chemical and physical changes
electricity and magnetism
deposition and condensation
life science
inherited and acquired traits
100
What is a physical change? Give two examples.
A physical change is a change in the form or appearance of a substance without changing its chemical composition.
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 the difference between a conductor and a insulator?
a conductor lets electricity flow, and an insulator stops electricity.
100
What is a microorganism?
A microorganism is a tiny living organism that can only be seen under a microscope. Examples include bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses.
100
What is an inherited trait? What is an acquired trait?
An inherited trait is a physical characteristic passed down from parents to their offspring through genes.
Example: Eye color, hair type, dimples
200
Compare and contrast mixing sand with water versus mixing salt with water. How do their physical changes differ?
When sand is mixed with water, it does not dissolve; instead, it settles at the bottom. This is a suspension.
When salt is mixed with water, it dissolves completely, forming a solution.
200
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.
200
list: wood, plastic, copper, rubber, and aluminum. Which are conductors and which are insulators
Conductors: Copper, Aluminum
Insulators: Wood, Plastic, Rubber
200
Compare beneficial and harmful microorganisms.
Beneficial microorganisms help with processes like digestion, food production, and decomposition. Harmful microorganisms can cause diseases and spoil food. For example, E. coli can be harmful, while Lactobacillus is beneficial.
200
How is an inherited trait different from an acquired trait? Can you give an example of each?
Inherited trait: Naturally curly hair
Acquired trait: A pierced ear
300
Design an experiment to test how temperature affects the rate at which salt dissolves in water. What variables would you control, and how would you measure your results?
Experiment: Prepare three beakers with the same amount of water at different temperatures (cold, room temperature, hot). Add an equal amount of salt to each and stir. Measure the time it takes for the salt to fully dissolve.
Controlled variables: Amount of water, amount of salt, stirring method.
Measured variable: Time taken for salt to dissolve.
300
Compare and contrast how static electricity and human-harnessed electricity impact daily life.
Static electricity is experienced in everyday occurrences like hair standing on end or lightning, but it cannot be used as a reliable power source. Human-harnessed electricity is used for lighting, appliances, and industry, as it is generated and controlled in power systems.
300
You tested a metal spoon and a wooden spoon in a circuit. The light bulb turned on with the metal spoon but not the wooden one. Why?
The metal spoon is a conductor, so it lets electricity flow. The wooden spoon is an insulator, so it stops electricity.
300
Using at least two pieces of scientific evidence, construct an argument that supports the claim that some microorganisms are beneficial to human health.
Many microorganisms are essential to human health. For example, gut bacteria like Bifidobacterium help digest food and produce vitamins such as B12. Studies show that probiotics can improve digestion and strengthen the immune system. Therefore, not all microorganisms are harmful; some are vital for our well-being.
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
Develop a step-by-step procedure for separating a mixture containing sand, salt, and iron filings. Justify why you chose each separation method and how it demonstrates physical changes.
Step 1: Use a magnet to remove the iron filings (magnetism).
Step 2: Add water to the sand and salt mixture. The salt will dissolve while the sand remains.
Step 3: Use filtration to separate the sand from the saltwater solution.
Step 4: Evaporate the water to retrieve the salt.
Justification: Each step relies on a physical property (magnetism, solubility, and evaporation) without changing the chemical composition of the materials.
400
How does the movement of electrons differ between static electricity and human-harnessed electricity?
In static electricity, electrons accumulate on a surface and discharge suddenly, whereas in human-harnessed electricity, electrons flow continuously through a circuit.
400
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.
400
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.
400
What is a behavior your animal does without being taught?
they can hunt without being taught.
500
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.
500
How does the movement of electrons differ between static electricity and human-harnessed electricity?
In static electricity, electrons accumulate on a surface and discharge suddenly, whereas in human-harnessed electricity, electrons flow continuously through a circuit.
500
What is the difference between a conductor and an insulator?
A conductor lets electricity flow, and an insulator stops electricity.
500
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.
500
Why is it important to understand the difference between inherited and acquired traits when learning about how living things grow and change?
Understanding the difference helps us know what traits we’re born with and what traits can change over time. This is important in science and health—like knowing if a disease runs in a family (inherited) or came from a person’s lifestyle (acquired). It also helps us see how organisms adapt to their environments.