TExES EC-6 Science Knowledge & Inquiry Skills 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of graph would be most appropriate to display how temperature changes over 24 hours?
- Bar graph
- Pie chart
- Line graph (Correct answer)
- Pictograph
Correct answer: Line graph
A line graph is best suited for showing continuous change over time, such as temperature fluctuations throughout a day.
Question 2: During a classroom investigation, students discover results that do not support their hypothesis. What is the most scientifically appropriate response?
- Repeat the experiment until the hypothesis is supported
- Discard the experiment and start over with a new topic
- Accept the results and revise the hypothesis accordingly (Correct answer)
- Report only the trials that supported the hypothesis
Correct answer: Accept the results and revise the hypothesis accordingly
When data does not support a hypothesis, the scientific approach is to accept the evidence and revise or reject the hypothesis.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of having multiple trials in a scientific experiment?
- To make the experiment take longer and seem more rigorous
- To increase reliability by reducing the effect of random error (Correct answer)
- To ensure the independent variable changes each time
- To collect data from different locations
Correct answer: To increase reliability by reducing the effect of random error
Multiple trials help ensure that results are reliable by reducing the impact of random errors or chance occurrences.
Question 4: A student uses a hand lens to look at a leaf. This is an example of:
- Inferring
- Using technology to enhance observation (Correct answer)
- Forming a hypothesis
- Designing a controlled experiment
Correct answer: Using technology to enhance observation
Using a hand lens extends natural observation ability and is considered using a tool or technology to enhance scientific observation.
Question 5: Which of the following is an example of qualitative data?
- A plant grew 5 cm in one week
- The temperature reached 32°C
- The flower smelled sweet and had a purple color (Correct answer)
- The mass of the rock was 45 grams
Correct answer: The flower smelled sweet and had a purple color
Qualitative data describes non-numerical characteristics such as smell, color, or texture, unlike quantitative data which uses numbers.
Question 6: In an experiment testing how light intensity affects plant growth, the dependent variable is:
- The type of plant used
- The amount of water given to each plant
- The amount of light each plant receives
- The height of the plant after two weeks (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The height of the plant after two weeks
The dependent variable is what is measured as an outcome — in this case, plant height after being exposed to different light intensities.
Question 7: A student states: 'The ice melted because the temperature of the room was above 0°C.' This statement is best classified as:
- An observation
- A prediction
- An inference (Correct answer)
- A classification
Correct answer: An inference
An inference is a logical conclusion drawn from observations using prior knowledge — the student inferred a cause from what they observed.
TExES EC-6 Science Knowledge & Inquiry Skills 3
Which type of graph would be most appropriate to display how temperature changes over 24 hours?