Science Investigation and Problem Solving: Interactive Learning Quizzes for Third Graders

Question 1

Your plants aren't growing well. You think it's because they don't have enough sunlight. How can you test this idea?

Accepted Answer

Put some plants in the sun and others in the shade. Give them the same water and food, and see how they grow.

Answer

Just measure how much sunlight the plants get each day.

Answer

Give the plants different amounts of water and food, and see which ones grow best.

Answer

Don't do anything and just see what happens.

Question 2

Before building a toy car that goes far, what should a student do first?

Accepted Answer

Figure out the problem.

Answer

Build the car.

Answer

Test the car.

Question 3

Why is it crucial for scientists to obtain informed consent before conducting research involving humans or animals?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent ensures participants can make informed decisions about participating in the research.

Answer

Informed consent safeguards scientists from legal issues if participants are harmed.

Answer

Informed consent is only required for research involving sensitive or invasive procedures.

Answer

Informed consent is not necessary for research conducted for educational purposes.

Question 4

A scientist wants to know if a new plant food helps plants grow taller. What do they predict will happen?

Accepted Answer

Plants with the new food will be taller than plants without it.

Answer

The new food will make plants grow stronger roots.

Answer

The new food is the best plant food available.

Question 5

Before starting your science fair project, what should you do first?

Accepted Answer

Learn more about your idea.

Answer

Guess and test your idea.

Answer

Build a model.

Answer

Do an experiment.

Question 6

When engineers design something, they have to think about limits or rules that might affect their design. How do you think these limits or rules can change how engineers approach a design project?

Accepted Answer

Limits or rules can make engineers find new and better solutions.

Answer

Limits or rules only make designing harder and take longer.

Answer

Limits or rules don't really matter, engineers can ignore them if they want.

Question 7

Engineers want to create products that people will love and find useful. What is the most important step they take to make sure they are designing products people will enjoy using?

Accepted Answer

They ask people what they want and need, and then they design products based on their feedback.

Answer

They make their products look really fancy.

Answer

They add as many features as they can, so people have lots of options to choose from.

Question 8

Why is it crucial for scientists to share their findings and be truthful about their results with other scientists?

Accepted Answer

To allow other scientists to verify their work, learn from their discoveries, and identify any errors.

Answer

To gain recognition and fame for their work.

Answer

To profit financially from their discoveries.

Question 9

Scientists have ethical rules they should follow. Which of these is an important ethical rule?

Accepted Answer

Share their findings with other scientists, even if someone else might get credit for their work.

Answer

Only do research that will have good results.

Answer

Never test their ideas on animals, even if it could lead to important discoveries.

Answer

Always put their own interests ahead of the needs of others.

Question 10

In a science experiment, you are testing how different types of paper affect how far a paper airplane flies. Which of the following is the independent variable in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

The type of paper used

Answer

The distance the airplane flies

Answer

The size of the airplane

Answer

The wind speed

Question 11

A scientist wants to test how different types of light affect plant growth. Design an experiment that the scientist could conduct to test this hypothesis.

Accepted Answer

Grow plants under different colored lights and measure their height after one week.

Answer

Grow plants in different parts of the classroom and measure their height after one week.

Answer

Grow plants in different types of soil and measure their height after one week.

Answer

Grow plants in different sized pots and measure their height after one week.

Question 12

What's the very first step in the engineering design process?

Accepted Answer

Find the problem

Answer

Design a solution

Answer

Try out the solution

Question 13

To ensure a fair and accurate experiment, which step should a scientist take when testing which soil type helps plants grow taller?

Accepted Answer

Provide equal amounts of water and sunlight to each pot.

Answer

Use different plant types in each pot.

Answer

Vary the amount of soil in each pot.

Answer

Place the pots in different locations.

Question 14

Our class plants aren't growing much. We think it's because they don't get enough sunlight. What should our hypothesis be?

Accepted Answer

If we move the plants to a sunnier spot, they'll grow taller.

Answer

Plants need sunlight to grow.

Answer

Sunlight doesn't affect plant growth.

Answer

Too much sunlight kills plants.

Question 15

When designing a new park, it's important to make sure it's both accessible and sustainable. Which step should the community focus on first in the engineering design process to achieve this?

Accepted Answer

Identify the needs of the community and any limitations or constraints.

Answer

Come up with many different designs without thinking about how practical they are.

Answer

Choose the design that looks the most attractive.

Question 16

After completing their science project, a student wants to share their findings clearly. Which of these is the best way to do this?

Accepted Answer

Give a clear and simple presentation, using pictures to illustrate the key points.

Answer

Write a long report with scientific terms that only other scientists can understand.

Answer

Create a poster with many colorful pictures but little writing.

Answer

Post the findings on social media without any details or explanations.

Question 17

Scientists conduct experiments to find patterns in data. How can they decide if a pattern is real or just a coincidence?

