1st Grade Science : Physical Science

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for 1st Grade Science

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Example Questions

Example Question #3 : Observe Objects In Darkness When Illuminated

Bobby's teacher placed a secret object in a cardboard box and taped it closed. She poked small holes in the sides with a pen. She asked Bobby to look inside and tell her the secret object. He tried hard but couldn't tell what was in the box. What is the reason why Bobby couldn't see what was in the box?

Possible Answers:

It was too dark in the box.

The box was too big.

The secret object was not something he liked.

Correct answer:

It was too dark in the box.

Explanation:

Bobby couldn't see in the box because it was too dark! Tiny pinholes are not big enough to let enough light inside the box. If Bobby were to make larger holes or more holes, it would allow more light in to illuminate the object.

Example Question #4 : Observe Objects In Darkness When Illuminated

The lightning bug is neat because it can make its own light. How does this help the bug?

Firefly, Bug, Lightning, Insect, Smile

Possible Answers:

It makes them look better than the other animals.

It makes it easier for predators to find them.

It makes it easier to find other lightning bugs.

Correct answer:

It makes it easier to find other lightning bugs.

Explanation:

Lightning bugs use their internal light source to attract other insects. They might eat the other bugs that come to visit them, or if they are from the same species, they may become mates.

Example Question #1 : Observe Objects In Darkness When Illuminated

Why are you able to see these beautiful fish lanterns even in the dark?

Flame, Color, Lighting, Art, In The Dark, Light

Possible Answers:

People are shining flashlights on the fish.

There is a light source inside the fish illuminating the dark.

They are live fish who are able to glow in the dark.

Correct answer:

There is a light source inside the fish illuminating the dark.

Explanation:

These beautiful oriental fish lanterns are visible in the dark because there is a light source inside of them illuminating the darkness. Humans must have light to reflect off of an object's surface for our eyes to process the image.

Example Question #2 : Observe Objects In Darkness When Illuminated

Which of these objects would illuminate a cave so we can see the objects inside?

Possible Answers:

People, Man, Guy, Fire, Flame, Dark

Water Bottle, Plastic Bottle, Water

Binoculars, Birdwatching, Spy Glass

Correct answer:

People, Man, Guy, Fire, Flame, Dark

Explanation:

The best object to bring into a cave would be the fire torch. This would illuminate or light up the area around you so that hidden objects (or dangers) would be visible. In the dark, without any light source, we would not know what is up ahead.

Example Question #1 : Plan An Investigation Placing Objects In A Beam Of Light

Janine is planning an investigation about placing objects in light. She has to use something that makes a beam of light.

Where does light come from?

Possible Answers:

Only natural sources

Natural and human-made sources

Only human-made sources

It is unknown where light comes from

Correct answer:

Natural and human-made sources

Explanation:

Light can come from natural and human-made sources. An example of a natural light source is the Sun; an example of a human-made light source would be a lightbulb. Either one can produce light.

Example Question #2 : Plan An Investigation Placing Objects In A Beam Of Light

Annie asks the scientific question: How can I block light? She has been thinking of how she can test this.

Which plan sounds most reasonable for investigating her question?

Possible Answers:

Annie can first rent an expensive laser and science lab. Then point the laser at different objects to see what happens.

Annie can take different objects and place them in front of a beam of light. She can observe which types of objects block light and which allow it to pass.

Annie can stand in front of a flashlight. This would block the light and her question is answered without needed to test anything else.

Correct answer:

Annie can take different objects and place them in front of a beam of light. She can observe which types of objects block light and which allow it to pass.

Explanation:

Annie is asking a valid scientific question, and it can best be answered with an investigation. For an investigation to be reasonable, it has to be something Annie could perform and would answer the question. Annie's plan to place objects in front of the beam of light would help her to see how light can be blocked and what type of items would be best for blocking light.

Example Question #3 : Plan An Investigation Placing Objects In A Beam Of Light

Which question would NOT be able to be investigated because it is based on personal opinion?

Possible Answers:

How can I block light?

What happens to an object when placed in a beam of light?

Why do you want to block light in your everyday life?

Correct answer:

Why do you want to block light in your everyday life?

Explanation:

An investigation can be completed for a scientific question where data can be collected from measuring or observing what takes place. "Why do you want to block light in your everyday life?" leads to personal opinion rather than data because it is asking "why you" want to do something. Each person's opinion may be different.

Example Question #4 : Plan An Investigation Placing Objects In A Beam Of Light

Melissa wants to plan an investigation and her scientific question is: Which materials will block the light best to help us make our room as dark as possible?

Which list of supplies would be most appropriate for this investigation?

Possible Answers:

A candle, your hands, a stuffed animal, and a pencil

A lamp, white construction paper, yellow sticky notes, and green tape

A flashlight, notebook paper, blue construction paper, and black fabric

Correct answer:

A flashlight, notebook paper, blue construction paper, and black fabric

Explanation:

The list of supplies that would be most appropriate is a flashlight, notebook paper, blue construction paper, and black fabric. Each of those items can be placed in front of the flashlight to determine which blocks the most or least light and if it makes the room dark.

Example Question #21 : Physical Science

"What do we see when we look into a place where all the outside light is blocked from getting in versus the light is not blocked?"

How could Maggie plan an investigation to test this scientific question?

Possible Answers:

Look in a room where the light is blocked and one where light is shining in and record what she sees.

Remember in the past where she looked into different rooms and record what she thinks happened.

Put different types of lightbulbs in a lamp and test which one brightens the room the most.

Correct answer:

Look in a room where the light is blocked and one where light is shining in and record what she sees.

Explanation:

This scientific question is comparing a room with two different amounts of light. One room would need windows to be blocked from light getting in, and Maggie would look and record what she can see. Another room would have light flowing in through a window, and again Maggie would log what she sees. Maggie has to have an investigation that would allow her to compare the two different amounts of light in the room.

Example Question #21 : Physical Science

Which object would be best to use in an investigation about blocking light?

Possible Answers:

Plastic wrap

A dark sweater

A glass cup

Correct answer:

A dark sweater

Explanation:

A dark sweater would be the best object to use in an investigation about blocking light because it is made of a material and is a color that absorbs or blocks light. A glass cup and plastic wrap are clear, so the light will pass through, whereas a dark sweater will prevent the light from passing.

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