Core - SCIENCE
For a science research project, students measured the growth of bean plants over time and under two different environmental conditions. Bean plants in set A were provided white light and bean plants in set B were given green light. Both sets of plants were provided the same amount of soil, water, fertilizer, temperature, and space. Plants were measured weekly for 12 weeks. At the end of the 12 weeks, students were tasked with displaying the data collected in the data tables in their journals. What is the best way to display the change over time data?
A line graph showing the amount of growth each week.
When light approaches an object in its path, it behaves in very predictable patterns. When a light wave approaches a boundary, it may change direction and speed up or slow down changing into a wave with a larger or a shorter wavelength. Which of the following examples best illustrates the property of light described in the previous question?
A pencil in a glass of water looks as though it is broken because the light is being refracted.
Sixth-grade students are working in groups to deepen their understanding about the motion of objects using examples from everyday situations. In previous lessons, they studied the concepts of force, displacement, and work. The next task for the sixth graders is to choose examples from everyday life that illustrate examples of "work" being done on an object. Which of the following examples does not illustrate an example of "work" being done on an object?
A runner pushes against a large tree.
The right-side of a magnet is brought very near to the opposite side of a suspended magnetic material that is free to move as shown in the picture above. Which of the following describes the reaction of the suspended magnetic material in this interaction?
A. It begins to move toward the magnet.
A boat slows down in the water. Complete the energy diagrams below by identifying source and receiver, type of interaction, change in energy, and energy transformation that takes place in this event. Drag the correct answers and drop them in the appropriate response boxes.
A: Drag Interaction B: Boat C: Mechanical Energy D: Water E: Decrease in Motion Energy F: Increase in Motion Energy
Energy is best defined by the statements below except by one of them. That one statement is?
Ability to continually be created
Which of the following would make the box remain stationary? 25 N 60 N
Add 35 N to the left arrow.
Students compared the difference between weather and climate in their 5th grade science class. Which of the following best describes climate rather than weather?
Annual low temperatures have decreased over many decades.
Which of the following statements is/are not true about the law of universal gravitation? Select all that apply.
B. It is possible for two objects to be so far apart, that there is no (zero) gravitational pull between them. F. Gravity is a force that increases with altitude above the surface of the Earth.
Groups of students are given an assignment to test the question shown below. For reliability purposes, each group was given identical equipment and conducted three trials for each circuit. Each group of students arrived at the same answer. Which of the following is a likely purpose for this type of assignment?
B.The purpose of this assignment is intended to show that repeated trials and peer collaboration increase the reliability of an investigation.
Earth is a working system involving many structures, cycles and processes. Which of the following is not an example of a structure within the Earth's system?
B.animals
If a species suddenly develops a new trait, such as blue eyes in humans, what is the most likely cause of this change?
B.mutation
A teacher has students working in groups to analyze scenarios. One scenario asks what the students should do when they are about to leave the house and the temperature drops and wind begins to blow. The teacher is looking for the students to say that the possibility for rain increased as a low pressure system arrived and they should grab an umbrella on their way out the door. What is the teacher attempting to do in this scenario?
B.use science to make informed decisions
A scientist studied the growth rate of a species of bacterium. The scientist introduced some of the bacteria into a flask of nutrient-rich solution and monitored the growth of the bacterial population by measuring the number of living cells in the solution. The graph below shows the growth of the bacterial population over time in hours (h). The scientist wanted to determine the effect of an antibiotic on the growth of the bacterium. To a second flask of nutrient-rich solution with the bacterial cells, he added the antibiotic, and monitored the growth of the bacterial population. The data showed that most of the bacteria in the solution died, but some survived. The scientist concluded that some of the bacteria were resistant to the antibiotic. Why were some of the bacteria resistant to the antibiotic, based on the theory of evolution?
Because of genetic mutations that had been passed down from older generations
A scientist studied the growth rate of a species of bacterium. The scientist introduced some of the bacteria into a flask of nutrient-rich solution and monitored the growth of the bacterial population by measuring the number of living cells in the solution. The graph below shows the growth of the bacterial population over time in hours (h). The scientist wanted to determine the effect of an antibiotic on the growth of the bacterium. To a second flask of nutrient-rich solution with the bacterial cells, he added the antibiotic, and monitored the growth of the bacterial population. The data showed that most of the bacteria in the solution died, but some survived. The scientist concluded that some of the bacteria were resistant to the antibiotic. Why were some of the bacteria resistant to the antibiotic, based on the theory of evolution?
