TMN3705 Oct/Nov Exam | Comprehensive Practice Questions,
Correct Answers & Detailed Solutions (2026/2027)
Question 1
What is the primary purpose of the Natural Sciences and Technology
(NSTech) curriculum in the Intermediate Phase (Grades 4–6)?
• A. To train professional engineers and research scientists
exclusively
• B. To develop scientific literacy, technological capability, and
critical thinking through inquiry-based learning
• C. To replace mathematics and languages entirely in the school
curriculum
• D. To focus solely on rote memorization of periodic table elements
• Correct Answer: B
• Detailed Rationale: The NSTech curriculum aims to build
foundational scientific and technological literacy, equipping
learners with investigative skills, design thinking, and problem-
solving abilities applicable in daily life.
Question 2
According to guidelines for Natural Sciences and Technology
assessments, how are Bloom’s taxonomy levels generally grouped, and
what is the standard recommended percentage distribution for Lower-
Order Cognitive Skills (LOCS)?
• A. LOCS should comprise 10–20% of the assessment.
, • B. LOCS should comprise 40–50% of the assessment, focusing on
recall and comprehension.
• C. LOCS should comprise 80% of the assessment.
• D. LOCS are not permitted in Intermediate Phase tests.
• Correct Answer: B
• Detailed Rationale: Assessments recommend a balanced
distribution where Lower-Order Cognitive Skills (remembering and
understanding) make up approximately 40–50% of the total marks
to test baseline knowledge.
Question 3
In the context of the Technological Design Process, what is the first
critical step learners must undertake before designing a solution?
• A. Building a final commercial prototype
• B. Investigating, identifying, and defining the problem or need
• C. Marketing the product to local businesses
• D. Discarding all safety guidelines
• Correct Answer: B
• Detailed Rationale: The technological design process begins with
an investigation of the need or problem statement, establishing
clear design specifications and constraints before brainstorming or
modeling.
Question 4
,Which of the following best describes an example of Indigenous
Knowledge Systems (IKS) integrated into Natural Sciences and
Technology?
• A. Using advanced particle accelerators in nuclear physics labs
• B. Traditional methods of food preservation such as fermentation
(e.g., making maas or traditional beer) and indigenous agricultural
practices
• C. Modern digital programming languages like Python
• D. Standardized international metric conversion tables
• Correct Answer: B
• Detailed Rationale: IKS encompasses local, traditional knowledge
developed by indigenous communities over generations, such as
fermentation, medicinal plant uses, and traditional building
techniques.
Question 5
What is the primary difference between a scientific investigation and a
technological design process?
• A. Investigations aim to answer a question or test a hypothesis
through fair testing, whereas design processes aim to solve a
practical problem by creating a product or system.
• B. Investigations require heavy machinery, while design processes
require no tools.
• C. Design processes never involve any research.
• D. There is no fundamental difference between the two.
, • Correct Answer: A
• Detailed Rationale: Scientific inquiry focuses on understanding
natural phenomena (fair testing, observing, measuring), whereas
technology focuses on human-made solutions, artifacts, and
systems to meet specific needs.
Question 6
When conducting a fair test in a Natural Sciences classroom, what must
a learner do regarding variables?
• A. Change all variables simultaneously to see what happens.
• B. Keep all variables constant except the independent variable
being tested, while measuring the dependent variable.
• C. Avoid measuring anything quantitatively.
• D. Ensure no controls are established.
• Correct Answer: B
• Detailed Rationale: A fair test requires controlling all variables
(keeping them constant) except the one being changed
(independent variable) and observing the resulting effect
(dependent variable).
Question 7
Which knowledge strand in the Intermediate Phase NSTech curriculum
covers ecosystems, food webs, and the basic structure of living
organisms?
• A. Planet Earth and Beyond
• B. Energy and Change
Correct Answers & Detailed Solutions (2026/2027)
Question 1
What is the primary purpose of the Natural Sciences and Technology
(NSTech) curriculum in the Intermediate Phase (Grades 4–6)?
• A. To train professional engineers and research scientists
exclusively
• B. To develop scientific literacy, technological capability, and
critical thinking through inquiry-based learning
• C. To replace mathematics and languages entirely in the school
curriculum
• D. To focus solely on rote memorization of periodic table elements
• Correct Answer: B
• Detailed Rationale: The NSTech curriculum aims to build
foundational scientific and technological literacy, equipping
learners with investigative skills, design thinking, and problem-
solving abilities applicable in daily life.
Question 2
According to guidelines for Natural Sciences and Technology
assessments, how are Bloom’s taxonomy levels generally grouped, and
what is the standard recommended percentage distribution for Lower-
Order Cognitive Skills (LOCS)?
• A. LOCS should comprise 10–20% of the assessment.
, • B. LOCS should comprise 40–50% of the assessment, focusing on
recall and comprehension.
• C. LOCS should comprise 80% of the assessment.
• D. LOCS are not permitted in Intermediate Phase tests.
• Correct Answer: B
• Detailed Rationale: Assessments recommend a balanced
distribution where Lower-Order Cognitive Skills (remembering and
understanding) make up approximately 40–50% of the total marks
to test baseline knowledge.
Question 3
In the context of the Technological Design Process, what is the first
critical step learners must undertake before designing a solution?
• A. Building a final commercial prototype
• B. Investigating, identifying, and defining the problem or need
• C. Marketing the product to local businesses
• D. Discarding all safety guidelines
• Correct Answer: B
• Detailed Rationale: The technological design process begins with
an investigation of the need or problem statement, establishing
clear design specifications and constraints before brainstorming or
modeling.
Question 4
,Which of the following best describes an example of Indigenous
Knowledge Systems (IKS) integrated into Natural Sciences and
Technology?
• A. Using advanced particle accelerators in nuclear physics labs
• B. Traditional methods of food preservation such as fermentation
(e.g., making maas or traditional beer) and indigenous agricultural
practices
• C. Modern digital programming languages like Python
• D. Standardized international metric conversion tables
• Correct Answer: B
• Detailed Rationale: IKS encompasses local, traditional knowledge
developed by indigenous communities over generations, such as
fermentation, medicinal plant uses, and traditional building
techniques.
Question 5
What is the primary difference between a scientific investigation and a
technological design process?
• A. Investigations aim to answer a question or test a hypothesis
through fair testing, whereas design processes aim to solve a
practical problem by creating a product or system.
• B. Investigations require heavy machinery, while design processes
require no tools.
• C. Design processes never involve any research.
• D. There is no fundamental difference between the two.
, • Correct Answer: A
• Detailed Rationale: Scientific inquiry focuses on understanding
natural phenomena (fair testing, observing, measuring), whereas
technology focuses on human-made solutions, artifacts, and
systems to meet specific needs.
Question 6
When conducting a fair test in a Natural Sciences classroom, what must
a learner do regarding variables?
• A. Change all variables simultaneously to see what happens.
• B. Keep all variables constant except the independent variable
being tested, while measuring the dependent variable.
• C. Avoid measuring anything quantitatively.
• D. Ensure no controls are established.
• Correct Answer: B
• Detailed Rationale: A fair test requires controlling all variables
(keeping them constant) except the one being changed
(independent variable) and observing the resulting effect
(dependent variable).
Question 7
Which knowledge strand in the Intermediate Phase NSTech curriculum
covers ecosystems, food webs, and the basic structure of living
organisms?
• A. Planet Earth and Beyond
• B. Energy and Change
