Grade 5 · Science · Unit 12 of 12
Think Like a Scientist
Fair tests, safety and coding
What your child practises
Planning a fair test, working safely, choosing how to show results, the steps of engineering design, and basic coding ideas such as loops and variables.
Ontario Curriculum expectation: A1.1–A1.5, A2.1, A2.2, A3.1 · investigation skills, safety, communicating results, coding and careers
Sample questions
A taste of this unit. In the app, questions change every time and get easier or harder to match your child.
Question 1
A team wants to share findings with younger students. What is the best format?
- A table of raw numbers only
- A short, clear poster with pictures and simple words
- A long report full of technical terms
Show answer
A short, clear poster with pictures and simple words
Hint: Match the format and vocabulary to the audience.
Question 2
Why do scientists record their results in a table?
- To hide the results
- To organize data so patterns are easy to see
- To make the test shorter
Show answer
To organize data so patterns are easy to see
Hint: Tables show measurements clearly.
Question 3
You are not sure if a material is safe to touch. What should you do?
- Smell it up close
- Taste a tiny bit
- Ask your teacher before touching it
Show answer
Ask your teacher before touching it
Hint: Never taste or sniff unknown materials. Ask an adult.
Question 4
Why do scientists repeat a trial several times?
- To change the question
- To make the experiment last longer
- To check that the results are reliable
Show answer
To check that the results are reliable
Hint: A result that happens again and again is easier to trust.
Question 5
Put the steps of the engineering design process in order.
- 🔨Build a prototype
- 📐Plan and design a solution
- ❓Define the problem
- 🧪Test it
- 🔁Improve and share
Show answer
Define the problem → Plan and design a solution → Build a prototype → Test it → Improve and share
Hint: Start with the problem, plan and build, then test and improve.
Question 6
Why do scientists share their results with others?
- Because they have to be quiet
- So others can check and build on their ideas
- To avoid being checked
Show answer
So others can check and build on their ideas
Hint: Sharing helps everyone learn.