Life Science Exam Study Guide
SCIENCE STUDY GUIDE —2026
QUESTIONS, ANSWERS & Detailed
EXPLANATIONS
SECTION 1: SCIENTIFIC METHOD AND SCIENTIFIC
INQUIRY
1. What is science?
Correct Answer: A way of learning about the natural world.
Explanation:
Science is a systematic process used to observe, investigate,
explain, and understand events and phenomena in the natural
world. Scientists use evidence, experimentation,
measurement, and logical reasoning to develop explanations
and test ideas.
2. What is observing?
,Correct Answer: Using one or more senses to gather
information.
Explanation:
Observation is the process of collecting information using the
senses—such as sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste—or
using scientific instruments that extend those senses.
Observations provide evidence for scientific investigations.
3. What is inferring?
Correct Answer: Explaining or interpreting observations
based on evidence and prior knowledge.
Explanation:
An inference is a logical interpretation of an observation.
Unlike an observation, which describes what is directly
detected, an inference explains what the observation may
mean.
4. What is predicting?
,Correct Answer: Making a forecast about what will happen
in the future based on past experience or evidence.
Explanation:
A prediction is a statement about an expected future event.
Scientific predictions are based on observations, patterns,
evidence, and existing knowledge rather than unsupported
guesses.
5. What is classifying?
Correct Answer: Grouping items together based on
similarities or shared characteristics.
Explanation:
Classification organizes objects or organisms into groups
according to their similarities and differences. Scientists use
classification to make information easier to study and
understand.
6. What is making models?
, Correct Answer: Creating representations of complex
objects, systems, or processes.
Explanation:
Scientific models represent things that may be too large, too
small, too complex, or too difficult to observe directly.
Models can be physical, mathematical, conceptual, or
computer-based.
7. What are quantitative observations?
Correct Answer: Observations that involve numbers or
measurable amounts.
Explanation:
Quantitative observations contain numerical information.
Examples include measuring a temperature of 25°C, recording
a length of 10 cm, or counting 15 organisms.
8. What are qualitative observations?
Correct Answer: Observations that describe characteristics
without using numerical measurements.
SCIENCE STUDY GUIDE —2026
QUESTIONS, ANSWERS & Detailed
EXPLANATIONS
SECTION 1: SCIENTIFIC METHOD AND SCIENTIFIC
INQUIRY
1. What is science?
Correct Answer: A way of learning about the natural world.
Explanation:
Science is a systematic process used to observe, investigate,
explain, and understand events and phenomena in the natural
world. Scientists use evidence, experimentation,
measurement, and logical reasoning to develop explanations
and test ideas.
2. What is observing?
,Correct Answer: Using one or more senses to gather
information.
Explanation:
Observation is the process of collecting information using the
senses—such as sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste—or
using scientific instruments that extend those senses.
Observations provide evidence for scientific investigations.
3. What is inferring?
Correct Answer: Explaining or interpreting observations
based on evidence and prior knowledge.
Explanation:
An inference is a logical interpretation of an observation.
Unlike an observation, which describes what is directly
detected, an inference explains what the observation may
mean.
4. What is predicting?
,Correct Answer: Making a forecast about what will happen
in the future based on past experience or evidence.
Explanation:
A prediction is a statement about an expected future event.
Scientific predictions are based on observations, patterns,
evidence, and existing knowledge rather than unsupported
guesses.
5. What is classifying?
Correct Answer: Grouping items together based on
similarities or shared characteristics.
Explanation:
Classification organizes objects or organisms into groups
according to their similarities and differences. Scientists use
classification to make information easier to study and
understand.
6. What is making models?
, Correct Answer: Creating representations of complex
objects, systems, or processes.
Explanation:
Scientific models represent things that may be too large, too
small, too complex, or too difficult to observe directly.
Models can be physical, mathematical, conceptual, or
computer-based.
7. What are quantitative observations?
Correct Answer: Observations that involve numbers or
measurable amounts.
Explanation:
Quantitative observations contain numerical information.
Examples include measuring a temperature of 25°C, recording
a length of 10 cm, or counting 15 organisms.
8. What are qualitative observations?
Correct Answer: Observations that describe characteristics
without using numerical measurements.
