The questions are on the scientific method test. Take it under real conditions before reading the mark scheme.
Quick answer: The scientific method is a series of steps for testing ideas: ask a question, make a hypothesis, plan a fair test, collect data, analyse it and draw a conclusion. This mark scheme gives the model answers and the marks for the 8 questions of the grade 6 science test on scientific method, from identify the variables to units and instruments, with the equivalent answers to accept.
Use these model answers and the marking notes to score your test. Give method marks when the working is correct even if a small arithmetic slip changes the final result.
Level: Grade 6 science (Year 7 · Class 6) · Curriculum: SEP 3-4
Question 1 Identify the variables (2 marks)
a. The water temperature.b. The time taken for the tablet to dissolve.
Marking: 1 mark each.
Question 2 Write a hypothesis (2 marks)
If the sail is larger, then the boat will travel farther, because the sail catches more wind.Marking: 1 mark for a testable prediction; 1 mark for a scientific reason.
Question 3 A fair test? (3 marks)
a. The amount of light (sunny window or dark cupboard).b. The plants get different amounts of water (50 mL against 100 mL).
c. Give both plants the same amount of water, for example 50 mL.
Marking: 1 mark per part.
Question 4 Anomalies and means (3 marks)
a. 8.9 s.b. The student started or stopped the timer late, or the car hit an obstacle.
c. (6.2 + 6.0 + 6.1 + 6.3) ÷ 4 = 24.6 ÷ 4 = 6.15 s, about 6.2 s.
Marking: 1 mark per part; accept 6.15 or 6.2.
Question 5 Chart faults (2 marks)
A scale that does not start at zero exaggerates differences between the bars. Uneven steps make bar heights hard to compare and distort the pattern.Marking: 1 mark for each reason.
Question 6 Germination rate (3 marks)
a. 36 ÷ 48 × 100 = 75 %. 42 ÷ 48 × 100 = 87.5 %.b. 87.5 − 75 = 12.5 percentage points.
Marking: 1 mark for each percentage; 1 mark for the difference.
Question 7 Why repeat? (2 marks)
Repeating shows whether results are reliable and shows up anomalies. A mean of several readings is a better estimate than a single reading.Marking: 1 mark for reliability or anomalies; 1 mark for mean being a better estimate.
Question 8 Units and instruments (3 marks)
a. A balance (scale).b. 2.4 × 1000 = 2400 g.
c. 750 ÷ 1000 = 0.75 L.
Marking: 1 mark per part.
