Exam Master-NCERT-Class-8-Science-Curiosity-Chapter-1-Exploring the Investigative World of Science-CBSE

Exploring the Investigative World of Science

NCERT-Class-8-Science (Curiosity)-Chapter-1

Exam Master

Objective Type Questions :

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) :

Choose the correct option in the following questions:

Q. 1. What is the starting point of all scientific exploration?

(A) Memorizing facts

(B) Reading books

(C) Curiosity

(D) Solving complex equations

Answer :

(C) Curiosity

Q. 2. Simple questions like "Why?" and "How?" about everyday things primarily serve to:

(A) Test one's memory

(B) Spark curiosity and initiate scientific investigation

(C) Discourage further study

(D) Prove existing theories

Answer :

(B) Spark curiosity and initiate scientific investigation

Q. 3. In science, what does investigation mean beyond just looking and asking basic questions?

(A) Only memorizing facts

(B) Relying solely on textbooks

(C) Asking clear questions, planning experiments, and using observations

(D) Accepting information without proof

Answer :

(C) Asking clear questions, planning experiments, and using observations

Q. 4. Scientific investigation helps students by:

(A) Encouraging them to memorize more facts

(B) Limiting their understanding to known information

(C) Turning them into young scientists who solve real-life puzzles

(D) Teaching them to avoid asking questions

Answer :

(C) Turning them into young scientists who solve real-life puzzles

Q. 5. In the context of the "root" and "kite" symbols, what does the "root" primarily represent?

(A) Creativity and exploring the unknown

(B) Free, creative thinking

(C) A strong base of knowledge and careful observation

(D) Flying high with ideas

Answer :

(C) A strong base of knowledge and careful observation

Q. 6. What does the "kite" symbolize in the balance needed in science?

(A) Careful observation of surroundings

(B) A strong base of knowledge

(C) Staying connected to reality

(D) Curiosity, creativity, and exploring the unknown

Answer :

(D) Curiosity, creativity, and exploring the unknown

Q. 7. How do the "root" and "kite" together show that science works best?

(A) By separating observation from thinking

(B) By prioritizing only new ideas

(C) When solid observation is combined with free, creative thinking

(D) By focusing only on heritage and traditions.

Answer :

(C) When solid observation is combined with free, creative thinking

Q. 8. What kind of organisms are studied when examining a single drop of water?

(A) Plants

(B) Birds

(C) Microorganisms

(D) Insects

Answer :

(C) Microorganisms

Q. 9. Which of the following is a crucial role of microorganisms mentioned in the text?

(A) Only causing diseases

(B) Exclusively helping in food production

(C) Playing a crucial role in our health, food, and medicines

(D) Being visible to the naked eye at all times

Answer :

(C) Playing a crucial role in our health, food, and medicines

Q. 10. What scientific tool helps us see tiny particles and microorganisms?

(A) Thermometer

(B) Barometer

(C) Telescope

(D) Microscope

Answer :

(D) Microscope

Q. 11. How can one defend against harmful microbes, according to the source?

(A) By avoiding all contact with the environment

(B) By only relying on natural immunity

(C) Through nutritious food, exercise, medicines, and the immune system

(D) By constantly sanitizing everything

Answer :

(C) Through nutritious food, exercise, medicines, and the immune system

Q. 12. What force is responsible for pulling a ball back toward the Earth, causing it to fall?

(A) Frictional force

(B) Air pressure

(C) Electrical force

(D) Gravitational force

Answer :

(D) Gravitational force

Q. 13. The reason a car slows down and stops is primarily due to what force between the brake and wheel?

(A) Gravitational force

(B) Air pressure

(C) Frictional force

(D) Magnetic force

Answer :

(D) Gravitational force

Q. 14. What natural phenomena can be influenced by air pressure and force distribution?

(A) The falling of objects

(B) The stopping of vehicles

(C) The movement of particles in solids

(D) Weather patterns and events like storms and cyclones

Answer :

(D) Weather patterns and events like storms and cyclones

Q. 15. What helps scientists predict cyclones and severe storms?

(A) Studying Moon phases

(B) Changes in soil types

(C) Observation of air pressure and wind patterns

(D) Cloud colours

Answer :

(C) Observation of air pressure and wind patterns

Q. 16. According to the "Composition of matter" section, what are all matter made up of?

(A) Liquids

(B) Gases

(C) Particles

(D) Energy

Answer :

(C) Particles

Q. 17. How do particles behave in solids?

(A) They move freely and rapidly.

