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WGU D671 Elementary Science Curriculum Objective
Assessment | OA V1 and V2 | Explore new Actual Questions
& Answers – 2026 Update | 100% Correct.
1. A teacher asks students to investigate whether the amount of sunlight
affects the growth of bean plants. Students identify variables, collect
measurements over several weeks, construct a data table, and use the
evidence to explain their findings. Which NGSS dimension is MOST
directly emphasized by having students plan and conduct the
investigation?
A. Disciplinary Core Ideas
B. Crosscutting Concepts
C. Science and Engineering Practices
D. Scientific vocabulary acquisition
Answer: C
2. A teacher wants students to understand that patterns can be used to
identify relationships in scientific phenomena. Which classroom activity
BEST reflects the NGSS Crosscutting Concept of patterns?
A. Students memorize the names of all planets.
B. Students analyze several years of temperature data to identify
recurring seasonal trends.
C. Students copy definitions of weather-related vocabulary.
D. Students read a biography of a famous scientist.
Answer: B
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3. A fifth-grade teacher presents students with a phenomenon involving
two objects of different masses falling simultaneously. Instead of
immediately explaining gravity, the teacher asks students to make
observations, generate questions, develop models, and use evidence to
revise their explanations. Which instructional approach is BEST
represented?
A. Inquiry-based science instruction
B. Direct memorization of scientific facts
C. Teacher-centered lecture instruction
D. Vocabulary-first instruction
Answer: A
4. A teacher notices that students can correctly define "ecosystem" but
cannot explain why removing a predator changes populations of other
organisms. Which instructional adjustment would BEST promote deeper
conceptual understanding?
A. Require students to memorize additional ecosystem definitions.
B. Have students construct and analyze a model showing relationships
among organisms and environmental factors.
C. Give students a longer vocabulary worksheet.
D. Ask students to copy the textbook definition multiple times.
Answer: B
5. During an investigation, students hypothesize that plants exposed to
more sunlight will grow taller. They place one group near a sunny
window and another in a dark closet but use different amounts of water
for each group. Which problem most seriously limits the validity of their
investigation?
A. The dependent variable is measurable.
B. The students have introduced an additional variable that could affect
plant growth.
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C. The hypothesis is written as a prediction.
D. Plant height can be measured quantitatively.
Answer: B
6. A teacher wants students to distinguish between an observation and an
inference. Which student statement is an inference rather than a direct
observation?
A. "The liquid changed from clear to blue."
B. "The temperature increased from 20°C to 30°C."
C. "The plant has five leaves."
D. "The plant probably received insufficient water because its leaves are
wilted."
Answer: D
7. Students conduct an investigation in which they repeatedly measure
the temperature of water while it is heated. Several measurements differ
slightly even though the procedure remains unchanged. Which
explanation BEST addresses this variation?
A. Scientific measurements can contain random variation, making
repeated trials useful for identifying patterns and improving confidence
in results.
B. Any variation proves that the investigation was completely invalid.
C. The students should select only the measurement that supports their
hypothesis.
D. Repeated measurements are unnecessary when using scientific
instruments.
Answer: A
8. A teacher wants students to understand that scientific explanations can
be revised when new evidence becomes available. Which activity BEST
supports this concept?
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A. Having students memorize an explanation and never alter it
B. Asking students to revise an initial model after collecting evidence
that contradicts part of their original explanation
C. Requiring students to copy the teacher's model exactly
D. Grading students only on whether their first prediction was correct
Answer: B
9. A teacher begins a lesson by displaying a photograph of a shoreline
that has changed dramatically over several years. Students discuss what
they notice and generate questions before the teacher introduces formal
terminology. Which phase of the 5E instructional model is MOST
directly represented?
A. Explain
B. Elaborate
C. Engage
D. Evaluate
Answer: C
10. After students investigate how different surfaces affect the motion of
a toy car, the teacher asks them to apply their findings to designing a
safer playground slide. Which 5E phase is MOST strongly represented?
A. Elaborate
B. Engage
C. Explain
D. Evaluate
Answer: A
11. A teacher administers a short task before beginning a unit on matter
to determine what students already understand about solids, liquids,
gases, and particle movement. What type of assessment is this?
