M-STEP Science Inquiry & Data Interpretation 2

Question 1

A student records the height of a plant every 3 days for 3 weeks. Which type of graph best shows this change over time?

Accepted Answer

Line graph

Answer

A line graph is best for showing how a variable changes continuously over time.

Question 2

In an experiment testing whether salt affects water's boiling point, what is the independent variable?

Accepted Answer

The amount of salt added

Answer

The independent variable is what the experimenter deliberately changes — in this case, the amount of salt.

Question 3

A scientist runs an experiment three times and gets results of 42°C, 41°C, and 43°C. What do these repeated trials indicate?

Accepted Answer

The results are consistent and reliable

Answer

Similar results across repeated trials show the data is consistent and increases confidence in its reliability.

Question 4

Which statement best describes a scientific hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

A testable explanation for an observation

Answer

A hypothesis is a testable, evidence-based prediction or explanation for an observed phenomenon.

Question 5

A data table shows that taller students tend to have larger shoe sizes. This relationship is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A positive correlation

Answer

When both variables increase together, the relationship is a positive correlation.

(M-STEP) Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress Practice Test