Praxis Practice Test #1
A 10 L cylinder contains 4 moles of oxygen, 3 moles of nitrogen, and 7 moles of neon. The temperature of the cylinder is increased from 20 C to 40 C. Determine the partial pressure of neon in the cylinder as a percentage of the whole. A) 50% B) 70% C) 90% D) 40%
A
A 4th grade teacher is planning a science unit on animal habitats and would like to enhance student engagement by incorporating digital resources into instruction. Which professional in the building would be most helpful? A) library, media specialist B) grade-level department chair C) curriculum coordinator D) reading resource teacher
A
A liquid is heated from 50 C to 80C. Which statement is true about the solubility of solids and gases in liquid? A) the solubility of solids will increase and the solubility of gases will decrease B) the solubility of solids will decrease and the solubility of gases will increase C) the solubility of solids will increase and the solubility of gases will increase D) the solubility of solids will decrease and the solubility of gases will decrease
A
A tropical flower is planted in a local garden. The garden is watered 2-3 times a week during all seasons. After only a few months, the tropical plant begins to droop and turns brown. How did environmental change most likely affect the tropical plant? A) being watered 2-3 times a week was not enough to sustain a tropical plant B) new environment was too hot and burned the plant C) insects attacked the plant causing it to wilt D) new soil lacked the nutrients necessary to maintain the plant's health
A
During the anaphase of mitosis, the ______, originally in pairs, separate from their daughters and move to opposite ends (or poles) of the cell. A) chromosomes B) spindle fibers C) centrioles D) nuclear membranes
A
Isotopes are 2 atoms of the same element that have different _____. They have same number of ____ but a different number of _____. A) mass; protons; electrons B) ionization number; protons; electrons C) charge; protons; electrons D) mass; protons; electrons
A
Mrs. Lindsey engages her 5th grade class in structured problem solving activities. The main benefit of such activities for older elementary and middle-level students is: A) foster inquiry and critical thinking skills B) improve organizational and time-management skills C) enhance students' social skills D) teach students to appreciate diversity
A
The center of an atom is called ______. It is composed of ______. A) nucleus; protons and neutrons B) nucleus; protons and electrons C) electron cloud; electrons and protons D) electron cloud; electrons and neutrons
A
The layer of Earth's atmosphere that is closest to our planet is: A) troposphere B) ionosphere C) stratosphere D) mesosphere
A
The majority of weather phenomena occurs in which part of Earth's atmosphere? A) troposphere B) stratosphere C) hydrosphere D) ionosphere
A
The specific heat capacity of ice is half as much as that of liquid water. What's the result of this? A) it takes 1/2 the amount of energy to increase the temp of 1 kg sample of ice by 1 C than 1 kg sample of water B) it takes twice the amount of energy to increase the temp of 1 kg sample of ice by 1 C than 1 kg sample of water C) it takes a quarter of the amount of energy to increase the temp of 1 kg sample of ice by 1 C than 1 kg sample of water D) it takes the same amount of energy to increase the temp of 1 kg sample of ice by 1 C than 1 kg sample of water
A
This organelle contains digestive enzymes that break down food and unneeded substances. They are also thought to be linked to the aging process. What part of the cell does this describe? A) lysosomes B) chromatin C) plastids D) golgi apparatus
A
What type of change occurs when liquid transitions to gas? A) phase change B) chemical change C) sublimation D) condensation
A
What will happen to light waves as they hit a convex lens? A) refracted and converge B) refracted and diverge C) reflected and converge D) reflected and diverge
A
What's the 2nd part of an organism's scientific name? A) species B) phylum C) population D) kingdom
A
What's the best definition of an informal learning experience for learning basic science concepts? A) a child chooses what to do and an adult provides some intervention B) a child chooses what to do spontaneously without adult intervention C) a child engages in an activity which is chosen and directed by an adult D) a child engages in a group activity assigned by the preschool teacher
A
When 2 tectonic plates are moving laterally in opposing directions, this is called: A) transform boundary B) compressional boundary C) oppositional boundary D) lateral boundary
A
When metamorphic rock is stressed unevenly during recrystallization, it can result in: A) foliation B) contact metamorphism C) regional metamorphism D) extrusion
A
When you walk barefoot on hot sidewalk, what process is responsible for heat transfer from the sidewalk to your foot? A) conduction B) convection C) radiation D) none
A
Which best describes the primary function of carbs? A) provide energy B) aid in metabolism C) muscle tissue function D) prevents cell damage
A
Which condition and chemical pair is an example of a buffer? A) homeostasis: H2CO3 / HCO3- B) water has neutral pH: (H3O)+ / OH- C) copper can be electroplated onto tin: Cu+ / Sn2+ D) aluminum hydroxide is not soluble: Al3+ / OH-
A
Which creates a magnetic field? A) spinning and rotating of electrons in atoms B) separation of charged particles in atoms C) vibrational and translational motion of atoms D) loosely held valence electrons surrounding an atom
A
Which has the potential for negative impacts including soil contamination, surface water contamination, pollution, and leachate? A) landfill B) incinerator C) recycling center D) irrigation system
A
Which is NOT a cause of destruction of coral reefs? A) reattachment of salvaged coral colonies on reef B) global warming C) collection of coral by people to sell D) water pollution
A
