Life Science & Scientific Inquiry — Sample exam
Parent / teacher answer keyCourse-authored study paper with accessible keys. Use two flexible 45-minute blocks for the midterm, three for the cumulative final, and one for the optional sample. The questions revisit taught ideas and cases; these are not secure official school tests. Feedback has a separate session.
8 questions · 24 points · suggested 45 minutes
Student instructions
- Use the supplied records; a glossary, notes, and calculator are permitted.
- Explain briefly and show calculation steps with units; a labeled diagram or supported oral response can be accepted where appropriate.
- Attempt responses before opening the worked key.
- The suggested timing can be extended for reading and writing needs; mark reasoning rather than speed or exact model wording.
Science inquiry and calculation notes
| Task | Method |
|---|---|
| Change | Final value minus initial value, with units. |
| Mean | Sum all values and divide by the number of values. |
| Percentage | Part divided by total, multiplied by 100. |
| Percentage points | Subtract two percentage values; distinguish from relative percent change. |
| Model | Label quantities, relationships, assumptions, and omissions. |
| Explanation | Claim + relevant evidence + biological reasoning + a limitation. |
Coverage and marks
| Chapter | Questions | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Inquiry & Diversity of Life | 1 | 3 |
| Cells, Transport & Cellular Energy | 2 | 3 |
| Body Organization, Transport & Movement | 3 | 3 |
| Coordination, Defense & Reproduction | 4 | 3 |
| Genes, Cell Division & Heredity | 5 | 3 |
| Ecosystems, Matter & Energy | 6 | 3 |
| Ecological Evidence & Environmental Design | 7 | 3 |
| Evolution, Evidence & Life History | 8 | 3 |
Name: ____________________ Date: ____________________
Question 1 · 3 points
A fungus has walls but no chloroplasts. Must it be an animal or a plant?
Question 2 · 3 points
A student says plants use respiration only at night. Correct the claim.
Question 3 · 3 points
A draft calls kidney processing a digestive absorption step. Correct the system relationship.
Question 4 · 3 points
Why is the same germination treatment not automatically best for every plant species?
Question 5 · 3 points
A mutation has no visible effect in one setting. Must it be impossible or meaningless?
Question 6 · 3 points
A field count rises after a survey team doubles its observation time. Can the increase be assigned directly to population growth?
Question 7 · 3 points
Plan C achieves the largest reduction but costs 130 tokens under the same 100-token limit. Is it currently feasible?
Question 8 · 3 points
A project uses only a graph of frequencies and claims a specific new mutation caused the change. What evidence is missing?