Science 6: Matter, Energy & Earth Systems — Midterm Exam

Parent / teacher answer key

Original Grade 6 home-study paper with complete supplied scenarios, calculations, and scientific explanation. It samples the course and does not replace review of the investigation notebook.

20 questions · 60 points · suggested 90 minutes

Student instructions

Work independently after agreeing timing and access support with a parent; record any support used.
All scenario numbers and records are illustrative. Use the stated assumptions and do not invent missing data.
Use the reference relationships below and a basic calculator when helpful. Show a calculation, retain units, and explain what it means.
For concept questions, connect a claim with the relevant mechanism or evidence and a specific limit. A supported alternative can satisfy the criteria.
Keep the answer key and lesson models closed during an independent attempt. Discuss corrections after human marking.
Use saved investigation plans, observations, revised models, projects, and an oral conference as additional assessment evidence.

Measurement and model relationships

Relationship	How to use it
Length	10 mm = 1 cm; 100 cm = 1 m
Mass and volume	1,000 g = 1 kg; 1,000 mL = 1 L
Mean	Sum comparable values and divide by their count
Density	Mass ÷ volume; preserve units such as g/mL or g/cm³
Percentage	Part ÷ stated whole × 100; identify the denominator
Change/rate	Ending minus starting value; divide a stated change by its time interval
Tidal range	High water minus low water with the same reference
Space scale	Actual stated distance ÷ actual km per model cm
Energy account	Include relevant stores and transfers; °C is not a joule value

Coverage and marks

Chapter	Questions	Points
Chapter 1 · Inquiry, Measurement & Models	1, 2, 3, 4, 5	15
Chapter 2 · Matter, Mixtures & Water Properties	6, 7, 8, 9, 10	15
Chapter 3 · Energy, Heat & Thermal Design	11, 12, 13, 14, 15	15
Chapter 4 · Electricity, Magnetism & Light	16, 17, 18, 19, 20	15

Name: ____________________ Date: ____________________

Question 1 · 3 points

A towel test reports A gaining 4 g and B 6 g in one trial. Write a supported claim, reasoning, and one limit.

Question 2 · 3 points

A compares dry cotton at 20 seconds with paper at 40 seconds. Name the changed factors and propose a fair material comparison.

Question 3 · 3 points

A vessel contains 0.6 L and a bag 0.8 kg. Convert each to mL and g and explain why their numbers cannot be added as one measured property.

Question 4 · 3 points

A modeled temperature table at 0/5/10 minutes gives 36/32/29 °C. State suitable axes, total drop, and a future-prediction limit.

Question 5 · 3 points

A model shows a food chain but no population sizes, migration, or seasons. Explain one useful question it can answer and one it cannot, then propose a revision.

Question 6 · 3 points

A wet cloth dries below boiling in an open room. Explain state change, water destination, and why visible white droplets are different from vapor.

Question 7 · 3 points

A uniform modeled material sample is 36 g and 12 cm³, then reshaped without a new substance. Calculate density and explain the physical-change classification and a size limit.

Question 8 · 3 points

A closed model transforms A₂ plus B₂ into two AB particles. Count the atoms and explain why the combinations can change without destroying matter.

Question 9 · 3 points

A filter removes visible sand from a salt solution. Explain the filter result, the fate of dissolved salt, and an appropriate separation/safety limit.

Question 10 · 3 points

Using water modeled as 1 g/mL, a 20 g object occupies 50 mL. Calculate its average density and explain why a 20 g compact metal piece could behave differently.

Question 11 · 3 points

A wind-up toy is released and moves, then slows. Describe an initial energy store, motion energy, and where energy can go as it slows.

Question 12 · 3 points

A supplied lighting model receives 200 J, with 50 J visible light and 150 J thermal transfer. Find the light fraction and account for the total, then distinguish usefulness from conservation.

Question 13 · 3 points

A 12 °C cup and a 30 °C cup sit in the same 21 °C room. Predict each direction of net heat transfer and explain why 12 °C does not mean 12 J.

Question 14 · 3 points

Sunlight crosses space, a handle warms through matter, and air circulates around a source. Identify the transfer mechanisms and one combined-pathway limit.

Question 15 · 3 points

Matched mean drops are A 4 °C at 8 tokens and B 6 °C at 4 tokens. Criterion is at most 6 °C and budget at most 5. Recommend and state a needed next check.

Question 16 · 3 points

A neutral model with 8 positive and 8 negative units gains two negative units. Find its net charge and explain whether attraction to neutral paper proves that paper is positive.

Question 17 · 3 points

A single series path has two lamps and an open switch between them. Predict the ideal lamp states and explain why the return wire is still needed when the switch closes.

Question 18 · 3 points

A supplied bar magnet is divided into two smaller bars. What poles does the model assign, and why does a non-attracted shiny washer not prove all metals are nonmagnetic?

Question 19 · 3 points

A plane-mirror ray is 35° from the surface. Find incident and reflected normal angles and explain what a shadow-size change would need to account for.

Question 20 · 3 points

A modeled blue card reflects only blue. Compare white and green-only light views, and explain why a straight spoon can appear displaced in water.

Revisit the covered chapters

Browse all courses