Which is NOT true about the period of a simple pendulum? A) as the mass of a pendulum increases, the period increases B) for small amplitudes, the period of a pendulum is approximately independent of amplitude C) a pendulum swings more slowly at higher elevation D) to double the period of a pendulum, the length must be quadrupled
A
Which is the most immediate effect of acid rain? A) loss of fish due to toxicity of water B) disease- and pest-ridden trees C) unwanted algae growth where river enters ocean D) deterioration of buildings and mountains
A
Which of the following terms matches the definition: energy is conserved with every process? A) 1st law of thermodynamics B) 2nd law of thermodynamics C) 3rd law of thermodynamics D) 4th law of thermodynamics
A
Which structure in a tree trunk contains tissue that's dead at maturity? A) 1 (pith) B) 2 (heartwood) C) 3 (growth rings) D) 4 (cambium layer)
A
Which wastes may be suitable for sink/sewer disposal? A) acetic acid B) benzene C) acetone D) mercury
A
Why should a chemistry teacher consider joining at least 1 science related organization? A) stay current on knowledge and developments within their field as they relate to education B) acquire necessary professional development hours C) attend several professional development sessions throughout the year to get a break from teaching D) obtain tax write-offs related to membership costs
A
4 windows are washed with different cleaners. The same paper towel is used on each. What is the variable of the experiment? A) amount of sunlight coming through the windows B) type of window cleaner used C) amount of dirt on each window D) type of paper towel used
B
A 3rd grade teacher is conducting a unit on patterns that occur and recur in nature in which students observe and record weather patterns for a month. Which of the following additional activities could this teacher incorporate to differentiate instruction for gifted/talented students? A) pairing these students with others that need additional assistance B) having these students investigate local weather patterns throughout history C) asking these students to record weather data for an additional month D) assigning these students to write an informational essay about their findings
B
A life science teacher wants to see if her students are following proper safety procedures in lab setting. What's the best way to assess if they're correctly following procedures? A) give students a pop quiz on proper lab safety procedures B) observe students while they're working on a lab in class C) hold a class-wide discussion on how to maintain proper lab safety D) have students role-play scenarios demonstrating both proper and improper lab safety scenarios
B
A liquid is held at its freezing point and slowly allowed to solidify. Which of the following statements about this event are true? A) during freezing, temperature of material decreases B) while freezing, heat is given off material C) during freezing, heat is absorbed by material D) during freezing, temperature of material increases
B
A teacher provides her students with a checklist about different character traits that the student and their 2 parents possess for homework (eye color, ability to roll tongue, widow's peak, etc.). What is the most likely purpose of the activity? A) illustrate purpose of taking medical history in event of illness on smaller, less negative scale B) demonstrate how genetics play a role in determining what traits are passed through generations C) help students feel connected to parents during tumultuous social period by identifying basic similarities D) show process of Darwin's theories of natural selection in humans
B
According to Kepler's Law of Planetary Motion, which statement is true? A) the planets orbit the sun in circular paths B) while orbiting the sun, planets sweep out equal areas in equal amounts of time C) planets located farther from the sun have shorter periods than planets located nearer to the sun D) while orbiting the sun, the closer the planet is to the sun, the slower it travels
B
Ammonia has specific heat capacity greater than that of water. This means: A) water vaporizes at higher temperature than ammonia B) it takes more energy to increase temperature of ammonia than it does to increase temperature of water C) water is always denser than ammonia D) water is only denser than ammonia at higher temperatures
B
Consider the following statements about Newton's Law: I. A newton is a fundamental unit II. Mass and acceleration are inversely related when force is constant III. Newton's 1st Law can be derived from Newton's 2nd Law IV. Newton's 2nd Law can be derived from the universal law of gravity Which of the following statements are true? A) I, II, III B) II and III only C) III only D) none
B
Electrons with greater amounts of energy are found ______ the nucleus than electrons with less energy. A) closer to B) farther from C) more often inside D) more randomly around
B
For electricity to flow and move, it requires which of these? A) generator and insulator B) generator and conductor C) conductor and insulator D) all of these
B
Metamorphic rock is produced when which of the following undergoes profound changes as result of exposure to intense pressure and heat? A) batholith B) protolith C)subduction zone D) volcano
B
Ms. Burke plans to illustrate the difference between physical and chemical changes in substances. Which experiment can students perform to observe a chemical change? A) Students place an ice cube in bowl and allow it to melt. They then place dish into freezer, causing it to reform into another shape B) Variety of objects, including metal nails, are left on windowsill for period of time. They observe and document changes, including rust forming on the nails. C) Students observe/record evaporation rates of water from various kinds of receptacles. D) Food prep area allows students to create their own snacks. They spread cream cheese on crackers, melt butter onto bread, and milk added into cereal.
