Academic Year 2026–2027 UNISA Assignment: Practical Science for the
Classroom (PSC1501) – Fully Solved Assignment with Verified Answers, Marking-
Guideline Alignment, Experiments & Exam-Focused Study Guide
Question 1:
Which of the following is a primary characteristic of a scientific method?
• A) Intuition
• B) Observation
• C) Tradition
• D) Opinion
Correct Option: B) Observation
Rationale: Observation is fundamental to the scientific method, as it forms the basis
for gathering data and formulating hypotheses.
Question 2:
What is the main purpose of a science experiment?
• A) To test a hypothesis
• B) To confirm existing knowledge
• C) To gather opinions
• D) To entertain students
Correct Option: A) To test a hypothesis
Rationale: The main purpose of a science experiment is to test a hypothesis through
controlled observations and data collection, allowing for conclusions to be drawn.
Question 3:
When conducting a lab experiment, what is the importance of safety equipment?
• A) To look professional
• B) To protect the individual
• C) To pass inspection
• D) To follow trends
Correct Option: B) To protect the individual
Rationale: Safety equipment protects individuals from potential hazards in the lab,
including chemical spills and physical injuries, ensuring a safe working environment.
,Question 4:
Which method would be appropriate for teaching the concept of buoyancy?
• A) Lecture-based discussion
• B) Hands-on experiments with different objects
• C) Watching a documentary
• D) Reading textbook chapters
Correct Option: B) Hands-on experiments with different objects
Rationale: Hands-on experiments engage students actively, helping them to
understand buoyancy through direct experience and practical application.
Question 5:
What is the benefit of using models in teaching scientific concepts?
• A) They simplify complex information
• B) They enhance understanding of abstract ideas
• C) They replace textbook learning
• D) They require less time for explanations
Correct Option: B) They enhance understanding of abstract ideas
Rationale: Models assist in visualizing and comprehending abstract scientific
concepts, making them more accessible and understandable for students.
Question 6:
What is the primary goal of inquiry-based learning in science?
• A) To memorize facts
• B) To foster critical thinking skills
• C) To complete worksheets
• D) To eliminate hands-on activities
Correct Option: B) To foster critical thinking skills
Rationale: Inquiry-based learning encourages students to ask questions, explore
solutions, and develop critical thinking skills.
, Question 7:
Which of the following is an example of a physical change?
• A) Melting of ice
• B) Rusting of iron
• C) Baking a cake
• D) Digestion of food
Correct Option: A) Melting of ice
Rationale: Melting ice is a physical change because it alters the state of matter without
changing its chemical composition.
Question 8:
In a scientific experiment, what does a control group do?
• A) Receives a different treatment
• B) Is manipulated by the experimenter
• C) Remains unchanged for comparison
• D) Is used to collect additional data
Correct Option: C) Remains unchanged for comparison
Rationale: The control group is crucial for comparison, providing a baseline to analyze
the effects of the experimental treatment.
Question 9:
What is one advantage of using technology in the classroom for science education?
• A) Increases distraction
• B) Provides interactive simulations
• C) Replaces teacher interaction
• D) Limits available resources
Correct Option: B) Provides interactive simulations
Rationale: Technology can enhance learning through interactive simulations, allowing
students to visualize and experiment with scientific concepts effectively.
Classroom (PSC1501) – Fully Solved Assignment with Verified Answers, Marking-
Guideline Alignment, Experiments & Exam-Focused Study Guide
Question 1:
Which of the following is a primary characteristic of a scientific method?
• A) Intuition
• B) Observation
• C) Tradition
• D) Opinion
Correct Option: B) Observation
Rationale: Observation is fundamental to the scientific method, as it forms the basis
for gathering data and formulating hypotheses.
Question 2:
What is the main purpose of a science experiment?
• A) To test a hypothesis
• B) To confirm existing knowledge
• C) To gather opinions
• D) To entertain students
Correct Option: A) To test a hypothesis
Rationale: The main purpose of a science experiment is to test a hypothesis through
controlled observations and data collection, allowing for conclusions to be drawn.
Question 3:
When conducting a lab experiment, what is the importance of safety equipment?
• A) To look professional
• B) To protect the individual
• C) To pass inspection
• D) To follow trends
Correct Option: B) To protect the individual
Rationale: Safety equipment protects individuals from potential hazards in the lab,
including chemical spills and physical injuries, ensuring a safe working environment.
,Question 4:
Which method would be appropriate for teaching the concept of buoyancy?
• A) Lecture-based discussion
• B) Hands-on experiments with different objects
• C) Watching a documentary
• D) Reading textbook chapters
Correct Option: B) Hands-on experiments with different objects
Rationale: Hands-on experiments engage students actively, helping them to
understand buoyancy through direct experience and practical application.
Question 5:
What is the benefit of using models in teaching scientific concepts?
• A) They simplify complex information
• B) They enhance understanding of abstract ideas
• C) They replace textbook learning
• D) They require less time for explanations
Correct Option: B) They enhance understanding of abstract ideas
Rationale: Models assist in visualizing and comprehending abstract scientific
concepts, making them more accessible and understandable for students.
Question 6:
What is the primary goal of inquiry-based learning in science?
• A) To memorize facts
• B) To foster critical thinking skills
• C) To complete worksheets
• D) To eliminate hands-on activities
Correct Option: B) To foster critical thinking skills
Rationale: Inquiry-based learning encourages students to ask questions, explore
solutions, and develop critical thinking skills.
, Question 7:
Which of the following is an example of a physical change?
• A) Melting of ice
• B) Rusting of iron
• C) Baking a cake
• D) Digestion of food
Correct Option: A) Melting of ice
Rationale: Melting ice is a physical change because it alters the state of matter without
changing its chemical composition.
Question 8:
In a scientific experiment, what does a control group do?
• A) Receives a different treatment
• B) Is manipulated by the experimenter
• C) Remains unchanged for comparison
• D) Is used to collect additional data
Correct Option: C) Remains unchanged for comparison
Rationale: The control group is crucial for comparison, providing a baseline to analyze
the effects of the experimental treatment.
Question 9:
What is one advantage of using technology in the classroom for science education?
• A) Increases distraction
• B) Provides interactive simulations
• C) Replaces teacher interaction
• D) Limits available resources
Correct Option: B) Provides interactive simulations
Rationale: Technology can enhance learning through interactive simulations, allowing
students to visualize and experiment with scientific concepts effectively.