Accepted Answer

Do the experiment again to see if the pattern happens again

Answer

Ignore the pattern and just look at the overall results

Answer

Assume the pattern is real without doing more tests

Answer

Throw away the data and start over with a new idea

Question 18

When engineers decide if a new product or design is successful, they consider many factors. Which of these is a factor engineers consider?

Accepted Answer

The cost of making the product

Accepted Answer

How easy the product is to use

Accepted Answer

How well the product will last over time

Answer

Only how the product looks

Question 19

You want to find out if plants grow taller when they get more sunlight. Which of these is a good guess about what will happen?

Accepted Answer

Plants that get more sunlight will grow taller than plants that get less sunlight.

Answer

Plants need sunlight to grow.

Answer

All plants will grow to the same height.

Answer

The color of the sunlight affects plant growth.

Question 20

Why is it important for scientists to share their discoveries with others?

Accepted Answer

So other scientists can learn from their work and build on it.

Answer

To make money.

Answer

To win awards.

Question 21

Why is it crucial for scientists to be honest about their findings?

Accepted Answer

To allow other scientists to verify their results.

Answer

To earn more funding for their research.

Answer

To gain fame and recognition.

Question 22

When scientists begin to explore a question or problem, what is the first thing they usually do?

Accepted Answer

Ask a question

Answer

Form a hypothesis

Answer

Conduct an experiment

Answer

Draw a conclusion

Question 23

Scientists use the term 'variable' to describe things that:

Accepted Answer

Change or are different in an experiment

Answer

Stay the same in an experiment

Answer

Are not important in an experiment

Answer

Cannot be measured

Question 24

Scientists test ideas by making a guess about what will happen in an experiment. This guess is called a:

Accepted Answer

Hypothesis

Answer

Experiment

Answer

Conclusion

Answer

Variable

Question 25

The main purpose of an experiment is to:

Accepted Answer

Test a hypothesis

Answer

Prove a scientific law

Answer

Make a guess about something

Answer

Share an idea or finding

Question 26

When scientists conduct an experiment, the variable they change is known as the:

Accepted Answer

Independent variable

Answer

Dependent variable

Answer

Constant variable

Answer

Controlled variable

Question 27

After an experiment, scientists summarize their findings in a:

Accepted Answer

Conclusion

Answer

Hypothesis

Answer

Question

Answer

Variable

Question 28

Engineers use a special process to solve problems and create things. What is this process called?

Accepted Answer

Engineering design process

Answer

Scientific inquiry process

Answer

Problem-solving process

Answer

Creative thinking process

Question 29

The first step in the engineering design process is to:

Accepted Answer

Define the problem

Answer

Brainstorm solutions

Answer

Build a prototype

Answer

Test the prototype

Question 30

A 'prototype' is:

Accepted Answer

A first draft of a solution

Answer

A final version of a solution

Answer

A hypothesis

Answer

A conclusion

Question 31

Engineers test prototypes to:

Accepted Answer

See if they work

Answer

Find the best solution

Answer

Make the most efficient solution

Answer

Find the most cost-effective solution

Question 32

What is the first step in a scientific investigation?

Accepted Answer

Make observations

Answer

Formulate a hypothesis

Answer

Conduct an experiment

Answer

Draw conclusions

Question 33

When scientists test a hypothesis, which variable do they change on purpose?

Accepted Answer

Independent variable

Answer

Dependent variable

Answer

Controlled variable

Answer

Constant variable

Question 34

Which tool do scientists use to measure temperature?

Accepted Answer

Thermometer

Answer

Ruler

Answer

Graduated cylinder

Answer

Microscope

Question 35

What is the difference between a hypothesis and a theory?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a prediction, while a theory is a proven explanation.

Answer

A theory is a prediction, while a hypothesis is a proven explanation.

Answer

A hypothesis and a theory are the same thing.

Answer

A theory is more specific than a hypothesis.

Question 36

What is the name of the force that pulls objects towards each other?

Accepted Answer

Gravity

Answer

Friction

Answer

Magnetism

Answer

Electromagnetism

Question 37

Which of the following is a renewable resource?

Accepted Answer

Wind

Answer

Coal

Answer

Natural gas

Answer

Oil

Question 38

What is the name of the layer of gases that surrounds the Earth?

Accepted Answer

Atmosphere

Answer

Hydrosphere

Answer

Geosphere

Answer

Biosphere

Question 39

What is the main purpose of a hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

To make a prediction about an experiment

Answer

To prove a scientific theory

Answer

To explain a scientific observation

Answer

To design a scientific experiment

Question 40

What is the main difference between a scientific theory and a scientific law?

Accepted Answer

A theory explains a natural event whereas a law describes a pattern in nature

Answer

A law explains a natural event whereas a theory describes a pattern in nature

Answer

There is no difference between the two

Answer

A theory is a proven hypothesis, a law has not been proven

Question 41

What is the main goal of an engineering design?