Because of genetic mutations that had been passed down from older generations
How do abiotic and biotic factors represent form and function that complement each other?
Biotic factors such as organisms use the abiotic factors (water, shelter) to survive.
Mrs. Whittington's 4th-grade class is experimenting with a device that uses a spring to launch blocks. They have three different shaped blocks. They needed to choose one block to use in their device. They wanted the block that would slide the farthest. Mrs. Whittington wants her students to perform a laboratory investigation to determine the effects of certain variables by asking them the following question:" Does the block shape affect the distance the block traveled after it was launched?" She then has her class sorted in small groups, and they set out to design an experiment to answer this question. The data below was obtained by one group of students. Study the information in the table above and then complete the blank. One student in the group wrote the following in his report. I conclude that the shape of the block does affect the distance the block travels after it is launched and that Block 2 travels the greatest distance when launched with the spring launcher based on supporting evidence gathered in the table. Also, in this experiment, the independent variable is the ____________, and the dependent variable is _______
Block shape distance the launched block travels
Garbage is a big problem. In many cities and towns, garbage is taken away to landfills, which are often called "dumps." Some landfills are very big and may cover hundreds of acres. But even these big landfills are getting full and may have to be closed. Burning garbage is a good idea for solving the garbage problem. Which of the following do you think is a disadvantage of burning garbage?
Burned garbage pollutes the air.
Sixth grade students set up an investigation to test if different types of music affect plant growth. Before the students start the investigation, the teacher asks questions to clarify the investigation and to explain possible errors in the investigative process. Which of the following questions helps the students identify and understand a potential error in the investigation?
C.Should you have more than one variable?
Which of the following are examples of molecular formulas? Select all that apply.
CH4 H2SO4 N2 NaOH
Using fossil fuels to create electricity has been ongoing for many years. Over time, scientists have come up with more efficient ways to conserve electricity leading to a decreased usage of fossil fuels. Which of the following describes how we can conserve electricity in our homes and reduce the use of fossil fuels?
Change from incandescent light bulbs to LED lightbulbs.
Mrs. Madar is teaching a science unit about the ocean to her first graders. Through her formative assessments during the unit, Mrs. Madar observes that one of her students, Alice, has difficulty understanding and remembering information that is given verbally during the unit. Although Alice easily completes tasks with written directions, she becomes frustrated and upset when Mrs. Madar assigns a task with verbal directions. Mrs. Madar begins to suspect that Alice has an auditory processing issue. She begins the process for a special education referral. In the meantime, how should Mrs. Madar meet Alice's needs in her first grade classroom?
Continue with her inquiry-based, hands-on science curriculum while providing age-appropriate written summaries of oral directions.
Hurricanes are built by the transfer of energy. By which method is energy transferred to wind and air and how does this accomplish the building of such an extreme weather event?
Convection currents - As water is warmed, it evaporates, and then when it cools, it condenses and precipitates, creating the rain and wind needed to produce a hurricane. The transfer of energy to the air creates wind. The more the transfer, the higher the wind speed.
Which of the following instruments measures the amount of liquid precipitation over a certain length of time?
D. Rain gauge
Which animal is the top carnivore in the pond system?
D.Heron
In a simplified model of the Solar System, the planets revolve around the Sun in circular orbits, all in the same plane. Each planet has a different period of revolution. Also, each planet is a sphere that rotates about an axis through its center, but with a different period of rotation. In this model, the axis of rotation of each planet is perpendicular to the plane of the orbit. What extensions or modifications could be made to the simplified model of the Solar System to explain why the Northern Hemisphere is colder in January than in July?
Earth's axis is tilted away from the sun in January and toward the sun in July.
The picture below shows a pond ecosystem. Use this picture and what you know about the things in it to answer the question that follows. Each of the animals in the pond needs food. What are two things that the animals get from their food that keep them alive?
Energy and Nutrients
Sarah looked at some pond water with a microscope. She used the low-power objective lens to look at some green algae. The picture below shows what Sarah saw through the microscope. If Sarah switched the lens from low power to high power, what would she see in the field of view?
