Grade 3 · Science · Unit 8 of 10
How Scientists Find Out
Evidence, observations, measurements, predictions and fair tests.
What your child practises
Practises how science builds explanations: observing and measuring, collecting data, making a hypothesis and checking whether the evidence supports it, and how the knowledge is used in engineering and technology.
Nunavut Curriculum approved guide: NWT Science and Technology K–6 (2004), Physical science · scientific explanations, data, hypotheses and how evidence supports predictions
Sample questions
A taste of this unit. In the app, questions change every time and get easier or harder to match your child.
Question 1
“I think the ball will roll farther on the smooth floor.” This is a…
- measurement
- hypothesis
- conclusion
hypothesis
Hint: It predicts what will happen.
Question 2
A hypothesis is…
- a sure answer
- a type of plant
- a prediction about what might happen
a prediction about what might happen
Hint: It is based on what you know.
Question 3
Data can come from…
- only dreams
- your own tests or from other sources like books
- nowhere
your own tests or from other sources like books
Hint: Scientists also use other people's data.
Question 4
A bridge designer uses science about…
- nothing
- forces and materials
- only colours
forces and materials
Hint: Engineers apply science.
Question 5
When new evidence is found, a scientific explanation may…
- always stay the same
- change
- disappear
change
Hint: Science grows as we learn more.
Question 6
A scientist looks only for data that helps test the…
- hypothesis
- calendar
- snack
hypothesis
Hint: The data collected relates to the idea being tested.