(B) They change direction frequently.

(C) They apply force when they collide.

(D) They are tightly packed and vibrate in place.

Answer :

(D) They are tightly packed and vibrate in place.

Q. 18. Why is classifying materials in science important?

(A) To waste time

(B) To make them taste better

(C) To better Understand their properties

(D) To change their colour

Answer :

(C) To better Understand their properties

Q. 19. Why do we see bent images when looking at objects through water?

(A) Due to reflection of light

(B) Due to the absorption of light

(C) Due to the speed of light

(D) Due to refraction, where light changes direction between mediums

Answer :

(D) Due to refraction, where light changes direction between mediums

Q. 20. What causes the phases of the Moon?

(A) Changes in Earth's atmosphere

(B) The Moon's own light changing

(C) The changing relative positions of the Moon, Earth, and Sun

(D) Varying gravitational pull from other planets

Answer :

(C) The changing relative positions of the Moon, Earth, and Sun

Q. 21. How did the Moon's periodic phases benefit early humans?

(A) They predicted earthquakes.

(B) They helped them navigate oceans.

(C) They allowed humans to track time, leading to early calendars.

(D) They indicated changes in weather patterns.

Answer :

(C) They allowed humans to track time, leading to early calendars.

Q. 22. Which of the following conditions would cause air pressure to decrease?

(A) Cooling of air

(B) Compression of particles

(C) Heating of air

(D) Decrease in altitude

Answer :

(C) Heating of air

Q. 23. Earth is considered to be at a perfect distance from the Sun because it allows for:

(A) Constant high temperatures

(B) Presence of liquid water, moderate temperatures, and protection from harmful radiation

(C) Only solid forms of water

(D) Extreme cold and thick atmospheres

Answer :

(B) Presence of liquid water, moderate temperatures, and protection from harmful radiation

Q. 24. Which of the following best explains why we use models in science?

(A) They replace real experiments

(B) They help understand complex phenomena

(C) They are easier to memorize

(D) They eliminate the need for observation.

Answer :

(B) They help understand complex phenomena

Q.25. In the application of the scientific method to everyday observations, as exemplified by frying a puri, what is a crucial step regarding variables?

(A) Changing all variables simultaneously

(B) Changing only one thing at a time and keeping the rest the same

(C) Ignoring observations that don't fit

(D) Relying on guesswork for answers

Answer :

(B) Changing only one thing at a time and keeping the rest the same

Q. 26. What property of air allows it to exert pressure in different directions?

(A) Its fixed volume

(B) The weight of oxygen only

(C) Movement of its particles

(D) Its colourless nature

Answer :

(C) Movement of its particles

Q. 27. What is used as an example to show how pressure changes affect results?

(A) Ice cream

(B) Boiling water

(C) A puri puffing up

(D) Growing plants

Answer :

(C) A puri puffing up

Q. 28 What should be done with all observations during a scientific investigation, like the puri example?

(A) They should be discarded if they don't match expectations.

(B) They are only needed at the very end.

(C) They should be written down.

(D) They should be kept only in memory.

Answer :

(C) They should be written down.

Q. 29. When observing Moon phases, which position causes a new moon to occur?

(A) Moon between Earth and Sun

(B) Earth between Moon and Sun

(C) Sun between Moon and Earth

(D) Moon at right angle to Earth and Sun

Answer :

(A) Moon between Earth and Sun

Q. 30. Which of the following is not a correct step in scientific investigation?

(A) Forming a hypothesis

(B) Ignoring unexpected results

(C) Conducting experiments

(D) Making observations

Answer :

