Science Skills
What is the first step of any scientific investigation?
Asking a question
What scientific term does the x-axis on a graph usually show?
Independent variable
What are the two poles of a magnet?
North & South
What is energy?
The ability to do work
What is a force?
A push or a pull
What type of variable is changed by the scientist?
Independent Variable
What does a trend in data show?
A pattern or relationship
What happens when like magnetic poles are near each other?
They repel
What type of energy is energy of motion?
Kinetic energy
What force slows objects down when they rub together?
Friction
What does CER stand for?
Claim, Evidence, Reasoning
In an experiment, what type of graph is best for comparing groups?
Bar Graph
What invisible area surrounds a magnet?
A magnetic field
What type of energy is stored energy?
Potential energy
What force pulls objects toward Earth?
gravity
Why is evidence important in science?
It supports claims using data
If a graph slopes upward, what does that mean?
An increase / positive relationship
How do iron filings help show magnetic fields?
They reveal the field’s shape and direction
Give one example of an energy transformation.
Chemical → kinetic, electrical → light, etc.
How can forces change an object’s motion?
Change speed, direction, or shape
A student gives the correct answer but no explanation. Why might they not receive full credit on CAST?
Because CAST scores thinking, evidence, and reasoning — not just the answer
Two graphs show the same data but use different scales (one goes by 5s and one by 10s.) Why is it important to read the axes carefully?
Scales can change how data appears or is interpreted
Why does a compass needle always point North (Note: it is NOT near another magnet)
It aligns with the Earth's magnetic field
What is one of the laws of Energy?
Energy is neither created or destroyed, it converts from one form to another
A toy car travels 20 meters in 4 seconds at a constant speed.
What is the car’s speed?
5 m/s