Science

Features & Benefits
Prepares all students for the

Mississippi Science Test
Formatted to match the

Mississippi Science Test
DOK level identified for every

question
Diagnostic Test
Practice for each Mississippi
Science Standard
Self-Assessment Test
Special Thanks
Glencoe Science would like to thank
Stephanie Lowery
for reviewing the content of Mastering the Mississippi Science Test Grade 8.
Copyright by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Permission is granted
to reproduce the material contained herein on the condition that such material be reproduced
only for classroom use; be provided to students, teachers, and families without charge; and be
used solely in conjunction with the Middle School Science program. Any other reproduction,
for use or sale, is prohibited without prior written permission of the publisher.
Send all inquiries to:
Glencoe/McGraw-Hill
8787 Orion Place
Columbus, OH 43240-4027
ISBN: 978-0-07-894475-8
MHID: 0-07-894475-9
Printed in the United States of America.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 045 15 14 13 12 11 10 09
Table of Contents
Introduction to the Student Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
Student Recording Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi
Mississippi Science Framework, Grade 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii
Diagnostic Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Standards Practice
Inquiry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Physical Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Life Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Earth and Space Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Copyright Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Self-Assessment Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Mastering the Mississippi Science TestGrade 8
iii
Introduction to the Student Edition

In todays world, knowing science is important for thinking critically, solving problems, and
making decisions. However, understanding science can be a challenge. Mastering the
Mississippi Science Test, Grade 8 provides an opportunity for you to prepare for the state
science test.
The sample questions in this workbook are representative of the questions used on the
Mississippi Science Test (MST). These questions are only a sample of what you should expect
to encounter on the actual examination. The Diagnostic Test will identify any areas where you
may need practice. The Standards Practice Test will provide you with practice questions for
your weaker areas. The Self-Assessment Test will determine the areas where youve improved.
iv
Overview
Welcome to the Student Edition of Mastering the Mississippi Science TestGrade 8. The material in
this workbook is designed to help you prepare for the Mississippi Science Test (MST). It contains:
Test-Taking Tips
a Student Recording Chart
Mississippi Science Framework
a Diagnostic Test
Standards Practice questions for each competency
a Self-Assessment Test
How to Use this Workbook

Diagnostic Test This test will help you identify any strengths and weaknesses you may have as you
prepare to take the MST. Once you have taken the test and it has been graded, complete the Student
Recording Chart that is found on page vi. Place an x in the column titled Right if they answered the
question correctly. If you answered incorrectly, place an x in the column titled Wrong.
Standards Practice If you missed one or two of the questions for a particular objective, you
could probably use some extra practice with that objective. The Student Recording Chart lists
practice pages for each objective. Complete the appropriate practice pages. If you are unsure
about how to answer some of the problems, you may want to refer to your science book.
Self-Assessment Test After you have completed your practice worksheet(s), take the
Self-Assessment Test on pages 39 to 46.
Test-Taking Tips
Before the Test:
1. Be sure to get plenty of sleep the week before the test. A healthy amount of sleep is
89 hours every night.
2. The night before the test, try to do something relaxing but stimulating, such as playing a
board game, exercising, or reading an enjoyable book. Cramming the night before the test
can often hamper your memory and make you tired.
3. The morning of the test, eat a healthy breakfast with fresh foods that are high in protein and
carbohydrates.
4. The morning of the test, clear your mind of any outside distractions so that you will be better able
to focus on the test. If breaks are given during the test, use that time to relax and clear your mind.
During the Test:

1. Listen to and read all directions.
2. Be sure you understand the question before reading the answer choices. Then, make sure to
read and consider every answer choice.
3. Remember to carefully consider all the information presented in the tests graphics.
4. If the test is timed, be sure to pace yourself.
5. Always choose an answer. By eliminating as many incorrect choices as possible, you will
have a good chance at answering correctly and obtaining more points.
Name
Student Recording Chart

Directions Place an x in the column titled Right if you answered the question correctly. If you
answered incorrectly, place an x in the column titled Wrong. If you need additional practice,
complete the practice pages for that objective.
Question
Learning Target
(Listed as
Competency and Objective)
Wrong Practice
X
Page
Assessment
Strand
1.a
Design and conduct
1.b
Observations,
linferences, and
predictions
10
1.c
Qualitative and
quantitative data
11
1.d
Analyze data
12
1.e
Defending
conclusions
13
1.f
Perfectly designed
solutions
14
Inquiry
1.g
Peer review
15
Inquiry
1.h
Evidence and
explanations
16
2.a
Periodic table
patterns
17
2.b
Interactions of
elements
18
12
2.c
Motion of objects
19
Physical
2.d
Electrical energy
20
Physical
2.e
Longitudinal and
transverse waves
21
24
2.f
Laws of motion
22
Physical
22
3.a
Adaptations
23
Life
14
7
28
18
26
19
5
15
Inquiry
Inquiry
Inquiry
Inquiry
Inquiry
Inquiry
Physical
Physical
Physical
23
vi
Right
X
Name
Student Recording Chart