(B) Ignoring unexpected results

Fill in the blanks

Q. 1. A ……….. is developed in science to explain why a puri puffs up, based on observation and reasoning.

Q. 2. When water inside a puri turns to steam, the pressure created causes the puri to ………..

Q. 3. ………. helps in studying tiny living organisms not visible to the naked eye.

Q. 4. In gases, particles move ……. and collide with surfaces, creating pressure.

Q. 5. A ……….. occurs when the Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun.

Q. 6. The apparent bending of a spoon in a glass of water is due to the ………. of light.

Q. 7. Classification in science is useful to identify and group materials based on their ………..

Q. 8. The Moon reflects light from the ………. to become visible from Earth.

Q. 9. Scientific investigations involve careful ……… measurement, and testing of ideas.

Q. 10. The pressure in a gas increases when the particles are forced into a …….. space.

Q. 11. Human beings used the predictable phases of the ………. to mark time and create calendars.

Q. 12. A scientific approach begins with asking questions such as "why" and ……

Q. 13. A ……….. surface reflects light evenly, producing clear images.

Q. 14. Cyclones are caused by intense differences in atmospheric ………

Q. 15. Tools like weather balloons and satellites help scientists observe and record ………. conditions.

Answer :

Q. 1. Hypothesis

Q. 2. puff up

Q. 3. Microscope         

Q. 4. randomly

Q. 5. full moon

Q. 6. Refraction  

Q. 7. Properties           

Q. 8. Sun      

Q. 9. Observation

Q. 10. Smaller

Q. 11. Moon               

Q. 12. How            

Q. 13. smooth         

Q. 14. Pressure  

Q. 15. atmospheric

State whether True or False

Q. 1. Scientific investigations always lead to the same result, regardless of the method used.

Q. 2. Microorganisms can be found in a single drop of pond water.

Q. 3. Air does not exert pressure on objects in all directions.

Q. 4. The puffing of a puri is an example of steam formation inside the dough.

Q. 5. Refraction is the bending of light when it passes from one medium to another.

Q. 6. A full moon occurs when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun.

Q. 7. The Moon has its own light, which helps us see it at night.

Q. 8. Classification of substances in science helps us better understand their behaviour and usage.

Q. 9. A microscope helps us see very small things that are not visible to the naked eye.

Q. 10. Friction is a force that always helps in increasing the speed of an object.

Q. 11. Pressure is caused by the movement and collision of particles in gases.

Q. 12. The shape of a puri depends only on the type of flour used.

Q. 13. Light always travels in a curved path through air.

Q. 14. Observing Moon phases helped early humans develop calendars.

Q. 15. Scientific questions can be investigated through planning, observing, and experimenting.

Answer :

Answers :
Q. 1. False Q. 2. True Q. 3. False Q. 4. True Q. 5. True
Q. 6. False Q. 7. False Q. 8. True Q. 9. True Q. 10. False
Q. 11. True Q. 12. False Q. 13. False Q. 14. True Q. 15. True

Short, Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q. 1. What is the starting point of all scientific exploration?

Answer :

The starting point of all scientific exploration is curiosity.

Q. 2. What is the purpose of asking questions like "Why?" and "How?" in science?

Answer :

Such questions spark curiosity and help initiate scientific investigation by exploring causes and explanations of natural phenomena.

Q. 3. How does investigation in science go beyond just finding new facts?

Answer :

In science, investigation means asking clear, focused questions, planning simple experiments to find answers, and using what you observe to understand things better.

Q. 4. What is the primary benefit of scientific investigation for students?

Answer :

Scientific investigation turns students into young scientists who solve real-life puzzles through careful observation, smart experiments, and clear explanations, rather than just memorizing facts.

Q. 5. Name two crucial roles microorganisms play in our lives.

Answer :

Microorganisms play crucial roles in our health, food, and medicines. They help in food production and making medicines, though some can also cause diseases.

Q. 6. How can one's body defend against harmful microbes, according to the sources?

Answer :

Through nutritious food, exercise, medicines, and the immune system that defends against harmful microbes.

Q. 7. Why does a ball fall back to the ground after being thrown up?

Answer :

The reason a ball falls back toward the Earth is due to gravitational force.

Q. 8. What is the scientific reason behind a car stopping when brakes are applied?

Answer :

Frictional force between the brake and wheel slows down and stops the car.

