1. 8th Grade Science FOCUS on Achievement
week3
Volusia District Science Office

2. SC.6.N.1.4 – Discussion with Groups
When scientists conduct experiments, they share their data and conclusions with other scientists. Which of the following explains why scientists share their information?
Society always accepts what scientists say.
New scientific laws and theories can be quickly established.
Other scientists can also get credit for scientific discoveries.
Other scientists can try to verify the results by repeating the same procedure.

3. SC.6.N.1.4 – Discussion with Groups2
When a scientist conducts an experiment, it is important that he or she maintains accurate records and shares the results with other scientists. If this does not happen, or if other scientists are not able to replicate the results, what would most likely be the consequence?
The scientist will lose credibility with other scientists and society.
The scientist will be able to publish the results in fewer scientific journals.
Nothing will happen, since the purpose of science is to find answers, no matter how they are found.
The scientist will actually become more successful if she is the only one able to produce the results.

4. SC.6.N.1.4 – Discussion with Groups3
Two scientists are conducting similar experiments. The results of their experiments are very different. Which of the following would be best for the scientists to do next?
Assume that both scientists are correct.
Change the experiment that is incorrect.
Redo the experiments to see who is correct.
Determine that both scientists are incorrect.

5. SC.6.N.1.4 Discussion with Groups
1. D 2. A 3. C Overall Summary: Scientists discuss, compare, and negotiate methods used, tools obtained, and differing explanations among each other when conducting similar investigations. This open approach helps to determine new methods to improve both the research in an investigation and its validity. Discussion?

6. SC.6.N.1.2 – Multiple Trials 4
Gregor Mendel was able to figure out a great deal about how traits are passed from one generation to the next by studying garden peas. He grew thousands of pea plants and counted and recorded the traits of all the peas they produced in order to do this. Why did Mendel grow and use so many peas to conduct his experiment?
Having many repeated trials in an experiment decreases the possibility that chance will affect the outcome.
Many pea plants are identical, so in order for Mendel to ensure variety in his findings, he had to use thousands of pea plants.
Other scientists do not need to repeat the experiment if there is sufficient data gathered during the initial experiment.
Mendel was overly cautious and grew far more peas than he really needed in order to prove his hypothesis.

7. SC.6.N.1.2 – Multiple Trials 5
Jasmine entered the school science fair competition. She wanted to see if colored light affected plant growth. However, when several other students repeated Jasmine's procedure, they all obtained different results than Jasmine's. What do the different results mean?
The other students should design their own experiments about light.
The results will probably be different every time an experiment is conducted.
Jasmine's results should be accepted since she conducted the experiment first.
Jasmine's results should not be accepted because scientific results should be repeatable.

8. SC.6.N.1.2 – Multiple Trials 6
A scientist makes a major new discovery that provides some evidence that a different approach to gene therapy might be helpful. Which of the following should happen next?
Her work must be proven wrong.
Her work must be replicated by other scientists.
Her work must be published on the Internet.
Her work should be used in treating patients.

9. SC.6.N.1.2 Repeated Trials & Replication
4. A 5. D 6. B Overall Summary: Replicate – others can perform the same investigation. Repeat – using multiple trials of the same experiment. Scientific investigations should be replicable by others. When performing an experiment it is important to use multiple trials (repetition) in order to remove any factors of chance that may affect the results. Discussion?

10. SC.7.N.1.5 – Use of Models 7
Janine is learning about how waves in the ocean form and move. For a class assignment, she builds a wave machine using a glass jar, water, mineral oil, and food coloring. Which best describes how Janine's model helps her to learn about waves?
It lets her observe wave motion without having to be near the ocean.
It helps her describe the differences between types of ocean waves.
It shows all the microscopic parts of the wave she couldn't normally see.
It allows her to explain how weather affects the formation of ocean waves.

11. SC.7.N.1.5 – Benefits of Models8
Sara is studying the human skeletal system. Her classroom has a model skeleton. What main advantage does a model skeleton have over a drawing of a skeleton?
It shows how the body moves.
It displays all of the bones at once.
It displays the skeleton in three dimensions.
It makes it easier to learn the names of each bone.

12. SC.7.N.1.5 – Benefits of Models9
A car company is designing a new seatbelt. To test the design, engineers place a simulation dummy into the car and crash the car into a wall at a high speed. What benefit does this method of testing provide?
The company can save money by testing fewer cars.
The company can eliminate the need for testing in the future.
The company can test the design without harming any real people.
The company can design many different types of seatbelts at once.

13. SC.7.N.1.5 Benefits & Limitations of Models
7. A 8. A 9. C Overall Summary: Each model used for scientific investigation has its own benefits and limitations associated with it. Technology has changed the way scientists interact with models by providing simulations, data collection, and communication with other scientists. Discussion?

14. SC.7.N.3.1 – Theory and Law 10
In the early 1900s, a scientist named Alfred Wegener proposed the idea that all the continents were once joined together into one supercontinent, which he called Pangaea. At first, this theory was rejected by society, but now it can be found in textbooks. Which of the following most likely caused people to accept the theory that the continents were once all connected?
A lot of scientific evidence was found that supported this theory.
Studies showed that each of today's continents has a unique ecosystem.
Another scientist wrote an article supporting this theory at the same time.
The continents started to move back into the shape of the original supercontinent.

15. SC.7.N.3.1 – Theory and Law 11
One of the scientists who proposed the theory that the Sun was the center of our Solar System was Copernicus. This was different from the accepted theory of the time, which stated that Earth was the center of our solar system. How was the theory that the Sun was the center of the Solar System finally accepted?
Ancient documents were discovered that supported his ideas.
Enough evidence was gathered to add support for his theory from the scientific community.
Due to the lack of technology, there was no way to prove his theory, thus it never became accepted.
Another scientist agreed with his findings to prove his theory.

16. SC.7.N.3.1 – Theory and Law 12
Many discoveries have been unintentionally made while conducting experiments for other purposes. Which best describes how theories are affected by these new discoveries?
They are unchanged.
They are sometimes modified.
They help prove the theory to become a law.
They are usually discarded and no longer widely accepted.

17. SC.7.N.3.1 Theory and Laws in Society
10. A 11. B 12. B Overall Summary: Scientific theories are explanations that are well-supported by evidence and widely accepted by a community of scientists. Theories can be modified as new evidence is discovered but are rarely discarded all together. A law is an accepted truth about a phenomenon but does not explain why it happens. Theories do not become laws. Discussion?