B
Students in 1st grade classroom are given photographs of various kinds of animals and are asked to sort them according to whether they have fur, scales, or feathers. As the students work, the teacher asks them why they think animals might have different types of body coverings. Asking such a question is beneficial in promoting student's development of which of the following? A) ability to make inferences B) scientific process skills C) problem-solving skills D) scientific research skills
B
The electrolysis of water is an example of which of the following? A) an adiabatic process B) a chemical change C) a synthesis reaction D) reverse osmosis
B
The mountain below has the oldest rock in its core and the youngest rock in its outer layers. Which best describes this mountain? A) syncline B) anticline C) fault-block D) graben
B
What do all animals belonging to the Echinodermata phylum have in common? A) they use multiple appendages for locomotion B) they use tube feet for locomotion and feeding C) they have an exoskeleton made of chitin D) they must shed their outer layer of skin to grow
B
What's the difference between mass and weight? A) there's no difference; they're the same B) mass is the amount of matter in an object; weight is the pull of gravity on an object C) mass determines the amount of volume of an object; weight does not D) mass is the amount of cubic space that an object occupies; cubic space is not related to weight
B
What's the most accurate statement about including scientific inquiry and discovery in preschool activities? A) children must be given motivation as they're not naturally invested B) teachers should plan activities focusing on aspects of children's selves C) science inquiry and discovery require creating new activities D) teachers can repeat using the same materials and children will enjoy it
B
What's the most common type of volcano? A) lava dome B) composite volcano C) shield volcano D) cinder cone
B
When accumulation of snow and ice exceeds ablation, which occurs as direct result? A) iceberg breaks free from glacier B) glacier gradually forms C) glacier slowly erodes D) lake forms within glacier
B
When lighting a Bunsen burner, the flame is luminous yellow. Which of the following procedures is the correct way to properly adjust the flame? A) decrease air supply B) increase air supply C) decrease gas supply D) increase gas supply
B
Which best describes how water inside an organism affects its temperature? A) water increases temperature B) water keeps temperature stable C) water decreases temperature D) water does not affect temperature
B
Which creates an electromagnet? A) rapidly spinning and rotating electrons inside iron bar B) iron bar moving inside coil of wire that contains current C) movement of electrons through complete circuit D) convection currents within liquid core of earth's interior
B
Which is required for activity of DNA polymerase? A) okazaki fragments B) RNA primer C) single-strand binding protein D) leading strand
B
Which layers of the earth make up the lithosphere? A) crust only B) crust and rigid upper portion of upper mantle C) crust and upper mantle D) crust, upper mantle, and lower mantle
B
Which of Howard Gardner's multiple intelligences would most enable a student to identify rock types for a geology/earth science class? A) kinesthetic intelligence B) naturalist intelligence C) logical-mathematical intelligence D) spatial intelligence
B
Which of the following is an example of an oxidation-reduction reaction? A) volcano eruption can be modeled using vinegar and baking soda B) steel cans are electroplated with tin to produce grocery store food cans C) blood catalyzes decomposition of hydrogen peroxide on cut D) bread dough rises from production of carbon dioxide gas by yeast
B
Young children develop many basic science concepts through everyday activities. Of the following, which is most related to development of measurement concepts? A) fitting wooden pegs into holes with matching shapes in a toy B) pouring sand from 1 container into a differently sized one C) seeing how many coins they have accrued in piggy bank D) separating toys into piles of cars, trucks, animals, people, etc.
