Scientific Inquiry: Questions, Evidence & Explanations — Drills · Grade 6 Science
Chapter: Inquiry, Measurement & ModelsWhat these drills covers
By the end of Scientific Inquiry: Questions, Evidence & Explanations you should be able to:
- I can tell an investigable question from one science cannot settle.
- I can separate an observation from an inference drawn out of it.
- I can explain why an explanation has to say what would count against it.
4 questions, multiple choice and written answer, each with a worked explanation.
Vocabulary used: observation, inference, evidence, system boundary, uncertainty.
Problem 1
- observation: A recorded detection or measurement under a stated method.
- A plausible explanation is automatically a directly observed fact.
- Every scientific investigation must follow exactly the same steps.
- A sample with missing measurements has proved those values are zero.
Answer and explanation
observation: A recorded detection or measurement under a stated method.
A recorded detection or measurement under a stated method.
Problem 2
- Every scientific investigation must follow exactly the same steps.
- inference: A reasoned interpretation of observations rather than the observation itself.
- A plausible explanation is automatically a directly observed fact.
- Repeating any method makes every causal claim true.
Answer and explanation
inference: A reasoned interpretation of observations rather than the observation itself.
A reasoned interpretation of observations rather than the observation itself.
Problem 3
Answer and explanation
Water retained in the towel adds mass. Comparable dry-to-wet measurements can therefore compare retained water, while spills and timing must be checked.
Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.
Problem 4
Answer and explanation
No. The result concerns one measured property under a stated method; cost, durability, and waste need their own evidence.
Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.