Fewer cells than with the low-power view, but in greater detail.
What should teachers do when formatively assessing students for understanding on a standard and the results reveal that some students have mastered the standard while others are still struggling with comprehension?
Flexibly group students.
Rafael and Sammy were playing with soccer balls on a flat tile floor. Each boy rolled a soccer ball at the same time, and the balls hit, as shown below. Based on the information provided complete the task that follows. The action that moves the balls across the floor before they collide is called _____. The result of the cause acting on the balls to move them a certain distance on the tile floor is called _____. What the balls possess due to their movement or position along the tile floor as they move towards each other is called ____. The quantity that has to do with the rate at which a certain amount of work is done is known as ______. After the two balls collide they come to rest with the resulting energy becoming _____and perhaps a bit of _______ at the point of collision.
Force Work Energy Power Sound Heat
Students in a 6th-grade science class have just completed an experiment in which they investigated the motion of balls on flat and inclined ramps. Next, the teacher poses the following multiple-choice question on the board — By posing this type of question on the board demonstrates the teacher most likely knows the importance of —
Formative assessments
Beans and coal both have stored energy. Which of the following correctly identifies where the energy that is stored in beans and coal comes from?
From the Sun's light
Before beginning a unit on electrical circuits, a teacher would like to know what prior knowledge the students have regarding the content. Which of the following would give the teacher the best information as to what each individual student's prior knowledge is about circuits?
Have students draw and label a complete electrical circuit and provide a written explanation on how circuits work.
Why is learning about how diet and exercise impact the body important for students?
It helps them make positive personal dietary choices.
A kindergarten student is asked to measure the length of different objects in his class. He measures his desk top first using a meter stick. The length of his desk is about thirty-two inches long. Which of the following explains why measuring in standard units is not the best choice for this student?
It is not developmentally appropriate for kindergarten students to use standard units.
Which of the following correctly illustrates the energy transformation when solar panels are operational on the roof of a house?
Light energy transforms into electrical energy.
Sixth-grade students in Ms. Chung's class are working in small groups to replicate erosion of soil by the movement of water. Each group is given a small tray with a hole in the bottom of one end, a container of soil, a container of fresh water, and a bucket to catch the waste water. The students were instructed to place 2" of soil in the tray. They then placed one end of the tray on the blocks and poured the water as shown in the diagram. Their task was to measure the amount of soil collected at the bottom of the tray. Each group was asked to post the results on a class chart. The results of the experiment showed a great amount of variance between groups in the quantity of soil collected at the bottom of the tray. Why do you believe Ms. Chung chose to design a lesson where students would conduct an experiment where the results would vary greatly between groups?
Ms. Chung wanted students to notice the variance in results and develop explanations for the variance and analyze errors in the experimental design.
Which of the following process skills is an example of a developmentally appropriate task for kindergarten students to be able to do when performing a scientific investigation?
Observe, sort, group, and order objects by one or two attributes.
A planetary model of a system, such as the models of the Solar System and the atom discussed here, is appropriate whenever the components of the system and the nature of the forces between them have certain properties. Which of the following might be some of these properties?
One of the components is much more massive than the others and exerts an attractive force on each of the other components.
Based on the food web above, which two organisms are competing for the same food source?
Penguins and the Elephant seals
The diagram of the carbon cycle below illustrates that carbon is cycled through the biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere. Carbon is taken from the atmosphere in two ways. Which of the following choices describes one of the ways carbon is taken from the atmosphere?
Plants perform the process of photosynthesis and change carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into carbohydrates for fuel/energy.
How does the use of fertilizer demonstrate that systems can be described in terms of time, energy, and matter?
Plants use fertilizer, which is matter, to grow faster as they use the sun's energy to grow and take up more space.
Which of the following best explains a way in which teachers can share the evaluation criteria for an upcoming project with their students?
Prior to starting the project, the teacher provides a rubric explaining the expectations for the project.
Many families have decided to switch to renewable (alternative) energy resources. What is an advantage of using renewable energy resources over nonrenewable energy resources?
Renewable energy resources can be replenished over time through natural processes.
What role does science play in government policies?
Science researches the cause and mechanisms of how things work and presents the data to policy makers to make an informed decision.
