TEAS Scientific Reasoning

Basic Scientific Measurements and Tools

Units of Measurement

The metric system is used to measure and record information. The common units are:

• Meter: for length
• Liter: for volume
• Kilogram: for mass
• Second: for time

When using the metric system, you can use prefixes to help you determine the size of each unit. The table below highlights the common prefixes in the metric system.

Scientific Explanations

Identifying Logical Conclusions from Evidence

Scientific explanations often rely on evidence provided in charts, graphs, or text. To draw a logical conclusion:

1. Analyze the Evidence
   
   • Look at patterns in the data.
   • Identify trends or outliers in graphs or charts.
   • Summarize the key points in a text.
2. Make a Reasoned Judgment
   
   • Use the evidence to predict, explain, or infer a logical outcome.

Identifying Cause and Effect in Scientific Explanations

Cause and effect explain how one event influences another. To identify this relationship:

• Locate the Cause: The reason something happens.
• Locate the Effect: The result or outcome of the cause.
• Look for Keywords: Words like “because,” “leads to,” “results in,” “causes,” or “due to” signal cause-and-effect relationships.

Using Evidence to Support a Scientific Explanation

Scientific explanations are stronger when backed by evidence. To support an explanation:

1. Gather Relevant Data
   
   • Use measurements, statistics, or observations that directly relate to the topic.
2. Connect Evidence to the Explanation
   
   • Clearly show how the evidence supports your claim or hypothesis.
3. Present the Evidence Logically
   
   • Use graphs, charts, or direct quotes to strengthen your argument.

Relationships Among Events, Objects, and Processes

Comparing Magnitude

Magnitude helps us understand the relative size or significance of events, objects, or processes. To compare magnitude:

1. Quantify the Size or Extent
   
   • Use numerical data, such as length, volume, or time.
2. Identify Relative Importance
   
   • Evaluate which event or object has a greater impact or scale.

Determining Causal Relationships

Causal relationships show how one event influences another. To determine this relationship:

1. Identify the Cause and Effect
   
   • The cause is what triggers the event.
   • The effect is the outcome of that event.
2. Look for Evidence
   
   • Data, experiments, or observations that confirm the relationship.
3. Eliminate Other Possibilities
   
   • Ensure that no other factor could explain the effect.

Determining Logical Order or Sequence

Processes often follow a step-by-step sequence. To identify the logical order:

1. Break the Process into Steps
   
   • Write down each stage of the process or event.
2. Determine the Sequence
   
   • Arrange the steps in the correct order based on time or dependency.
3. Look for Clues
   
   • Keywords like “first,” “then,” “next,” or “finally” can indicate order.

Scientific Method

Steps in the Scientific Method

The general steps in the scientific method are:

1. Observe and Identify a Problem
2. Form a Hypothesis
3. Experiment and Collect Data
4. Analyze the Evidence
5. Determine Whether Evidence Supports Hypothesis
6. Draw Conclusions
7. Communicate Results

Identifying a Relevant Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a statement that predicts the outcome of an investigation. It must be:

1. Relevant to the Investigation
   
   • It should directly address the question being studied.
2. Testable
   
   • It must be possible to test the hypothesis through observation or experimentation.

Identifying Variables and Controls

Variables play a key role in ensuring experiments are fair and reliable:

• Independent Variable: What you manipulate (amount of sunlight).
• Dependent Variable: What you measure (plant growth).
• Control Variables: What stays the same (water, soil type, temperature).

Determining Whether Results Support a Hypothesis

Experimental results should be analyzed to decide if they support or contradict the hypothesis.

1. Compare Results to the Prediction
   
   • Does the data align with what was expected?
2. Use Evidence
   
   • Provide numerical or observational data to support the conclusion.
3. Revise Hypothesis if Needed
   
   • If results contradict the hypothesis, it may need to be refined.