Subject-Specific Content Knowledge Flashcards

A math teacher instructs students on probability. A bag contains 5 red and 3 blue marbles. If one marble is drawn at random, what is the probability it is blue?

Answer: 3/8

There are 3 blue marbles out of 8 total, so the probability is 3/8.

An English teacher is discussing figurative language. Which device is used when a writer gives human characteristics to a non-human entity, such as 'the wind whispered through the trees'?

Answer: Personification

Personification attributes human qualities or actions to non-human things, as the wind 'whispers' like a person would.

A social studies teacher explains the three branches of U.S. government. Which principle describes the system that allows each branch to limit the power of the others?

Answer: Checks and balances

Checks and balances is the mechanism by which each branch has specific powers to oversee and limit the actions of the other two branches.

A biology teacher explains genetics. A parent with genotype Aa crosses with a parent of genotype Aa. What percentage of offspring are expected to show the dominant phenotype?

Answer: 75%

An Aa × Aa cross yields 1 AA : 2 Aa : 1 aa offspring; AA and Aa both express the dominant phenotype, totaling 75%.

A music teacher asks students about dynamics. Which Italian term instructs a performer to play very softly?

Answer: Pianissimo

Pianissimo (pp) is the dynamic marking indicating very soft playing, softer than piano (p).

A high school algebra teacher introduces function notation. If f(x) = 3x − 7, what is the value of f(4)?

Answer: 5

Substituting x = 4: f(4) = 3(4) − 7 = 12 − 7 = 5.

A chemistry teacher explains acids and bases. According to the Brønsted-Lowry definition, an acid is a substance that:

Answer: Donates a proton (H⁺)

A Brønsted-Lowry acid is defined as a proton (H⁺) donor, while a base is a proton acceptor.