A
What type of scientific model is a clay model of a volcano?
A physical model
+50
What do we call a testable prediction made before an experiment?
A Hypothesis
+50
A computer model predicts that a classroom will reach 30°C, but the measured temperature is 27°C. Does this single difference make the model useless? Explain what scientists should do next.
No. Scientists should check the measurements, input data, and assumptions, then revise and test the model against further observations.
Points: 200
A diagram uses arrows to show how energy passes from grass to a rabbit and then to an eagle. What type of model is this?
A conceptual model
Points: 75
Students compare how quickly identical wet cloths dry with and without a fan. Name two conditions they should keep the same.
Any two: cloth size, cloth material, starting amount of water, exposed surface area, or room temperature.
Points: 150
What change of state happens when melted candle wax cools and becomes solid?
Freezing or solidification
Points: 75
A student changes a ramp’s height and measures how far a toy car travels. What is the dependent variable?
The distance the toy car travels
Points: 100
A student says, “Particles in a solid do not move because the solid keeps its shape.” Correct this statement.
Particles in a solid vibrate around fixed positions; they do not move freely past one another.
Points: 175
What happens to the motion of water particles as liquid water becomes warmer?
The particles move faster on average.
Points: 100
What do we call the variable that scientists deliberately change in an experiment?
The independent variable
Points: 75
A group removes a measurement only because it does not support its hypothesis. Why is this wrong, and what should it do instead?
This introduces bias. The group should keep the record, check for errors, and repeat measurements if needed.
Points: 175
What type of model is the equation speed = distance ÷ time?
A mathematical model
Points: 100
What state of matter has a definite volume but takes the shape of its container?
Liquid
+50
A program simulates how smoke spreads through a building. What type of scientific model is it?
A computer model
Points: 125
A toy car travels 42 cm, 48 cm, and 45 cm in three trials. What is its average distance?
45 cm
Points: 125
Why can air be compressed more easily than liquid water?
Gas particles have much larger spaces between them.
Points: 125
A student compares two shoe-sole materials. She tests rubber on dry tiles and plastic on wet tiles. Identify the problem and explain how to improve the test.
Both the material and surface condition changed. Test both materials under the same surface conditions while keeping other relevant factors constant.
Points: 200
A puddle disappears even though the water never boils. What process explains this, and where does the water go?
Evaporation; the water becomes water vapor in the air.
Points: 150
A group predicts that a higher ramp makes a toy car travel farther. Its average distances are 30 cm, 55 cm, and 80 cm for increasing ramp heights. What conclusion is supported?
Under the tested conditions, increasing the ramp height increased the distance traveled, supporting the hypothesis.
Points: 175
A plastic lung model shows the main parts of the lungs. Give one limitation of this model.
It may not show actual breathing, gas exchange, or the properties of living tissue. Accept any one valid limitation.
Points: 150