Ms. Molina's sixth graders will be tested in science on the upcoming STAAR test. She fears the students will be tested over information she has not had time to teach in the busy school year.With two months remaining before the STAAR test, which of the following is the best approach for use of the remaining time?
Select the objectives from the remaining curriculum that students are struggling with and teach those objectives with activities designed to deepen student understanding.
Which statement accurately describes the atoms of a specific element?
Selenium, SE, atom contains 34 protons, 45 neutrons and 34 electrons
A second grade class is studying metamorphosis. The teacher ordered frog eggs from a supply company and plans to put the eggs into an aquarium in the classroom so students can observe the complete life cycle of a frog. Before the frog eggs are introduced into the aquarium, which statement best describes what the teacher is morally required to do?
Simulate the habitat where frogs are typically found in nature as closely as possible.
Before the Industrial Revolution in England, a light colored variety of peppered moth was well camouflaged among light-colored lichens that grew on the bark of trees around London. A dark-colored variety of the peppered moth probably existed but was rarely observed because it was so easily seen by birds and eaten. During the early decades of the Industrial Revolution in England though, the countryside between London and Manchester became blanketed with soot from the new coal-burning factories. Soot killed the pollution-sensitive lichens, exposing dark tree bark. As a result, the dark-colored variety of the moth became the better camouflaged of the two moth varieties. There was an increase in bird predation for light-colored moths. By the mid-19th century, the number of dark-colored moths had risen noticeably, and by 1895, the percentage of dark-colored moths in Manchester was reported at 98%, a dramatic change (by almost 100%) from the original recorded number.
Soot killed the pollution-sensitive lichens, exposing dark tree bark.
How does reviewing how to use equipment and make observations help foster inquiry and support the learning environment in the classroom?
Students are not experts and reviewing the basic skills will reduce the chaos in the room.
A third-grade teacher is introducing a new abstract science concept to her students. She will use questioning strategies as a method of formative assessment as she progresses through the lesson. Which technique would best support the students' understanding of the abstract concept at this point in in the unit?
Students generate their own questions about the concepts before beginning formal instruction.
Which of the following describes the process by which a closed circuit produces light in a bulb?
The energy in the battery flows out of the negative end of the battery, travels through the wires to the bulb, and back to the positive end of the battery.
If you go outside on a sunny day, you will make a shadow. At some times of day your shadow is longer than you are. At other times of day it is shorter than you are. How can this difference in the length of your shadow be explained?
The more directly overhead the sun is, the shorter the shadow will be.
A student is asked to record the length of the pencil using the most precise measurement. As shown below, the student did not record the correct answer. Which of the following accurately identifies the student's error?
The unit of measure is incorrect. The student should have used centimeters instead of millimeters.
A student is asked to record the length of the pencil using the most precise measurement. As shown below, the student did not record the correct answer. Which of the following accurately identifies the student's error? Answer: 8mm
The unit of measure is incorrect. The student should have used centimeters instead of millimeters.
Which of the following is a similarity between a hurricane and a tornado?
They both have strong winds.
Teachers often pre-assess students to determine their prior knowledge, strengths, and weaknesses before beginning a unit of study or a research project. Struggling students need more support and scaffolding in order to participate and be successful during inquiry activities. Which method would best support students who are struggling prior to a research project?
Using and modelling think aloud discussions prior to research and capturing the class and group's details on chart paper for reference later.
How does the structure of the villi in the small intestine assist in the job of the small intestine?
Villi is a tiny tissue that increases the surface area of the small intestines, which works with the muscle and blood to allow for large amounts of nutrients to be absorbed into the blood.
How is this method used to measure the physical property of a rock?
Water displacement is used to measure the volume of the rock.
The following image shows the volume in the graduated cylinder rising from 30 ml to 40 ml. How is this method used to measure the physical property of a rock?
Water displacement is used to measure the volume of the rock.
Sixth-grade students are working in groups to deepen their understanding about the motion of objects using examples from everyday situations. In previous lessons, they studied the concepts of force, displacement, and work. What should students already understand about the concept of work?
Work is done if a force acts on an object and causes displacement of the object.
Which example demonstrates how multicellular organisms respond to external stimuli to maintain homeostasis?
Worms move above ground when the soil is too wet.
