Science Unit 4 — Data Science ⏱ ~25 min Checkpoint 1

Checkpoint 1

Review the key ideas from Lessons 1-5, then test yourself with 10 multiple-choice questions and 3 short-answer questions.

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1

What Counts as Scientific Data?

Focus: Scientific data is information collected through observation or measurement. Not all information counts as scientific data; it must be objective and repeatable.

Key terms: Data, Evidence, Objective

2

Qualitative and Quantitative Observations

Focus: Qualitative observations describe qualities using words. Different scientific questions require different types of observations.

Key terms: Qualitative data, Quantitative data, Discrete data

3

Variables and Fair Testing

Focus: The independent variable is the factor deliberately changed by the investigator. A fair test changes only the independent variable while keeping all other conditions the same.

Key terms: Variable, Independent variable, Dependent variable

4

Designing Reliable Data Tables

Focus: Data tables need clear headings with units for every column. Good table design reduces errors and makes patterns easier to spot.

Key terms: Data table, Column heading, Raw data

5

Choosing the Right Graph

Focus: Line graphs are used to show trends over time or continuous data. The choice of graph affects how easily patterns and relationships can be seen.

Key terms: Line graph, Bar graph, Pie chart

1. Which is the best example of scientific data?

AThe flower smells nice
BThe flower is red and 8 cm wide
CI think the flower is pretty
DThe flower looks healthier than yesterday

2. What makes data objective?

AIt is collected by a scientist
BIt is based on personal opinion
CIt can be measured and agreed upon by anyone
DIt is written in a notebook

3. Which is an example of qualitative data?

AThe plant grew 5 cm
BThe solution has a mass of 250 g
CThe gas has a sharp, bitter smell
DThe reaction took 30 seconds

4. The number of planets in our solar system is an example of:

AContinuous quantitative data
BQualitative data
CDiscrete quantitative data
DSubjective data

5. In an experiment to test how exercise affects heart rate, what is the independent variable?

AHeart rate
BType of exercise
CAge of participant
DTime of day

6. Which best describes a controlled variable?

AThe factor being measured
BThe factor deliberately changed
CA factor kept constant to ensure fairness
DThe final result of the experiment

7. Where should units be placed in a scientific data table?

AIn every data cell
BOnly in the title
CIn the column headings
DAt the bottom of the table

8. Which column should contain the independent variable?

AThe rightmost column
BThe middle column
CThe leftmost column
DIt does not matter

9. Which graph type is best for showing how a plant's height changes over four weeks?

ABar graph
BPie chart
CLine graph
DScatter plot

10. A pie chart would be most appropriate for:

AComparing test scores of five students
BShowing the percentage of different gases in air
CPlotting temperature against time
DDisplaying the relationship between study time and marks
SA1

Describe two differences between objective and subjective information, and give an example of each. (4 marks)

Write your answer in your book.
SA2

Compare qualitative and quantitative observations, giving two advantages of each type. (4 marks)

Write your answer in your book.
SA3

Define independent, dependent and controlled variables, and explain how each contributes to a fair test. (5 marks)

Write your answer in your book.
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