School Improvement in Maryland

Using the State Curriculum: Science, Grade 8

Skills and Processes | Earth/Space | Life | Chemistry | Physics | Environmental

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Standard 1.0 Skills and Processes

Topic B. Applying Evidence and Reasoning

Indicator 1. Review data from a simple experiment, summarize the data, and construct a logical argument about the cause-and-effect relationships in the experiment.

Objective b. Explain that what people expect to observe often affects what they actually do observe and that scientists know about this danger to objectivity and take steps to try to avoid it when designing investigations and examining data.

Selected Response Item

Scientists perform experiments to test hypotheses.

How do scientists try to remain objective during experiments?

  1. Scientists analyze all results.
  2. Scientists use safety precautions.
  3. Scientists conduct experiments once.
  4. Scientists change at least two variables.
/toolkit/vsc/assessment_items/msa_science_8_012.xml

Correct Answer:
A

Selected Response Item

Biologists conduct investigations to learn about living organisms.

Which method helps reduce bias during an investigation?

  1. developing a hypothesis after collecting data in the investigation
  2. limiting the amount of background research before the investigation
  3. designing an investigation with repeated trials during the investigation
  4. obtaining other opinions concerning what should happen during the investigation
/toolkit/vsc/assessment_items/msa_science_8_055.xml

Correct Answer:
C