The diagram below shows two inclined planes X and Y. Which statement correctly describes the force needed to push the same load up each of the inclined planes?
X will require less force over a longer distance.
The image below depicts the position of the Sun, Earth, and Moon during an eclipse. What type of eclipse is shown and what evidence from the image supports the answer?
a lunar eclipse, because no light is reflected off of the moon
A collection of structures, cycles and processes that relate to and interact with each other to form a whole or perform a specific function is scientifically known as -
a system
In science class the teacher begins a weather unit by having a discussion about student's experience with storms and weather. The teacher also tells a corny weather related joke, and then shows a picture of a storm and has students work in groups to discuss what they see, think, and wonder. What is the teacher trying to accomplish by beginning the unit using these techniques?
activating prior knowledge through emotional memories, inducing laughter, and stimulating inquiry to prepare the brain for learning
A fifth-grade teacher assigns an investigation to figure out which solid, granulated sugar grains or a sugar cube, would dissolve the quickest in water. The teacher poses the question and lets the students complete the activity below. 1. Students discuss the investigation with their partners, look at both materials and make a prediction on which one will dissolve the quickest in water. 2. Student partners complete the investigation using various amounts of each substance and the same amount of water. 3. Students record their observations in their science journals including an explanation regarding the outcome. 4. Student partners join with another group of students and discuss their observations. Which of the following describes the type of lesson the teacher prepared and implemented to teach this concept?
an experimental inquiry based lesson where students have to think, question and carry out the lesson
A class of sixth grade students is studying weather. They plan to measure and record the temperature, wind speed, wind direction, humidity and precipitation in their town for a week. Which of the following tool should the students use to measure wind speed?
anemometer
Earth is a working system involving many structures, cycles and processes. Which of the following is not an example of a structure within the Earth's system?
animals.
In what ways does science organize the world?
by classifying things and chunking disciplines
All of the following are examples of how humans use Earth's resources except —
carbon dioxide from the atmosphere for humans to breath
Which chemical reaction is somewhat the opposite of photosynthesis, that works to recycle nutrients through living organisms, and burns sugar in the presence of oxygen in the mitochondria in order to provide energy for life in cells?
cellular respiration
Mr. Kennedy's classroom was very warm so he opened the window to let in a cool breeze. As the cool breeze came through the window, it cooled down the temperature in the room. An example of the cooling that took place is a result of which of the following?
convection
The surface of the Earth is constantly changing. Earthquakes, volcanoes, and the movement of the tectonic plates change the lithosphere. Mountains are formed when plates converge and valleys are formed when the plates diverge. Which of the natural phenomena listed below is primarily responsible for the changing of the Earth's surface?
convection currents in the mantle
Which of the following human activities have caused an increase in greenhouse gases, which ultimately causes a rise in Earth's average temperature?
deforestation causing a decrease in the absorption of carbon dioxide
Evolution refers to the changes in organisms over time from ancient times to the present day. Primitive horses for example were very small animals in comparison to present day horses. Which of the following would account for the changes in the appearance of organisms from ancient times to the present? Select all that apply.
gene mutations and genetic drift natural selection migration from one area to another selective breeding
Mrs. Garza teachers third grade and has four special needs students in her first period science class. She is beginning a unit on the solar system. All of the following are teaching strategies that would most likely support the special needs students in her class except —
having students independently read a chapter on the solar system and complete the chapter quiz.
Which of the following environmental factors cannot cause a change in the genetic factors of an organism?
healthy eating
Which of the following uses the kinetic energy of moving water to generate electricity for human consumption?
hydroelectric energy
With regards to its role in student assessment, this checklist provides information that could best be used by the teacher to —
identify skill areas in which students may require additional instruction.