WGU D671 Elementary Science Curriculum Objective
Assessment | OA V1 and V2 | Explore new Actual Questions
& Answers – 2026 Update | 100% Correct.
1. A teacher asks students to investigate whether the amount of sunlight
affects the growth of bean plants. Students identify variables, collect
measurements over several weeks, construct a data table, and use the
evidence to explain their findings. Which NGSS dimension is MOST
directly emphasized by having students plan and conduct the
investigation?
A. Disciplinary Core Ideas
B. Crosscutting Concepts
C. Science and Engineering Practices
D. Scientific vocabulary acquisition
Answer: C
2. A teacher wants students to understand that patterns can be used to
identify relationships in scientific phenomena. Which classroom activity
BEST reflects the NGSS Crosscutting Concept of patterns?
A. Students memorize the names of all planets.
B. Students analyze several years of temperature data to identify
recurring seasonal trends.
C. Students copy definitions of weather-related vocabulary.
D. Students read a biography of a famous scientist.
Answer: B
,2|Page
3. A fifth-grade teacher presents students with a phenomenon involving
two objects of different masses falling simultaneously. Instead of
immediately explaining gravity, the teacher asks students to make
observations, generate questions, develop models, and use evidence to
revise their explanations. Which instructional approach is BEST
represented?
A. Inquiry-based science instruction
B. Direct memorization of scientific facts
C. Teacher-centered lecture instruction
D. Vocabulary-first instruction
Answer: A
4. A teacher notices that students can correctly define "ecosystem" but
cannot explain why removing a predator changes populations of other
organisms. Which instructional adjustment would BEST promote deeper
conceptual understanding?
A. Require students to memorize additional ecosystem definitions.
B. Have students construct and analyze a model showing relationships
among organisms and environmental factors.
C. Give students a longer vocabulary worksheet.
D. Ask students to copy the textbook definition multiple times.
Answer: B
5. During an investigation, students hypothesize that plants exposed to
more sunlight will grow taller. They place one group near a sunny
window and another in a dark closet but use different amounts of water
for each group. Which problem most seriously limits the validity of their
investigation?
A. The dependent variable is measurable.
B. The students have introduced an additional variable that could affect
plant growth.
,3|Page
C. The hypothesis is written as a prediction.
D. Plant height can be measured quantitatively.
Answer: B
6. A teacher wants students to distinguish between an observation and an
inference. Which student statement is an inference rather than a direct
observation?
A. "The liquid changed from clear to blue."
B. "The temperature increased from 20°C to 30°C."
C. "The plant has five leaves."
D. "The plant probably received insufficient water because its leaves are
wilted."
Answer: D
7. Students conduct an investigation in which they repeatedly measure
the temperature of water while it is heated. Several measurements differ
slightly even though the procedure remains unchanged. Which
explanation BEST addresses this variation?
A. Scientific measurements can contain random variation, making
repeated trials useful for identifying patterns and improving confidence
in results.
B. Any variation proves that the investigation was completely invalid.
C. The students should select only the measurement that supports their
hypothesis.
D. Repeated measurements are unnecessary when using scientific
instruments.
Answer: A
8. A teacher wants students to understand that scientific explanations can
be revised when new evidence becomes available. Which activity BEST
supports this concept?
, 4|Page
A. Having students memorize an explanation and never alter it
B. Asking students to revise an initial model after collecting evidence
that contradicts part of their original explanation
C. Requiring students to copy the teacher's model exactly
D. Grading students only on whether their first prediction was correct
Answer: B
9. A teacher begins a lesson by displaying a photograph of a shoreline
that has changed dramatically over several years. Students discuss what
they notice and generate questions before the teacher introduces formal
terminology. Which phase of the 5E instructional model is MOST
directly represented?
A. Explain
B. Elaborate
C. Engage
D. Evaluate
Answer: C
10. After students investigate how different surfaces affect the motion of
a toy car, the teacher asks them to apply their findings to designing a
safer playground slide. Which 5E phase is MOST strongly represented?
A. Elaborate
B. Engage
C. Explain
D. Evaluate
Answer: A
11. A teacher administers a short task before beginning a unit on matter
to determine what students already understand about solids, liquids,
gases, and particle movement. What type of assessment is this?