B
A 2nd-grade teacher is planning a project where students design/construct a suitable habitat for a frog. Prior to beginning, the teacher should ensure students have a solid understanding of: A) all living things are made of matter B) ecosystems are composed of several components that work together to function C) living things require food, water, shelter, and space to survive D) differences between needs of plants and animals
C
A ball is resting on the front end of a boat. The boat is moving straight forwards toward a dock. According to Newton's first law of motion, when the front of the boat hits the dock, how will the ball's motion change? a. the ball will remain at rest b. the ball will move backwards c. the ball will move forwards d. the ball will move sideways
C
A kindergarten teacher places several toy animal figurines into science area of the classroom and asks students to identify distinguishing features (duck's webbed feet, elephant's trunk, bird's feathers). This strategy is most likely intended to use models for developing students' initial understanding of: A) heredity B) constancy and change C) adaptation D) land and aquatic habitats
C
Aerobic respiration in cells occurs in the: A) cytoplasm B) nucleus C) mitochondria D) cell membrane
C
An electromagnet has a lifting force of 5 N. If the current through the coil is doubled, what's the lifting force? A) 2 N B) 5 N C) 10 N D) 20 N
C
Evidence that humans share a common ancestor with other primates includes all of the following EXCEPT: A) DNA sequence B) fossil evidence of intermediate species C) analogous structures D) homologous structures
C
For reaction CO2 (g) + H2 (g) --> CO (g) + H2O (l), which will occur if the pressure of the reaction is increased? A) the reaction rate will increase B) the reaction rate will decrease C) the reaction equilibrium will shift to right D) the reaction equilibrium will shift to left
C
Graham's law is best used to determine what relationship between 2 different materials? A) pressure and volume B) volume and temperature C) mass and diffusion rate D) diffusion rate and temperature
C
How is light created in the core of the sun? A) convection B) fission reactions C) fusion reactions D) chemical reactions
C
In a strenuously exercising muscle, NADH begins to accumulate in high concentration. Which metabolic process will be activated to reduce the concentration of NADH? A) Glycolysis B) Krebs cycle C) Lactic acid fermentation D) Oxidative phosphorylation
C
Mrs. Schubert is taking her biology class on a field trip to the local natural science museum. What can she do to ensure that her students make the most of the trip? A) tell students to pay attention during the tour B) tell students not to speak during tour C) ask students to take notes and tell them the notes will be graded D) give students a pop quiz before going on field trip
C
Salts are made from combination of what 2 types of substances? A) metal and nonmetal B) nonmetal and alkaline earth metal C) cation from base and anion from acid D) metal and halogen
C
The illustration below depicts the rock cycle. This cycle illustrates the fact that rocks are not unchanging entities; they undergo changes over time. Which would not be considered a force driving the rock cycle? A) plate tectonics B) water cycle C) global warming D) volcanic eruptions
C
What's the best prediction for solubility at 150 degrees C? A) 260 g NaClO3 per 100 g H2O B) 250 g KNO3 per 100 g H2O C) 130 g KBr per 100 g H2O D) 80 g NaCl per 100 g H2O
C
Which correctly describes a difference between the lithosphere and the asthenosphere? A) the asthenosphere is composed of atmospheric gas while the lithosphere is composed of liquids and solids B) the asthenosphere is hotter and more fluid than the lithosphere C) the lithosphere is hotter and has a different chemical composition than the asthenosphere D) heat is transferred through conduction in the asthenosphere, while it is transferred through convection in the lithosphere
C
Which correctly lists the periods that make up the Mesozoic era, from earliest to most recent? A) Jurassic, Triassic, Cretaceous B) Permian, Triassic, Jurassic C) Triassic, Jurassic, Cretaceous D) Triassic, Jurassic, Permian
C
Which is Avogadro's number? A) 2.063 x 10^23 B) 6.023 x 10^22 C) 6.022 x 10^23 D) 2.063 x 10^22
C
Which is NOT an example of chemical weathering of rocks? A) highly acidic rainwater causes dissolution of rocks B) anhydrous materials in rocks absorb water, causing them to enlarge and create fractures within the rocks C) salt water penetrates fractures in rocks and leaves behind salt crystals that cause fractures D) iron molecules in rocks react with atmospheric oxygen, which causes oxidation
C
Which is NOT supported by Dalton's atomic theory of matter? A) differences in properties of elements are due to differences in atoms of the elements B) atoms of a particular element all have the same properties, such as size and mass C) every element consists of tiny particles called atoms, which can be split into even smaller pieces D) chemical processes result from the rearrangement, combination, and separation of atoms
C