A clownfish and a sea anemone have a relationship where they benefit from each other. What type of symbiotic relationship is represented between the clownfish and the sea anemone?
mutualism
Fourth grade students are investigating the different properties of soil. They completed an investigation by using hand lenses to look at each type of soil, as well as a smear test where they took small amounts of each soil type and smeared it across an index card. Which two properties of soil are being tested by using these procedures?
particle size and texture
Ms. Brock is using an activity to illustrate the processes by which rocks are formed. She uses small carved pieces of white, brown, orange, and black crayon to represent soil. She places the "soil"; between two pieces of aluminum foil and presses it with a heavy book. The result is "rock #1" that is formed by intense pressure. She next takes the new "rock #1" and heats it on a hot plate until it softens. She takes the softened "rock" and places it between two pieces of aluminum foil and presses it with a heavy book, forming "rock #2." She takes "rock #2" and places it on a hot plate to melt completely and then cool forming a third kind of "rock #3." She asks the students to refer to the drawing below when reflecting on the activity: What type of rock is formed when soil is subjected to intense pressure (rock #1)?
sedimentary rock
Of the following examples: an aquarium of water, air, a solid wooden table or a foam cup, which will sound waves travel faster through?
solid wood table
A student completed a drawing that models the movements of the Earth, Moon and Sun system. Using your mouse, click on the box that represents the movement that causes day and night on Earth.
the arrow closest to the Earth shows Earth rotating or spinning
Scenario: Ms. Porter is utilizing a discrepant event with her fourth-grade students to introduce the concept of density. She places 1 raw egg into a jar with plain distilled water and another into a jar with salt water. The egg in the plain water sinks to the bottom of the jar while the egg in the salt water floats. The students work in small groups to formulate questions they will ask Ms. Porter about the egg activity to help them solve the puzzle about the eggs. All of the students' questions must be in a form that can be answered "YES" or "NO" by the teacher. During the question and answer period, Ms. Porter stops the discussion frequently and asks the groups to discuss what they now know. At the completion of the question and answer period, small groups formulate ideas and are then encouraged to test their ideas using selected materials on a supply table. Using these activities and types of questioning strategies demonstrates that Ms. Porter understands that —
the curriculum must be adapted to meet the interests, needs, experiences, and abilities of her students.
Scenario:Ms. Porter is utilizing a discrepant event with her fourth-grade students to introduce the concept of density. She places 1 raw egg into a jar with plain distilled water and another into a jar with salt water. The egg in the plain water sinks to the bottom of the jar while the egg in the salt water floats. The students work in small groups to formulate questions they will ask Ms. Porter about the egg activity to help them solve the puzzle about the eggs. All of the students' questions must be in a form that can be answered "YES" or "NO" by the teacher. During the question and answer period, Ms. Porter stops the discussion frequently and asks the groups to discuss what they now know. At the completion of the question and answer period, small groups formulate ideas and are then encouraged to test their ideas using selected materials on a supply table. Using these activities and types of questioning strategies demonstrates that Ms. Porter understands that —
the curriculum must be adapted to meet the interests, needs, experiences, and abilities of her students.
Compounds are composed of two or more atoms that are chemically bonded together. When atoms are chemically bonded together —
the valence electrons (the outer shell) in each atom interact.
Fifth graders in Ms. Sandifer's class are working on a question designed to measure their knowledge of the organization of cells in the human body. The statement below is posted on the board. Choose the series of words that will correctly complete the statement. Statement: A group of cells working together to carry out a particular job is called ___ A group of these working together to carry out a particular job are called __ A group of these working together to do a particular job are called a(n) ____ A group of these working together to do a particular job make up a(n) ___
tissues organ system organism
How is the energy organisms get from food generally used?
to grow, reproduce, heal, and move
The teacher presented the following image to their 6th grade science class and asked them to tell what they see and what they wonder. Afterwards, the teacher had students list the possible conclusions to the incident. What was the intent of the teacher in this technique?
to have students think critically about a topic
What instrument do scientists use to accurately measure the mass of an object?
triple beam balance
In which layer of the atmosphere do clouds form and weather occur?
troposhphere
This checklist would be most useful for helping the teacher assess individual student's —
understanding and use of the processes of inquiry
Students were given the image below and told that a person's foot and forearm are the same length. The class was tasked with conducting a lab to measure each students forearm and foot length. What skill was the teacher developing by giving them data and the claim and then having them conduct the lab?
verify evidence by conducting an experiment
All organisms classified into the phylum Chordata all have the characteristics of —
vertebrates
Which of the following repeatedly moves water between the Earth's hydrosphere and Earth's atmosphere and back again?
water cycle
When the ocean is warmer than normal, then the atmospheric system has increased water evaporation which alters the weather systems approaching coastal cities. This phenomenon demonstrates the principle that —
when one system is changed, the output of the entire system changes.