Accepted Answer

To solve a problem or meet a specific need

Answer

To create something beautiful

Answer

To make a profit

Answer

To impress others

Question 42

What is the difference between a prototype and a final product?

Accepted Answer

A prototype is a rough draft of a product, a final product is a finished product

Answer

A final product is a rough draft of a product, a prototype is a finished product

Answer

There is no difference between the two

Answer

A prototype is a product made for sale, a final product is for testing

Question 43

What kind of question can be tested through an experiment?

Accepted Answer

What causes plants to grow?

Answer

What is my favorite color?

Answer

Is it going to rain tomorrow?

Answer

How many chairs are in my living room?

Question 44

Which step comes first in the engineering design process?

Accepted Answer

Identify the problem

Answer

Create a model

Answer

Test the solution

Answer

Gather materials

Question 45

How are a hypothesis and a theory different?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is an idea that can be tested, while a theory is an idea that has been proven.

Answer

A theory is an idea that can be tested, while a hypothesis is an idea that has been proven.

Answer

There is no difference between a hypothesis and a theory.

Answer

A hypothesis is a guess, while a theory is a fact.

Question 46

Which of these is the first step in the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Making an observation

Answer

Forming a hypothesis

Answer

Doing an experiment

Answer

Drawing a conclusion

Question 47

How are conductors and insulators different?

Accepted Answer

Conductors allow electricity to pass through them, while insulators do not.

Answer

Insulators allow electricity to pass through them, while conductors do not.

Answer

There is no difference between conductors and insulators.

Answer

Conductors are metals, while insulators are nonmetals.

Question 48

The very first step in the scientific method is to:

Accepted Answer

make observations about the world around you

Answer

form a guess called a hypothesis

Answer

do an experiment to test your guess

Answer

decide what you want to learn

Question 49

The purpose of making a guess called a hypothesis in a science investigation is to:

Accepted Answer

predict what will happen in an experiment

Answer

explain something you have seen

Answer

ask a question about something you want to know

Answer

build something that will help you learn

Question 50

The part of an experiment that you change on purpose to see what happens is called the:

Accepted Answer

independent variable

Answer

dependent variable

Answer

controlled variable

Answer

hypothesis

Question 51

The group in an experiment that does not receive the independent variable is called the:

Accepted Answer

control group

Answer

experimental group

Answer

hypothesis group

Answer

variable group

Question 52

Taking information from an experiment and organizing it so that you can see what it means is called:

Accepted Answer

analyzing data

Answer

forming a hypothesis

Answer

designing an experiment

Answer

drawing conclusions

Question 53

When you are doing science, the information you collect that supports your ideas is called:

Accepted Answer

evidence

Answer

a guess

Answer

an experiment

Answer

a hypothesis

Question 54

The first step in the engineering design process is to:

Accepted Answer

define the problem you are trying to solve

Answer

think of many different ideas for a solution

Answer

build a model of your solution to test it

Answer

decide which solution is the best

Question 55

A model that you can test before building the real thing is called a:

Accepted Answer

prototype

Answer

hypothesis

Answer

design

Answer

experiment

Question 56

How does the engineering design process help us solve problems in our world?

Accepted Answer

It gives us a step-by-step plan to find and fix problems.

Answer

It makes sure we always find the best answer.

Answer

It only works for problems that have been solved before.

Answer

It's too hard to use for everyday problems.

Question 57

Which of the following is NOT a factor that can affect the reliability of a scientific claim?

Accepted Answer

The scientist's appearance

Answer

Bias

Answer

Errors in data

Answer

Misunderstanding the results of an experiment

Question 58

What is a characteristic that is shared by both the scientific inquiry process and the engineering design process?

Accepted Answer

Using problem-solving skills

Answer

Developing a hypothesis to be tested

Question 59

When scientists are conducting research, what is an important ethical consideration?

Accepted Answer

Treating animals ethically in experiments

Answer

Keeping research findings confidential

Answer

Altering data to support a hypothesis

Answer

Using others' work without permission

Question 60

What's the very first step in scientific inquiry?

Accepted Answer

Observing

Answer

Guessing

Answer

Testing

Answer

Deciding

Question 61

You want to build a bridge out of popsicle sticks that can hold the most weight. How should you design your bridge to meet this goal?

Accepted Answer

Use the strongest materials you can find to build the bridge.

Answer

Make the bridge as long as possible.

Answer

Make the bridge as light as possible.

Answer

Design the bridge without any supports.

Question 62

What do you call an educated guess about what will happen in an experiment?

Accepted Answer

Hypothesis

Answer

Variable

Answer

Control

Answer

Data

Question 63

What is the first step in the scientific inquiry process?

Accepted Answer

Making observations

Answer

Forming a hypothesis

Answer

Designing an experiment

Answer

Drawing conclusions

Question 64

In an experiment testing the effect of different fertilizers on plant growth, what is the independent variable?

Accepted Answer

The type of fertilizer

Answer

The plant growth

Answer

The amount of water

Answer

The temperature