ALS Learning Competencies for Learning Strand 2 - Scientific and Critical Thinking Skills

Here are the topics for Learning Strand 2 - Scientific and Critical Thinking Skills, that  you need to study to pass the Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Test:

Example:

1. Recognize the importance of recycle, reduce, reuse, recover and repair in waste management.

Example:

When you see the symbol below on a product you bought, what does it mean?

A. The product and container are recyclable.
B. The container is reusable.
C. The container is recyclable.
D. The container is reducible.

2. Describe ways of the proper use and handling of solid, liquid, and gas found at home and in school.

Example:

Which of the following is a good way of handling flammable and combustible liquids? 

A. Store them in well-ventilated areas.
B. Keep containers closed when not in use.
C. Label and keep them away from children.
D. All of the above

3. Demonstrate how sound, heat, light, and electricity can be transformed.

Example:

Lightning converts electrical energy into what kind of energy?

1. heat    2. sound 3. light   4. mechanical

A.  1 and 2

B.  2 and 4

C.  1, 2, and 3

D.  2, 3, and 4 

4. Describe the factors that affect climate change: • Greenhouse effect • Global warming • Pollution

Example:

Which of the following human activities contribute to the greenhouse effect that leads to climate change?

A. Planting more trees.
B. Raising more sheep and cattle.
C. Using electrical-powered cars.
D. Using solar panels to light homes. 

5. Demonstrate how simple machines help make work easier and faster: • Lever • Inclined plane • Wedge • Screw • Wheel and axle, e.g., bicycle • Pulley

Example:

Which of the following situations demonstrate the use of simple machines?

A. Two Boy Scouts raise a flag.   
B. A girl flies a kite.
C. A father rides a car.
D. A boy plays computer games.

6. Describe the layers of the earth and its composition, e.g., crust, mantle, and core.

Example:

Which of the following describe the outer core?

A. It is solid.
B. It is liquid.
C. It is composed of nickel and iron.
D. It is the thinnest layer of the earth.

7. Explain scientifically the basis of common practices, beliefs and phenomena e.g. not standing beside a tall object in an open field when there is lightning, harvesting mushroom, right after a lightning strike

Example:

What causes mushrooms to grow and multiply after lightning?

1. Mushrooms increase their number of fruiting bodies after lightning.
2. Mushrooms react when exposed to a burst of high-voltage electricity.
3. Through lightning, mushrooms are given a reproductive boost.

A. 3 only  
B. 2 and 3
C. 1 and 3
D. 1. 2, and 3

8. Distinguish mixtures from pure substances.

Example:

What is NOT true about pure substance and mixture?

A. Pure substance consists only of one element or one compound.
B. Mixture consists of two or more different substances, not chemically joined together.
C. Mixtures have a sharp melting point but pure substances melt over a range of temperatures.
D. Water is an example of a pure substance.

9. Describe the transfer of energy through the trophic levels.

Example:

A snake eats a frog that has eaten a grasshopper that has fed on a plant. What trophic level does the snake belong to?

A. Decomposer
B. Primary consumer
C. Secondary producer
D. Tertiary consumer

10. Explain how outstanding contributions of science have enhanced the quality of life and levels of thinking.

Example:

Which of the following is the least beneficial contribution of science in food production?

A. Hydroponics
B. Synthetic fertilizers and pesticides
C. Genetically modified (GM) foods
D. Packaging and Preservation

11. Investigate the relationship between the amount of force applied and the mass of the object to the amount of change in the object’s motion.

Example:

Consider two planets. Planet X has a mass of 100 Units while Planet Y has a mass of 1,000 Units. Which of the following statements is INCORRECT?

A. An object would have more mass on Planet Y compared with Planet X
B. The gravity on Planet Y is 10 times as great as that on Planet X.
C. The acceleration of gravity on Planet X is less than that on Planet Y.
D. An object would weigh more on Planet Y compared with Planet X.

12. Analyze various options concerning issues affecting daily life situations, e.g. birth control issues, removal of life support gadgets from patients.

Example:

Mrs. Castro is a devout Catholic. What birth control method should you advise her after the birth of her 3rd child?

A. Abstinence
B. Rhythm
C. Pills
D. Coitus interruptus

13. Explain the process of fertilization through an illustration.

Example:

The statements given are the steps in the process of fertilization. Which of the following gives the correct order of the steps?

    1. Fertilization occurs.
    2. Ovary releases the eggs.
    3. Sperm penetrates the mature egg.
    4. Sperm cells and egg cell meet in the fallopian tubes.

A. 1, 2, 3, 4
B. 3, 4, 2, 1
C. 2, 4, 3, 1
D. 4, 2, 3, 1

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ANSWERS:

1. C        2. D        3. C        4. B

5. A        6. B        7. D        8. C

9. D        10. B        11. A        12. B        13. C