Chemical & Physical Changes
Electricity and Magnetism
Constructive & Destructive Forces
Cells & Microorganisms
Inherited & Acquired Traits
100
How can you separate a mixture of sand and iron filings?
Use a magnet to attract the iron filings, leaving the sand behind.
100
What is static electricity? What is human-harnessed electricity?
Static electricity is when electric charge builds up on something, like when you rub a balloon on your hair. Human-harnessed electricity is the kind we use in homes and buildings, coming from power plants and wires.
100
What is a constructive force?What is a destructive force?
Processes that cause the earths surface to build up.
Its the process by which rock is broken down, such as erosion and weathering either through violent actions of volcanoes and earthquakes or by the steady flow of a river.
100
Name two examples of beneficial microorganisms.
1) Lactobacillus (used in yogurt production)
2) Saccharomyces cerevisiae (a type of yeast used in baking and brewing)
100
How to offspring inherit traits?
What are genes or genetics?
200
How can filtration and evaporation be used to separate a mixture of salt and water?
Filtration can't separate dissolved salt from water.
Evaporation can be used by heating the saltwater until the water evaporates, leaving the salt behind.
200
How are static electricity and human-harnessed electricity different?
Static electricity happens when electrons build up and make a sudden spark. Human-harnessed electricity flows in a steady way through wires to power things like lights and TVs.
200
Which process is constructive? Weathering, erosion or deposition?
Deposition
200
Explain how yeast is used in baking and why it's considered beneficial.
Yeast, a type of fungus, feeds on sugars and produces carbon dioxide gas, which helps dough rise. It’s beneficial because it makes bread light and fluffy and contributes to fermentation in food and beverage production.
200
What is one way that an instinct is different from a learned behavior? What is one way they are similar?
Different: Instincts happen without teaching, but learned behaviors require training or experience.
Similar: Both are behavior patterns that help animals survive and adapt to their environment.
300
Explain why some substances dissolve in water while others do not. Use scientific reasoning to support your answer
Substances dissolve in water based on their molecular structure and polarity. Water is a polar molecule, meaning it dissolves other polar substances (like salt and sugar) but does not dissolve nonpolar substances
300
How do people use static electricity in real life? How do people use human-harnessed electricity?
Static electricity is used in printers and air purifiers. People use human-harnessed electricity to power homes, businesses, and technology like computers and phones.
300
Describe how deposition works from start to finish!
Weathering happens first, the erosion moves the sediment and finally the sediment is dropped in a new place!
300
Evaluate the role of bacteria in the human digestive system and argue whether their presence is more helpful or harmful.
Bacteria in the digestive system, such as Lactobacillus and Bacteroides, help break down complex food molecules and produce essential nutrients. Though some bacteria can cause infections, the overall presence of gut microbiota is helpful because they support digestion, immune function, and even mental health through the gut-brain axis.
300
Why do animals need both instincts and learned behaviors to survive in their environment?
Animals need instincts to do important things like breathing, hiding from predators, or finding food right after birth. They need learned behaviors to adapt to new environments or situations—for example, a bear learning which areas have the most food.
400
Create a model or simulation to show how mixtures can be physically separated using different techniques like filtration, magnetism, and evaporation. How could this knowledge be useful in environmental science or industry?
Model: Use different materials (iron filings, sand, salt, water) to create a hands-on demonstration of separation techniques.
Application in environmental science: Cleaning polluted water by filtering out impurities.
Application in industry: Separating useful materials in mining and recycling.
400
Imagine you are designing a new way to use electricity. Would you use static or human-harnessed electricity? Why?
I would use human-harnessed electricity because it is more reliable and can power machines for a long time. Static electricity cannot provide steady energy, so it would not be good for running appliances.
400
What are two examples of constructive processes and two examples of destructive processes that shape Earth's surface?
Constructive processes: Deposition (e.g., forming deltas), volcanic eruptions (e.g., forming new islands or mountains).
Destructive processes: Weathering (e.g., breaking down rocks), erosion (e.g., carrying away soil and rock).
400
Design an investigation or multimedia presentation that presents an argument, supported by scientific evidence, showing how microorganisms can be used in environmental cleanup efforts (e.g., oil spill bioremediation).
[Sample project idea] Students could create a video presentation explaining how certain bacteria, like Pseudomonas putida, are used to break down oil in marine environments. The presentation would include data from case studies (e.g., the Deepwater Horizon spill) and interviews or quotes from environmental scientists, showing how these microbes reduce pollution and support ecosystem recovery
400
When danger approaches, a black bear mother will send a warning call to her cubs. The cubs will then climb a tree. This response is?
This is a learned behavior
500
If you mix flour and water, then let the water evaporate, what happens to the flour? What does this tell you about physical changes?
The flour remains after the water evaporates, showing that it was not chemically changed, only physically mixed with the water. This confirms that a physical change does not alter the substance's chemical identity.
500
Plan an experiment to test if different objects are conductors or insulators. What materials will you need? What steps will you take?
Gather materials: battery, wires, light bulb, different objects (penny, rubber band, paperclip, plastic spoon).
Connect the circuit with the battery, wires, and light bulb.
Test each object by placing it in the circuit.
Observe if the light bulb turns on (conductor) or stays off (insulator).
Record the results and classify each material.
500
Construct an argument using scientific evidence to explain how both constructive and destructive processes have interacted to shape a well-known surface feature, such as the Grand Canyon or a volcanic island. How do these processes continue to shape the landscape over time?
The Grand Canyon: The Grand Canyon was shaped by both destructive and constructive forces. The Colorado River eroded rock layers over millions of years, carving the deep canyon (destructive process). Weathering further broke down rock, and landslides helped move material. However, deposition of sediment at the base of the river contributed to the constructive process by creating new landforms. Over time, these processes continue to change the landscape.
Volcanic Islands (e.g., Hawaii): Volcanic eruptions create new land by depositing lava, which cools and hardens into rock (constructive process). However, weathering, wave erosion, and landslides gradually wear down the islands over time (destructive process). The ongoing volcanic activity keeps adding land, while erosion shapes the coastline and cliffs.
500
Develop and defend a position on the use of probiotics in food, incorporating current scientific studies and opposing viewpoints.
[Sample response] I support the use of probiotics in food because multiple studies show that they improve gut health and immune response. For example, a 2022 study published in Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology found that probiotics reduced symptoms of IBS in 60% of patients. Opponents argue that not all probiotic products are effective due to strain variability and lack of regulation. However, when used correctly, probiotics can be a valuable addition to a healthy diet.
500
What statement best describes the relationship between inherited and acquired traits?
a. Inherited and acquired traits are both present at birth.
b. Inherited traits come from genes and acquired traits are learned through the environment.
c. Acquired traits come from genes and inherited traits are learned through the environment.
d. Inherited and acquired traits both come from genes.
B Inherited traits come from genes and acquired traits come from learned thoughts through the environment