Question
Wrong Practice
X
Page
Assessment
Strand
3.b
Organization and
development
24
3.c
Viruses, bacteria, and

fungi
25
13
3.d
Heredity
26
Life
3.e
Energy in ecosystems
27
Life
3.f
Genetic engineering and

selective breeding
28
27
3.g
Single-celled organisms
29
Life
16
3.h
Obtaining energy
30
Life
4.a
Earth layers
31
Earth
25
4.b
Earths processes
32
Earth
4.c
Predicting weather
33
Earth
4.d
Renewable and nonrenewable resources
34
17
4.e
Earths seasons
35
Space
11
4.f
The solar system
36
Space
30
4.g
Natural products
37
Earth
4.h
Using technology
38
Earth
29
10
20
Right
X
Learning Target
(Listed as
Competency and Objective)
(continued)
21
Life
Life
Life
Earth
vii
Mississippi Science Framework

Grade 8
CONTENT STRANDS:
Inquiry
Physical Science
Life Science
Earth and Space Science
COMPETENCIES AND OBJECTIVES:

INQUIRY
1. Draw conclusions from scientific investigations including controlled experiments.
a. Design, conduct, and analyze conclusions from an investigation that includes using
experimental controls. (DOK 3)
b. Distinguish between qualitative and quantitative observations and make inferences
based on observations. (DOK 3)
c. Summarize data to show the cause and effect relationship between qualitative and
quantitative observations (using standard, metric, and non-standard units of
measurement). (DOK 3)
d. Analyze evidence that is used to form explanations and draw conclusions. (DOK 3)
e. Develop a logical argument defending conclusions of an experimental method. (DOK 3)
f. Develop a logical argument to explain why perfectly designed solutions do not exist.
(DOK 3)
g. Justify a scientists need to revise conclusions after encountering new experimental
evidence that does not match existing explanations. (DOK 3)
h. Analyze different ideas and recognize the skepticism of others as part of the scientific
process in considering alternative conclusions. (DOK 3)
viii Mastering the Mississippi Science TestGrade 8
Tools (e.g., English rulers [to the nearest one-sixteenth of an inch], metric rulers
[to the nearest millimeter], thermometers, scales, hand lenses, microscopes,
balances, clocks, calculators, anemometers, rain gauges, barometers, hygrometers,
telescopes, compasses, spring scales, pH indicators, stopwatches, graduated
cylinders, medicine droppers)
Types of data (e.g., linear measures, mass, volume, temperature, area, perimeter)
Resources (e.g., Internet, electronic encyclopedias, journals, community resources,
etc.)
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
2. Apply concepts relating to an understanding of chemical and physical changes,
interactions involving energy, and forces that affect motion of objects.
a. Identify patterns found in chemical symbols, formulas, reactions, and equations that
apply to the law of conservation of mass. (DOK 1)
Chemical symbols and chemical formulas of common substances such as NaCl

(table salt), H20 (water), C6H12O6 (sugar), O2 (oxygen gas), CO2 (carbon dioxide),
and N2 (nitrogen gas)
Mass of reactants before a change and products after a change
Balanced chemical equations such as photosynthesis and respiration
b. Predict the properties and interactions of given elements using the periodic table of the
elements. (DOK 2)
Metals and nonmetals

Acids and bases
Chemical changes in matter (e.g., rusting [slow oxidation], combustion [fast oxidation],
food spoilage)
c. Distinguish the motion of an object by its position, direction of motion, speed, and
acceleration and represent resulting data in graphic form in order to make a prediction.
(DOK 2)
d. Relate how electrical energy transfers through electric circuits, generators, and power
grids, including the importance of contributions from Mississippi companies. (DOK 2)
The Electrical Power Products Division of Howard Industries, a leading manufacturer

of electrical distribution equipment in such locations as Laurel and Ellisville, MS
Kuhlman Electric Corporation, located in Crystal Springs, MS
e. Contrast various components of the electromagnetic spectrum (e.g., infrared, visible light,
ultraviolet) and predict their impacts on living things. (DOK 2)
f. Recognize Newtons Three Laws of Motion and identify situations that illustrate each law
(e.g., inertia, acceleration, action, reaction forces). (DOK 2)
ix
LIFE SCIENCE
3. Compare and contrast the structure and functions of the cell, levels of organization of living
things, basis of heredity, and adaptations that explain variations in populations.
a. Analyze how adaptations to a particular environment (e.g., desert, aquatic, high altitude)
can increase an organisms survival and reproduction and relate organisms and their
ecological niches to evolutionary change and extinction. (DOK 3)
b. Compare and contrast the major components and functions of different types of cells. (DOK 2)
Differences in plant and animal cells

