Density and Data Quiz A Document
Matter & Motion Quiz
Version A
Name:
Date:
Conceptual Physics (9th Grade) Total Points: 10
Part 1: Density & Displacement
-
Write the formula for density. Define what each variable represents. (1 pt)
-
A student is measuring the density of an irregular granite rock. Use the laboratory visuals below to help you solve the problem. (3 pts)
54.0g
Mass Measurement
50
30
Initial (30mL)
50
30
Final (48mL)
Show your work below. Include final units.
Part 2: Scientific Patterns
Analyze the patterns in the data below. Each dot represents a year from 1996 to 2022.
U.S. Traffic Fatalities
45k 40k 35k 30k
'96 '05 '11 '15 '20 '22
Total U.S. Crashes
7M 6M 5M 4M
'96 '05 '11 '15 '20 '22
3. Identifying Patterns: Identify two important trends or points in these datasets that show a "puzzling" pattern. Explain why each one is surprising based on class discussions. (4 pts)
A.
B.
4. Practice Scientific Thinking: Write one specific research question you have about the traffic data after 2015. (2 pts)
Density and Data Quiz B Document
Matter & Motion Quiz
Version B
Name:
Date:
Conceptual Physics (9th Grade) Total Points: 10
Part 1: Density & Displacement
-
Write the formula for density. Define what each variable represents. (1 pt)
-
A student is measuring the density of an irregular rock. Use the laboratory visuals below to help you solve the problem. (3 pts)
75.0g
Mass Measurement
100
50
Initial (50mL)
100
50
Final (80mL)
Show your work below. Include final units.
Part 2: Scientific Patterns
Analyze the patterns in the data below. One graph shows miles driven, the other shows total crashes.
U.S. Vehicle Miles Traveled
3.2M 3.0M 2.8M 2.6M 2.4M
'96 '05 '11 '15 '20 '22
Total U.S. Crashes
7M 6M 5M 4M
'96 '05 '11 '15 '20 '22
3. Identifying Patterns: Identify two important points or trends in these datasets that show a "puzzling" pattern. Explain why each one is surprising. (4 pts)
A.
B.
4. Practice Scientific Thinking: Write one specific research question you have about the relationship between miles driven and total crashes after 2015. (2 pts)
Density and Data Quiz Keys AB
Answer Keys (A & B)
Teacher Guide
Patterns and Properties Assessment
Version A: Fatalities vs. Crashes
Part 1: Density
Q2 Calculation:
- Mass = 54.0g
- Volume = 48.0 - 30.0 = 18.0 mL
- D = 54.0 / 18.0
- Answer: 3.0 g/mL
Part 2: Patterns
Pattern 1 (2020): Total crashes drop significantly, but fatalities remain high/spike. Surprising because fewer crashes usually means fewer deaths.
Pattern 2 (2008-2011): Wide decline in both. Puzzling because of the sharp reversal of growth (Economic Recession impact).
Version B: Miles Driven vs. Crashes
Part 1: Density
Q2 Calculation:
- Mass = 75.0g
- Volume = 80.0 - 50.0 = 30.0 mL
- D = 75.0 / 30.0
- Answer: 2.5 g/mL
Part 2: Patterns
Pattern 1 (2020): Vehicle Miles Traveled drops, but Crashes drop even more significantly. Puzzling because the relationship between miles driven and accident probability isn't perfectly linear.
Pattern 2 (2005-2007): VMT plateaus while crashes begin a steady decline. Surprising because safety improvements were starting to outpace driving growth.
Grading Objective
The goal is to test Scientific Thinking. For Part 2, do not penalize students for missing exact dates as long as they accurately describe the relationship (e.g., "when driving dropped during COVID...") and identify why it was unexpected (the "puzzling" nature). Award points for specific "wondering" questions that target the data trends.
