Unifying Process

Question 1

In a class demonstration, a teacher uses a meter stick to measure the length of a stiff wire and cuts a string into the same length as the wire. The teacher then bends the wire into a more compact shape and asks the students to predict how the string length will now compare with the length of the wire. Which of the following concepts is the teacher demonstrating?

Answer 1

Length remains constant even if the shape changes.

Question 2

According to plate tectonic theory, sections of the Earth’s outer layer are slowly moving. Which of the following changes in an Earth system most directly results from the movement of tectonic plates?

Answer 2

volcanic eruptions

Question 3

Which of the following statements about chimpanzees most effectively relates structure to function?

Answer 3

Chimpanzees have opposable thumbs on all four hands to swing from trees.

Question 4

Which of the following branches of science incorporates the idea of systems?

Answer 4

life science

physical science

Earth and space science

Question 5

How are form and function related?

Answer 5

They have a complementary relationship, with form allowing function and function enforcing the need for the specific form.

Question 6

Which of the following is not true about systems?

Answer 6

Systems remain constant and unchanging.

Question 7

Microrobots that seek out and chemically degrade small particles of plastic are currently under development. Which of the following Earth system changes would scientists most likely investigate before releasing these robots into the oceans?

Select all answers that apply.

Answer 7

their effects on beneficial plastics, such as boats and buoys

their effects on fish and other aquatic animals

Question 8

Mr. Escobar is teaching his science class about changes in systems. Which of the following activities best illustrates a series of changes in a system and the resulting reactions to those changes, as it relates to evolution?

Answer 8

explaining how members of a species of bird evolve in response to factors in their environment

Question 9

Discussion and evaluation are parts of scientific explanation. When is the best time to incorporate scientific explanation into an inquiry-based unit?

Answer 9

after explanations and solutions have been proposed
after data has been collected and analyzed

immediately after planning the experiment

Question 10

Of the following, which is the most important reason students should identify the boundary of a system they will study?

Answer 10

to help them separate the inputs and outputs from the system itself

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT considered a stable situation in science?

Answer 11

an underwater earthquake that produces a tsunami

Question 12

Which of the following statements about water best relates structure to function?

Answer 12

Water expands when freezing and can break apart solid rock.

Question 13

A teacher shows the class a short movie about an ecosystem and has her class identify the animals in the ecosystem. She then has the students help her draw a causal loop diagram by following these steps:

1. Draw a circle.
2. List the different animals in the ecosystem around the outside of the circle.
3. Draw lines tracing the various connections among the different animals.

Which of the following is the teacher most likely working on with her class?

Answer 13

defining systems

Question 14

A teacher has his students plant various types of seeds in mini-terrariums and record observations and measurements over the next month. Tracking which of the following would best help the students understand the concept that changes occur at different rates?

Answer 14

the number of days from planting to sprouting for each type of seed

Question 15

Why is it important for scientists around the world to adhere to the same system of measurement?

Answer 15

It allows for easier and more consistent communication of results.

Question 16

Which statement about the seeds of the burr plant best relate form to function?

Answer 16

Burr seeds catch on the fur of animals who then transport the seeds to other locations.

Question 17

Toward the end of an investigation on plant growth, student groups present their findings and conclusions to the class. Which of the following actions should the teacher take after each presentation to best support student growth in explanation skills?

Answer 17

Invite the class to ask questions about the methods or conclusions of the investigation.

Question 18

According to natural selection, organisms that are well adapted to their habitats survive to produce more offspring than organisms that are not well adapted. Which of the following changes in Earth’s system most directly results from natural selection?

Answer 18

Populations of animals develop traits that are well suited to their ecological niche.

Question 19

Which of the following is the best example of a science principle with themes and concepts that cut across all science disciplines?

Answer 19

Rates of change

Question 20

Which of the following is an example of a positive feedback system?

Answer 20

contractions during labor and childbirth

Question 21

Which two of the following size scales would be the most useful for materials science research on new products that are both strong and lightweight?

Select all answers that apply.

Answer 21

molecular and atomic scales

decimeter and meter scales

Question 22

The process of plate tectonics gives us information about the form of which of the following Earth systems?

Answer 22

crust and mantle

Question 23

A teacher wants to incorporate scientific practices during a lesson on buoyancy. She starts by having students discuss and list reasons they think boats can float. After listing several student ideas on the board, which of the following activities would best help students develop scientific habits and practices?

Answer 23

discussing the kind of evidence the students could gather on each of the ideas

Question 24

After her students do an experimental investigation, the teacher asks them to present their findings and defend their results. What does the teacher mean by “defend the results of [their] investigations” ?

Answer 24

explain how their data led to their conclusions

Question 25

A teacher briefly describes the purpose and function of photosynthesis in plants, gasoline in cars, and electricity in cell phones. Which of the following unifying concepts is she most likely teaching?

Answer 25

the flow of energy

Question 26

Which of the following best relates structure to function?

Answer 26

The earpieces of eyeglasses are curved.

Question 27

Which of the following is an example of a negative feedback system?

Answer 27

Body temp regulation

Question 28

To reduce carbon dioxide emissions, leaders often encourage drivers to purchase electric cars rather than gasoline-powered cars. Which of the following system changes will most likely occur along with this change?

Answer 28

increased battery recycling

Question 29

Why is learning the scientific process, such as collecting evidence, making models, and constructing explanations, as important to a science lesson as learning content?

Answer 29

Science processes unify science disciplines and phenomenon.