Q. 9. How do air pressure and force distribution influence natural phenomena?

Answer :

Changes in air pressure cause wind movement and can lead to weather events like storms and cyclones.

Q. 10. How do we see objects using light?

Answer :

Light reflects off objects and enters our eyes; smooth surfaces like mirrors reflect it clearly.

Q. 11. What do we need to understand in order to know why air can exert pressure?

Answer :

We need to understand that air is made up of moving particles which can apply force when they collide with surfaces.

Q. 12. What are all matter made up of?

Answer :

All matter is made up of particles.

Q. 13. Why is classifying substances important in science?

Answer :

Classification helps in under-standing the properties, behaviour, and uses of different materials.

Q. 14. How do particles behave in solids compared to gases?

Answer :

In solids, particles are tightly packed and vibrate in place; in gases, they move freely and rapidly.

Q. 15. Why do we see bent images when looking at objects through water?

Answer :

We see bent images due to refraction, which is when light changes direction as it passes from one medium (like air) to another (like water).

Q. 16. What phenomenon causes the phases of the Moon?

Answer :

The phases occur due to the changing relative positions of the Moon, Earth, and Sun, affecting the visible illuminated part.

Q. 17. How did the Moon's periodic phases benefit early humans?

Answer :

The Moon's periodic phases allowed humans to track time, leading to the development of early calendars.

Q. 18. Why is Earth considered to be at a perfect distance from the Sun?

Answer :

Earth is considered to be at a perfect distance from the Sun because it allows for the presence of liquid water, moderate temperatures, and protection from harmful radiation, which are conditions suitable for life.

Q. 19. What role can science play in solving climate challenges?

Answer :

Science helps us understand environmental changes, predict effects, and find sustainable solutions using data and observation.

Q. 20. List two examples of variables one might control when investigating why a puri puffs up unevenly.

Answer :

Two examples of variables one might control include dough thickness, flour type, oil temperature, and how the puri is dropped.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q. 1. Explain how the scientific method can be applied to everyday observations, using the example of why a puri puffs up unevenly.

Answer :

  • The scientific method begins with a question from an observation — like “Why is one side of a puri thinner?”
  • Next, we make guesses (hypotheses), such as the dough being uneven or one side getting more heat.
  • To test this, we control things like dough thickness, oil temperature, and flour type.
  • We measure how long it takes to puff, check the shape and thickness before and after frying, and write down the results.
  • By changing only one thing at a time and repeating the experiment, we can study the effect clearly.
  • This shows how even a kitchen observation follows the steps of scientific inquiry.

Q. 2. Discuss the role of pressure and particle movement in explaining weather phenomena like winds and cyclones. How does understanding particle behaviour in air help us predict such events?

Answer :

  • Air is made of tiny particles that are always moving.
  • When air gets hot, the particles move faster and spread out, which lowers the pressure.
  • Cool air has particles closer together, so the pressure is higher.
  • Air moves from high pressure to low pressure — this movement is called wind.
  • If the pressure changes quickly and a lot, it can cause strong winds or cyclones.
  • By measuring temperature and pressure, scientists can predict storms.
  • Satellites and weather balloons help gather this information, showing how air particle movement affects weather changes.

Q. 3. How can everyday observations be a starting point for scientific inquiry?

Answer :

  • Everyday observations are a great starting point for science because “science is everywhere.”
  • You don’t need a lab — even a kitchen can be your lab.
  • Questions like why dough rises, how a puri puffs up, or why a phulka swells can spark curiosity.
  • These simple questions can lead to real experiments — finding variables, planning tests, making careful notes, and drawing conclusions.
  • This way, anyone can think like a scientist by exploring the world around them and seeing that science is part of daily life.

Q. 4. How does light help us perceive the world, and what scientific concepts explain phenomena like reflection, refraction, and the bending of light through different materials? Give real-life examples.

Answer :

Light lets us see the world because it travels from objects to our eyes, carrying information about their shape, color, and brightness.
When light interacts with different surfaces and materials, science explains it through concepts like:

(i) Reflection – Light bounces back from a surface.