Which is a vector quantity? A) distance B) speed C) velocity D) time
C
Which of the following is a scalar quantity? A) acceleration B) velocity C) speed D) force
C
Which of the following statements about isotopes of an element is true? A) same number of nucleons B) same number of neutrons, different number of protons C) same number of protons, different numbers of neutrons D) different number of electrons
C
Which of the following terms describes an intrusion of magma injected between 2 layers of sedimentary rock, forcing the overlying strata upward to create a dome-like form? A) sill B) dike C) laccolith D) caldera
C
Which of the heart chambers is largest? A) Left atrium B) right atrium C) left ventricle D) right ventricle
C
Which set of scientific thinkers is related to the study of chemistry? A) Newton, Einstein, Feynman, Hawking B) Hooke, Pasteur, Watson and Crick, Jacob and Monod C) Ibn Hayyan, Lavoisier, Mendeleev, Curie D) Hutton, Darwin, Cuvier, Wegener
C
World weather patterns are most influenced by: A) wind belts B) Earth's orbit C) ocean currents D) atmospheric conditions
C
Your 9th grade biology class is about to do their first dissection. You have clearly stated the procedures in class but you know that some of the students are still feeling nervous or even a little queasy. What else can you do to make the dissection go more smoothly? A) remind them that medical students regularly dissect human cadavers and that this isn't such a big deal B) set a timer for each section of the procedure so students stay on pace C) require each student to write out there step-by-step explanation of what they plan to D) have students speak out loud as they work describing what they are doing
C
1st grade students are participating in an activity where they go outside and trace shadows on the sidewalk in the morning, lunchtime, and end of school day. This investigation is most likely intended to develop the fundamental understanding of: A) living things require sunlight for survival B) sunlight is a form of energy C) all planets rotate around the Sun D) earth rotates on its axis every 24 hours
D
A 1st grade teacher is planning a unit on sunlight energy and wants to develop students' ability to make scientific observations. Which would be most effective in achieving this? A) showing diagram that depicts process of photosynthesis B) having students record daily weather patterns in science journal C) creating sundial to demonstrate changing position of Sun throughout day D) asking students to notice where more plants are growing during nature walk
D
In DNA replication, which of the following enzymes is required for separating DNA molecule into 2 strands? A) DNA polymerase B) single-strand binding protein C) DNA gyrase D) helicase
D
Island chains like Hawaiian or Midway Islands are created when: A) tectonic plates move apart and magma rises to surface B) subjection process creates magma, which rises above ocean's surface to form islands C) underwater earthquakes produce mountains that protrude above water's surface D) tectonic plate gradually moves over fixed plume of magma that rises from mantle
D
Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells are similar in having which of the following? A) membrane-bound organelles B) protein-studded DNA C) presence of nucleus D) integral membrane proteins in plasma membrane
D
To make a good buffering system in pH range of 5-9, which acid/base combinations would work best? A) HCl/NaOH B) HNO3/NaNO3 C) H2SO4/NaHSO4 D) NaH2PO4/Na2HPO4
D
Water is likely to have the shortest residence time in which of the following types of reservoirs? A) glacier B) lake C) river D) atmosphere
D
What soil/rock type has high porosity and low permeability? A) sand B) granite C) gravel D) clay
D
What's NOT true regarding exothermic and endothermic processes or reactions? A) exothermic reactions release heat energy B) melting of ice is an endothermic process C) burning of butane is an exothermic process D) change in enthalpy is positive for exothermic process
D
What's a hypothetical explanation for an occurrence that's based on prior knowledge called? A) independent variable B) dependent variable C) trial D) hypothesis
D
When a population reaches its carrying capacity, _______: A) other populations will be forced out of the habitat B) density-dependent factors no longer play a role C) density-independent factors no longer play a role D) population growth rate approaches zero
D
Which chemical moieties forms the backbone of DNA? A) nitrogenous bases B) glycerol C) amino groups D) pentose and phosphate
D
Which color of light has the highest frequency? A) blue B) red C) green D) violet
D
Which general statement concerning ideal gases is true? A) volume is inversely proportional to kinetic energy B) volume is inversely proportional to number of moles C) volume is inversely proportional to temperature D) volume is inversely proportional to pressure
D
Which is true concerning the benefits of radiation therapy? A) it cannot be used to reduce pain B) it is given only to shrink tumors C) it kills only cancer cells D) it kills cancer cells by damaging their DNA
D
