Guided Practice: Data Collection
Quick Review
- Data = Information collected through observation or measurement
- Qualitative data = Descriptions (color, texture, smell)
- Quantitative data = Numbers and measurements
- Table = Organizes data in rows and columns
- Graph = Shows data visually
Practice Problems
1. "The plant grew 5 cm" is what type of data?
A) Qualitative
B) Quantitative
C) Opinion
D) Guess
Answer
B) Quantitative - This includes a number and measurement (5 cm).
2. "The flower is bright yellow" is what type of data?
A) Qualitative
B) Quantitative
C) A number
D) A hypothesis
Answer
A) Qualitative - This describes a quality (color) without numbers.
3. Why should scientists do multiple trials?
A) To waste time
B) To get more accurate results
C) Because one trial is boring
D) To use more materials
Answer
B) - Multiple trials help reduce errors and give more reliable averages.
4. What should every data table have?
A) Only numbers
B) A title and labeled columns
C) Colors
D) Pictures only
Answer
B) - Tables need titles and labels so others know what the data means.
5. Look at this data: Trial 1: 10 cm, Trial 2: 12 cm, Trial 3: 11 cm. What is the average?
A) 10 cm
B) 11 cm
C) 12 cm
D) 33 cm
Answer
B) 11 cm - (10 + 12 + 11) ÷ 3 = 33 ÷ 3 = 11 cm.
6. Which is the BEST way to record data during an experiment?
A) Remember it in your head
B) Write it down right away in a table
C) Wait until the end
D) Have someone else remember it
Answer
B) - Recording immediately prevents forgetting or making mistakes.
7. A bar graph is best for showing:
A) Comparing different categories
B) Showing change over time
C) Drawing pictures
D) Writing words
Answer
A) - Bar graphs compare amounts across different groups or categories.
8. What does the "range" of data tell you?
A) The average
B) The difference between highest and lowest values
C) How many trials you did
D) The color of the data
Answer
B) - Range = highest value - lowest value, showing how spread out data is.
9. If your data doesn't match your prediction, you should:
A) Change the data
B) Report what you actually found
C) Ignore the experiment
D) Guess different numbers
Answer
B) - Good scientists report real data, even when it's unexpected.
10. Which measurement tool would you use to find the mass of a rock?
A) Ruler
B) Thermometer
C) Balance or scale
D) Stopwatch
Answer
C) Balance or scale - Balances measure mass or weight.
Next Steps
- Practice making data tables for daily observations
- Calculate averages from multiple measurements
- Continue to the Investigation Lab