M-STEP Science Inquiry & Data Interpretation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A bar graph shows that plant A grew 8 cm, plant B grew 5 cm, and plant C grew 11 cm. Which plant grew the most?
- Plant A
- Plant B
- Plant C (Correct answer)
- All grew the same
Correct answer: Plant C
Plant C had the highest bar at 11 cm, indicating it grew the most.
Question 2: In an experiment, all variables are kept the same except the one being tested. What are the unchanged variables called?
- Dependent variables
- Independent variables
- Controlled variables (Correct answer)
- Experimental variables
Correct answer: Controlled variables
Controlled variables are kept constant so they do not influence the results of the experiment.
Question 3: A student observes that ice melts faster on a dark surface than a light surface. This observation could lead to which testable question?
- Why is ice cold?
- Does surface color affect the rate of ice melting? (Correct answer)
- How is ice made?
- What is the freezing point of water?
Correct answer: Does surface color affect the rate of ice melting?
The testable question directly addresses the relationship between the observed variable (surface color) and the outcome (melting rate).
Question 4: Which of the following is an example of qualitative data?
- The water is 37°C
- The rock is red and rough (Correct answer)
- The plant is 14 cm tall
- The reaction took 45 seconds
Correct answer: The rock is red and rough
Qualitative data describes characteristics or qualities, not numerical measurements.
Question 5: A line graph shows temperature increasing from 8 AM to 2 PM then decreasing. What conclusion is best supported?
- Temperature stays constant all day
- Temperature peaks in the early afternoon (Correct answer)
- Temperature is lowest at noon
- Temperature increases all day
Correct answer: Temperature peaks in the early afternoon
The graph pattern — rising then falling — shows temperature is highest at 2 PM, the early afternoon.
Question 6: Why is it important to have a control group in an experiment?
- To make the experiment harder
- To provide a baseline for comparison (Correct answer)
- To replace the hypothesis
- To eliminate all variables
Correct answer: To provide a baseline for comparison
A control group provides a standard baseline so results from experimental groups can be meaningfully compared.
Question 7: A student measures a liquid three times with a graduated cylinder and records 25 mL, 25 mL, and 24 mL. These measurements are best described as:
- Accurate but not precise
- Precise but possibly not accurate (Correct answer)
- Neither precise nor accurate
- Both precise and accurate with certainty
Correct answer: Precise but possibly not accurate
The values are very close together (precise) but without a known true value, accuracy cannot be confirmed.
M-STEP Science Inquiry & Data Interpretation 3
A bar graph shows that plant A grew 8 cm, plant B grew 5 cm, and plant C grew 11 cm.
Which plant grew the most?