Science Unit 4 — Data Science ⏱ ~25 min Checkpoint 2

Checkpoint 2

Review the key ideas from Lessons 6-10, then test yourself with 10 multiple-choice questions and 3 short-answer questions.

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Quick Review

6

Identifying Patterns and Trends

Focus: A trend is a general direction in which data is moving over time or across conditions. Identifying patterns is the first step towards explaining cause and effect in science.

Key terms: Trend, Linear relationship, Cyclical pattern

7

Outliers, Anomalies and Measurement Error

Focus: An outlier is a data point that differs significantly from other values in the dataset. Not all outliers should be discarded; some reveal important information.

Key terms: Outlier, Anomaly, Measurement error

8

Accuracy, Precision and Repeated Trials

Focus: Accuracy refers to how close a measurement is to the true or accepted value. Accuracy and precision are independent qualities; one does not guarantee the other.

Key terms: Accuracy, Precision, Repeatability

9

Using Spreadsheets to Organise Data

Focus: Spreadsheets can store large datasets and perform calculations automatically. Spreadsheets reduce human error in calculations and make data easy to reorganise.

Key terms: Spreadsheet, Cell, Formula

10

Interpreting Graphs in Science

Focus: Graphs display relationships between variables in a visual format. Interpreting a graph involves describing trends, identifying relationships and explaining causes.

Key terms: Interpolation, Extrapolation, Gradient

Multiple Choice (10 questions)

1. Which phrase best describes a direct relationship?

AAs one variable increases, the other decreases
BAs one variable increases, the other also increases
CBoth variables stay the same
DThe variables show no connection

2. A graph of daily temperature over a year shows peaks in summer and troughs in winter. This is best described as:

AA linear trend
BA cyclical pattern
CNo relationship
DAn inverse relationship

3. Which is most likely to cause a systematic error?

AA draught in the room
BA stopwatch that runs slow
CA student misreading one measurement
DDifferent people timing the same event

4. What is the best first step when you notice an outlier in your data?

ADelete it immediately
BIgnore it and hope no one notices
CInvestigate possible causes before deciding what to do
DChange it to match the other values

5. Which statement best defines precision?

AHow close a measurement is to the true value
BHow close repeated measurements are to each other
CHow fast an experiment can be completed
DHow expensive the equipment is

6. A student measures a known 100 g mass and gets 102, 102 and 102 g. These results are:

AAccurate and precise
BPrecise but not accurate
CAccurate but not precise
DNeither accurate nor precise

7. What is the main purpose of using cell references in spreadsheet formulas?

ATo make the formula look longer
BSo the calculation updates automatically when data changes
CTo confuse other users
DTo save typing

8. Which function would you use to find the average of ten repeated measurements?

ASUM
BMAX
CAVERAGE
DCOUNT

9. What does interpolation involve?

AExtending a graph beyond the data range
BEstimating a value between two known data points
CChanging the scale of the axes
DCreating a new graph from raw data

10. A flat section on a graph is called a:

AGradient
BOrigin
CPlateau
DScale

Short Answer (3 questions)

SA1

Explain the difference between a trend and a pattern, using examples from environmental science. (4 marks)

Write your answer in your book.
SA2

Distinguish between systematic and random errors, giving an example of each and explaining how a scientist would address each type. (5 marks)

Write your answer in your book.
SA3

Distinguish between accuracy and precision, using a real-world or experimental example to illustrate a situation that is precise but not accurate. (4 marks)

Write your answer in your book.
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Test Your Knowledge

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