Comparing 'Why' and 'How' questions in K science

📚 Quick Study Guide

• 🔬 'Why' Questions: Explore the reasons or causes behind phenomena. They delve into the underlying mechanisms and principles. Think causation!
• 🧪 'How' Questions: Focus on the process or mechanism by which something occurs. They describe the steps or actions involved. Think methodology!
• 🍎 Example - 'Why': Why does an apple fall from a tree? (Gravity!)
• ⚙️ Example - 'How': How does an apple fall from a tree? (Air resistance, gravitational acceleration, etc.)
• 💡 Key Difference: 'Why' seeks explanations, while 'How' seeks descriptions of processes.
• 📈 Complexity: 'Why' questions often lead to more complex and theoretical answers.
• 📝 Experiment Design: Understanding the difference is crucial for designing experiments and interpreting results.

Practice Quiz

1. Which type of question explores the underlying reasons behind a phenomenon?
   1. How
   2. What
   3. Why
   4. When
2. Which type of question focuses on the process by which something occurs?
   1. Why
   2. How
   3. Where
   4. Who
3. 'Why does ice float on water?' is an example of what type of question?
   1. How
   2. What
   3. Why
   4. When
4. 'How does a plant perform photosynthesis?' is an example of what type of question?
   1. Why
   2. How
   3. Where
   4. Who
5. Which question type typically leads to more complex and theoretical answers?
   1. How
   2. What
   3. Why
   4. When
6. Understanding the difference between 'why' and 'how' is MOST crucial for:
   1. Baking a cake
   2. Designing experiments
   3. Writing a novel
   4. Playing video games
7. Which of the following best describes the goal of a 'how' question?
   1. To seek explanations
   2. To seek descriptions of processes
   3. To identify causes
   4. To explore theories