Physical Science
What causes matter to change from solid to liquid?
An increase in temperature (adding heat).
What is the difference between instinct and learned behavior?
Instinct is inherited; learned behavior is gained through experience.
Why does the Sun appear brighter than other stars?
It is closer to Earth.
What is a prototype?
A model used to test a design.
What happens when forces are balanced?
No change in motion.
If ice melts into water, does the amount of matter change?
No, matter is conserved.
Is eye color inherited or influenced by environment?
Inherited.
What galaxy is our solar system in?
The Milky Way.
Why is it important to control variables when testing a design?
To make sure results are accurate and fair.
What happens when forces are unbalanced?
Motion changes (speed or direction).
Name one variable that affects how fast sugar dissolves in water.
Temperature, stirring, or particle size.
Give one example of a trait influenced by both inheritance and environment.
Height.
What causes seasons on Earth?
Earth’s tilted axis as it revolves around the Sun.
How can failure help engineers?
It provides information to improve the design.
In which direction does gravity pull objects?
Toward the center of the Earth.
How can you tell if mixing two substances caused a chemical change?
A change in properties (color change, gas produced, temperature change).
What evidence do fossils provide?
Information about organisms and environments from long ago.
What causes an eclipse?
The Sun, Earth, and Moon lining up in certain positions.
Name one tool humans created to observe things we cannot normally see.
Microscope, X-ray machine, satellite, computer.
How do mass and distance affect gravity?
More mass = stronger gravity; more distance = weaker gravity.
Why might matter seem to “disappear” when water evaporates?
It changes into a gas, but the matter is still there.
Why might some individuals in a species survive better than others?
Variations in traits that provide survival advantages.
How can fossils in rock layers help scientists?
They help determine the order rock layers were formed.
Why do engineers re-test and redesign?
To improve the solution based on test results.
Give an example of a motion pattern caused by forces.
Swinging back and forth, orbiting, moving in cycles.