  • Example: You see yourself in a mirror because light from you reflects into your eyes.
  • Other example: A still lake shows the reflection of trees or mountains nearby.

(ii) Refraction – Light bends when it moves from one material to another (like air to water) because its speed changes.

  • Example: A straw in a glass of water looks bent or broken at the surface.
  • Other example: Lenses in spectacles bend light to focus it on the retina for clear vision.

(iii) Bending through lenses – Convex and concave lenses bend light differently.

  • Example: Magnifying glasses make objects look bigger by focusing light.
  • Example: Cameras and microscopes use lenses to form sharp images.

In short, light’s behavior—whether bouncing (reflection) or bending (refraction)—is what allows us to see clearly, make optical instruments, and even understand illusions.

Q. 5. Describe how scientific principles help us understand the relationship between Moon phases and timekeeping. How did observations of celestial cycles influence early calendars and our routines on Earth?

Answer :

  • The Moon’s shape changes in a regular cycle because it orbits Earth and sunlight falls on it from different angles.
  • It takes about 29.5 days to go from new moon to full moon and back, which became the basis for lunar months.
  • Long ago, people used this cycle to make calendars and plan farming, festivals, and religious events.
  • Today, science explains this through the positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun, and it also helps us predict eclipses and tides.
  • Watching these patterns has guided timekeeping in the past and still affects our lives today.

Q. 6. What makes Earth "just right" for life, according to the text, and what urgent challenge does it currently face? What role do humans play in addressing the planet's climate challenges.

Answer :

  • Earth is perfect for life because it’s the right distance from the Sun for water to stay liquid, and it has an atmosphere that gives us oxygen and blocks harmful UV rays.
  • The big problem now is that human activities are changing Earth’s temperature and upsetting climate patterns.
  • Humans are both the cause and the solution — our actions are harming the climate, but we also have the science and knowledge to understand the problem and take steps to fix it.

Case/Source Based Questions :

Q. 1. A group of students were doing a kitchen science experiment to find out why puris puff up. They noticed that one puri became perfectly round, while another puffed up only on one side. Both puris were made from the same dough and fried in the same oil at the same time. This made the students curious to discover the reason for the difference.

Questions:

(a) What possible factors could have caused the difference in puffing between the two puris?

(b) How can the students apply the scientific method to investigate the cause?

(c) Design a simple controlled experiment to test one of the identified factors.

Answer :

(a) Factors: Thickness of dough, uneven rolling, moisture content, oil

temperature, dough resting time.

(b) Ask a question -> form hypothesis -> control one variable -> observe and

record puffing results.

(c) Roll multiple puris of varying thickness while keeping oil temperature and dough constant. Fry and observe puffing differences.

Q. 2. A science club is analyzing a recent cyclone that hit a coastal region. They have access to weather data including changes in air pressure, wind speed, and satellite images showing spiral cloud patterns. The club wants to understand the formation of the cyclone and how early warning signs could be detected scientifically.

Questions:

(a) Using your knowledge of air pressure and particle movement, explain how the cyclone may have formed.

(b) What scientific instruments or tools could help in predicting such a cyclone?

(c) How can understanding this case help reduce the impact of future storms?

Answer :

(a) A cyclone forms when warm ocean water heats the air above it, causing it to rise and create a low-pressure zone. Surrounding air rushes in, and the Earth’s rotation makes it spin. Rising moist air cools, condenses, and releases heat, which fuels the system, making it grow stronger.

(b) Barometers (air pressure), anemometers (wind speed), satellites, weather balloons, Buoys and ocean sensors.

(c) Understanding how a cyclone forms helps us predict them earlier and prepare better — for example, by improving weather forecasts, setting up early warning systems, and planning evacuations — which reduces damage to life, property, and infrastructure in the future.

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Key Features of Kitabcd Exam Master :

  • NCERT Probe and Ponder/Intext Questions with Solutions,
  • Keep the Curiosity Alive/Exercise Questions with Solutions.
  • Objective Type Questions with Answers (MCQ, Fill in blanks, True or False)
  • Activities with answers.
  • Exam Oriented Questions and Answers
  • Case/Source Based Questions
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