
  3. Read about magnets in a book without testing
  4. Ask a classmate to guess the answer

Explanation

A testable question about a phenomenon is answered by carrying out a planned test and observing the result. Setting up the paper and magnet and watching for movement provides direct evidence.

Question 41Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A student builds a model of a plant cell and a model of an animal cell. Which statement best explains why scientists use such models?

  1. Models are exact copies of the real cells
  2. Models replace the need for microscopes
  3. Models prove that cells do not change
  4. Models help people understand structures too small to see easily Correct answer.

Explanation

Models represent important features of things that are hard to observe directly, such as cells. They help people visualize and reason about structures, even though they are simplified.

Question 42Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A student's data show that plants given extra light grew taller than plants given less light. The student concludes that extra light always makes every plant grow taller. Which is the best critique of this conclusion?

  1. The conclusion is fine because taller is always better
  2. The conclusion is too broad because it was based on only one kind of plant Correct answer.
  3. The conclusion is wrong because plants do not need light
  4. The conclusion should be based on how the plants look

Explanation

Conclusions should be limited to the evidence collected. One kind of plant tested once does not justify a claim about every plant.

Question 43Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A group of students wants to know whether a toy car rolls farther on a smooth floor or a rough carpet. They use the same car and the same ramp. What is the dependent variable?

  1. The mass of the car
  2. The distance the car rolls Correct answer.
  3. The height of the ramp
  4. The type of floor

Explanation

The dependent variable is what is measured in response to the change. Here the distance rolled is measured to compare the two surfaces.

Question 44Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A student notices that a metal spoon left in hot soup becomes warm while a plastic spoon stays cool. Which question best follows from this observation?

  1. Which spoon is longer?
  2. Which spoon is more expensive?
  3. Which material transfers heat more easily? Correct answer.
  4. Which spoon is heavier?

Explanation

The observation is about heat moving through different materials. A question about how well each material conducts heat follows directly from that observation.

Question 45Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A class wants to know whether a certain fertilizer increases the number of leaves on a plant. They set up two groups of plants. Which setup would give the most trustworthy results?

  1. Many plants of the same kind, half with fertilizer and half without, all given the same light and water Correct answer.
  2. Many plants with fertilizer, all given different amounts of water
  3. One plant with fertilizer and one plant without fertilizer
  4. One plant given fertilizer and observed for a week

Explanation

Trustworthy results come from a fair test with many subjects and only one difference between groups. Keeping light and water the same ensures that fertilizer is the only factor that could explain differences in leaves.

Question 46Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A student's model of a tornado uses a spinning bottle of water. Which limitation should the student note about this model?

  1. It cannot be observed by anyone
  2. It cannot show that tornadoes involve spinning air
  3. It cannot show the real size and wind speeds of a tornado Correct answer.
  4. It cannot be used to show any motion

Explanation

Models are useful but simplified, so their limits should be stated. A bottle model can show spinning motion but cannot reproduce the true scale and wind speeds of a real tornado.

Question 47Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A student measures the mass of the same rock four times and gets 40 g, 41 g, 40 g, and 63 g. Which statement best explains the 63 g value?

  1. It proves the rock gained mass
  2. It shows the balance is broken
  3. It should be averaged in without question
  4. It is likely a measurement error and should be checked Correct answer.

Explanation

When one measurement differs greatly from several consistent ones, it is likely an error in measurement or recording. Scientists re-check such values before using them in conclusions.

Question 48Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

Two students disagree about whether adding salt to water makes it freeze faster. Which response best reflects scientific argumentation?

  1. Refuse to discuss the disagreement
  2. Design a test with salt water and fresh water and compare freezing times Correct answer.
  3. Ask a teacher to decide without any test
  4. Agree with the student who spoke first

Explanation

Scientific disagreements are resolved by testing ideas with evidence. A controlled comparison of salt water and fresh water provides data to support one claim over the other.

Question 49Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A class builds a model of a food web with strings connecting students. When one student drops a string, several others feel a tug. Which idea does this model best demonstrate?

  1. Food webs never change over time
  2. Each organism in a food web lives alone
  3. Only plants are part of a food web
  4. A change to one part of a food web can affect other parts Correct answer.

Explanation

The connected strings show that organisms in a food web are linked, so a change in one part can affect others. This is a key idea the model is designed to communicate.

Question 50Science and Engineering Practices (observing phenomena, generating questions, conducting investigations, creating models, predicting outcomes, analyzing results, argumentation and communication)

A student's investigation shows that seeds given 5 mL of water sprouted faster than seeds given 20 mL. Before concluding that less water makes seeds sprout faster, what should the student do?

  1. Conclude immediately because the data are clear
  2. Decide that water does not affect sprouting
  3. Repeat the investigation with more seeds and more water amounts Correct answer.
  4. Change the type of seed and ignore the first results

Explanation

A single result may be due to chance or to other factors, so scientists repeat and extend investigations before drawing firm conclusions. Testing more seeds and more amounts makes the evidence stronger.