Scientific Inquiry: Questions, Evidence & Explanations — Practice · Grade 6 Science

Chapter: Inquiry, Measurement & Models

What this practice covers

By the end of Scientific Inquiry: Questions, Evidence & Explanations you should be able to:

8 questions, written answer and multiple choice, each with a worked explanation.

Vocabulary used: observation, inference, evidence, system boundary, uncertainty.

Problem 1

Does a yellow leaf prove lack of water?
Answer and explanation

No. The color is an observation; the proposed cause needs additional evidence that distinguishes it from other explanations.

Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.

Problem 2

Why is the first towel question clearer?
Answer and explanation

It defines the measured outcome, time, and piece size. The result concerns that absorption test, not every possible meaning of best.

Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.

Problem 3

What reasoning connects mass gain with absorption?
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

Can one absorption result rank every towel property?
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.

Problem 5

Develop a complete response: Explain what the measurements show and why sunlight alone is not established as the cause. Include relevant evidence and one method or model limit.
Answer and explanation

The sunny tray lost 4 g more in the hour, but sunlight and surface area both differ. Greater exposed area could also affect evaporation. Use identical trays with equal water amounts and matched timing, varying only the intended exposure. The present evidence describes a difference without isolating its cause.

Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.

Problem 6

Apply the unit independently: A photograph shows a wet pavement. Does it establish that rain caused the water? Give a reason and a relevant qualification.
Answer and explanation

No. It shows water at that moment; washing, irrigation, or another source could be involved. A cause needs additional information.

Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.

Problem 7

Which statement correctly uses observation in Scientific Inquiry: Questions, Evidence & Explanations?
  1. observation: A recorded detection or measurement under a stated method.
  2. A plausible explanation is automatically a directly observed fact.
  3. Every scientific investigation must follow exactly the same steps.
  4. One illustrative result establishes every real condition and needs no further evidence.
Answer and explanation

observation: A recorded detection or measurement under a stated method.

A recorded detection or measurement under a stated method. The sunny tray lost 4 g more in the hour, but sunlight and surface area both differ. Greater exposed area could also affect evaporation. Use identical trays with equal water amounts and matched timing, varying only the intended exposure. The present evidence describes a difference without isolating its cause.

Problem 8

Which statement correctly uses inference in Scientific Inquiry: Questions, Evidence & Explanations?
  1. A plausible explanation is automatically a directly observed fact.
  2. inference: A reasoned interpretation of observations rather than the observation itself.
  3. Every scientific investigation must follow exactly the same steps.
  4. One illustrative result establishes every real condition and needs no further evidence.
Answer and explanation

inference: A reasoned interpretation of observations rather than the observation itself.

A reasoned interpretation of observations rather than the observation itself. The sunny tray lost 4 g more in the hour, but sunlight and surface area both differ. Greater exposed area could also affect evaporation. Use identical trays with equal water amounts and matched timing, varying only the intended exposure. The present evidence describes a difference without isolating its cause.

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