CBSE Class 8 Science Chapter 01 Exploring The Investigative World Of Science MCQs Set 01

Answer: (B) An image of a root at the bottom of left-hand pages

Explanation:
The chapter explicitly describes how the root symbol on left-hand pages represents the deep, solid foundation of knowledge that keeps us connected to our environment, traditions, and cultural and natural heritage.

Answer: (B) The temperature of the hot oil

Explanation:
The chapter specifically lists temperature of hot oil as one of the controllable variables when experimenting with puri frying, while smell is mentioned as something to observe and record rather than control.

Answer: (B) Only one thing should be changed at a time while keeping other conditions the same

Explanation:
The text directly states that when doing experiments, it is better to change only one thing at a time while keeping the other conditions the same, using the example of testing different oil temperatures with identical dough circles.

Answer: (B) Following a structured approach with controlled variables, careful observation, and record-keeping

Explanation:
• The chapter illustrates systematic investigation through the puri example
• It involves identifying what can be controlled, what can be measured or observed
• Record-keeping of observations and sensory details is emphasized
• Follow-up questions emerge after initial experiments

Answer: (B) Whether the puri puffs (yes/no) or the time taken to puff in seconds

Explanation:
The chapter specifically mentions checking whether the puri puffs (yes/no answer) or measuring the time it takes to puff in seconds as examples of what can be observed or measured.

Answer: (C) Your kitchen at home, which requires curiosity and careful observation

Explanation:
The chapter explicitly states that science is everywhere and you don't need a fancy laboratory to do simple experiments, and that your kitchen at home is a wonderful place to observe and ask questions.

Answer: (C) How a puri or batura puffs up when fried

Explanation:
The puri puffing phenomenon is introduced on the first page as a curiosity-sparking question and then used extensively in the latter part of the chapter as a detailed worked example of how to investigate like a scientist.

Answer: (B) Its phases allowed humans to create the first calendars

Explanation:
The chapter describes how watching the periodic cycles of the Moon's phases allowed humans to come up with the first calendars by combining observations of sunrises, sunsets, and lunar cycles.

Answer: (B) The root and the kite

Explanation:
The root represents grounded observation and connection to heritage, while the kite symbolizes curiosity taking flight toward new ideas, together emphasizing balance in scientific investigation.

Answer: (B) What happens if I prick a hole in the puri before frying?

Explanation:
The chapter explicitly lists the question about pricking a hole as an example of further questions that may emerge after doing one round of experiments, showing how investigation naturally leads to new inquiries.

Answer: (B) Even everyday phenomena can remain mysteries worth investigating

Explanation:
By noting that even this simple observation remains incompletely understood, the chapter encourages curiosity and exploration, suggesting that students can contribute to genuine scientific understanding through careful observation of everyday phenomena.

Answer: (C) In Grade 8, wonder and evolution come together to form the heart of how science works

Explanation:
The chapter explicitly states that in Grade 8, we take the next step where wonder and evolution come together to form the heart of how science works, building on foundations from Grade 6 and 7.

Answer: (B) The goal shifts from simply learning facts to learning how to find new facts through investigation

Explanation:
The chapter explicitly contrasts wanting students to 'just learn new facts' versus wanting them to 'learn how to find new facts,' emphasizing that Grade 8 introduces systematic investigation and experimental design.

Answer: (A) Differences in pressure resulting in gentle breezes or strong winds

Explanation:
The chapter explains that small differences in pressure can result in gentle breezes while stronger pressure differences lead to strong winds and sometimes cyclones, linking force and pressure concepts to weather.

Answer: (C) Careful observation with creative thinking

Explanation:
The chapter states that investigation in science works best only when we balance the solid ground of careful observation with the freedom of creative thinking, using the root and kite metaphor to illustrate this balance.

Answer: (B) Beginning with microscopic organisms and expanding to global environmental concerns

Explanation:
The chapter explicitly states the journey moves 'from the tiny microbes we can't see to planet-wide challenges we can't ignore,' establishing that students begin with microscopic life forms and progress to larger, planetary-scale issues.

Answer: (B) Particles in solids cannot move much, while particles in gases move around freely

Explanation:
The chapter explains that 'in materials that are solid these particles cannot move much, while in gases they can move around freely,' highlighting how particle mobility accounts for differences in material behavior.

Answer: (B) Understanding the workings of optical devices like lenses and corrective glasses

Explanation:
The chapter states that bending of light 'helps us understand the working of many objects around us' and specifically mentions how it 'explains what happens when we see an image in a shiny metal spoon or how corrective glasses help many of us see clearly.'

Answer: (C) Different relative positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun

Explanation:
The chapter clarifies that 'depending on the relative positions of the Earth, Moon and Sun, a slightly different part of the Moon is illuminated each night, giving rise to the beautiful phases of the Moon that we see in the sky.'

Answer: (B) Periodic cycles of the Moon's phases enabled humans to create the first calendars

Explanation:
The chapter notes that 'watching the periodic cycles of the Moon's phases allowed humans to come up with the first calendars' and explains how combining observations of sunrises, sunsets, and lunar cycles led to calendar development.

Answer: (B) Grade 8 adds the design of focused experiments to test specific questions arising from observations

Explanation:
The chapter emphasizes that students can now 'ask more focused questions, and design ways to perhaps do simple experiments to answer those questions,' showing progression from simple observation to deliberate experimental design.

Answer: (B) Simple observations like puri puffing remain incompletely understood despite their ubiquity

Explanation:
The chapter makes the striking point that 'even this simple everyday observation—of a puri puffing—is not really completely understood by scientists today,' demonstrating that scientific knowledge has limits even with familiar events.

Answer: (B) Changing one variable at a time while keeping other conditions identical and recording detailed observations

Explanation:
The chapter explains that systematic investigation involves 'changing only one thing at a time while keeping the other conditions same' and emphasizes 'it is also a good idea to keep notes of everything that you see and sense when doing an experiment,' establishing a methodical approach.

Answer: (B) An atmosphere that provides oxygen while shielding from harmful ultraviolet rays

Explanation:
The chapter states that Earth 'has an atmosphere that provides the oxygen we breathe while shielding us from harmful ultraviolet rays,' identifying these as key conditions for supporting life on the planet.

Answer: (C) Humans are responsible for climate changes and must use scientific understanding to guide protective actions

Explanation:
The chapter states 'We are the ones influencing Earth's climate. But we are also the ones who can—and must—use science to understand these changes and guide our actions,' emphasizing both human responsibility and agency in solving environmental problems.