Structures (nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, cell wall, mitochondrion, and nuclear
membrane)
Different types of cells and tissues (e.g., epithelial, nerve, bone, blood, muscle)
c. Describe how viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites may infect the human body and
interfere with normal body functions. (DOK 1)
d. Describe heredity as the passage of instructions from one generation to another and
recognize that hereditary information is contained in genes, located in the chromosomes
of each cell. (DOK 2)
How traits are passed from parents to offspring through pairs of genes
Phenotypes and genotypes
Hierarchy of DNA, genes, and chromosomes and their relationship to phenotype
Punnett square calculations
e. Explain energy flow in a specified ecosystem. (DOK 2)
f.
Populations, communities, and habitats

Niches, ecosystems and biomes
Producers, consumers and decomposers in an ecosystem
Develop a logical argument for or against research conducted in selective breeding and
genetic engineering, including (but not limited to) research conducted in Mississippi.
Examples from Mississippi include the following: (DOK 3)
The Animal Functional Genomics Laboratory at Mississippi State University

The Stoneville Pedigreed Seed Company in Stoneville, MS
Catfish Genetics Research Unit at the Thad Cochran National Warm Water
Aquaculture Center in Stoneville, MS
g. Research and draw conclusions about the use of single-celled organisms in industry, in
the production of food, and impacts on life. (DOK 3)
h. Describe how an organism gets energy from oxidizing its food and releasing some of its
energy as heat. (DOK 1)
EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE

4. Describe the Earths System in terms of its position to objects in the universe, structure and
composition, climate, and renewable and nonrenewable resources.
a. Compare and contrast the lithosphere and the asthenosphere. (DOK 1)
Composition, density, and location of continental crust and oceanic crust
Physical nature of the lithosphere (brittle and rigid) with the asthenosphere (plastic and flowing)
How the lithosphere responds to tectonic forces (faulting and folding)
b. Describe the cause and effect relationship between the composition of and movement within the
Earths lithosphere. (DOK 1)
Seismic wave velocities of earthquakes and volcanoes to lithospheric plate boundaries using
seismic data
Volcanoes formed at mid-ocean ridges, within intra-plate regions, at island arcs, and along
some continental edges
Modern distribution of continents to the movement of lithospheric plates since the formation
of Pangaea
c. Examine weather forecasting and describe how meteorologists use atmospheric features and
technology to predict the weather. (DOK 2)
Temperature, precipitation, wind (speed/direction), dew point, relative humidity, and
barometric pressure
How the thermal energy transferred to the air results in vertical and horizontal movement of
air masses, Coriolis effect
Global wind patterns (e.g., trade winds, westerlies, jet streams)
Satellites and computer modeling
d. Research the importance of the conservation of renewable and nonrenewable resources,
including (but not limited to) Mississippi, and justify methods that might be useful in decreasing
the human impact on global warming. (DOK 3)
Greenhouse gases
The effects of the human population
Relationships of the cycles of water, carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen
e. Explain how the tilt of Earths axis and the position of the Earth in relation to the sun determine
climatic zones, seasons, and length of the days. (DOK 2)
f. Describe the hierarchical structure (stars, clusters, galaxies, galactic clusters) of the universe
and examine the expanding universe to include its age and history and the modern techniques (e.
g., radio, infrared, ultraviolet and X-ray astronomy) used to measure objects and distances in the
universe). (DOK 2)
g. Justify the importance of continued research and use of new technology in the development and
commercialization of potentially useful natural products, including,
but not limited to research efforts in Mississippi. (DOK 3)
The Thad Cochran National Center for Natural Products Research, housed at the University
of Mississippi
The Jamie Whitten Delta States Research Center in Stoneville, MS
The Mississippi Polymer Institute, housed at the University of Southern Mississippi
h. Justify why an imaginary hurricane might or might not hit a particular area, using important
technological resources including (but not limited to) the following: (DOK 2)
John C. Stennis Space Center Applied Research and Technology Project Office in
Hancock County
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
The National Weather Service
xi
Diagnostic Test
1. The weather data for Biloxi shows the

barometric pressure is falling. Which is
the best prediction for the weather in the
Biloxi area?
A. heat wave
B. stormy weather
C. falling temperatures
D. no change in the weather
2. Joseph studied whether different materials
can block certain electromagnetic waves by
testing television reception in different parts
of the house. At each part of the house,
Joseph used a different antenna. How could
the experiment have been improved?
E. by testing reception of a different
channel during each trial
F. using the same antenna during
each trial
G. measuring the antenna length in
centimeters
H. measuring the distance to the television
station
3. The picture shows how homes get electric

power from the power plant. The voltage
from the power plant is too high to be
directly delivered to the house. When the
voltage reaches the second set of power
lines, what device changes the voltage to
120 or 240 volts?
24,000
Volts
A.
B.
C.
D.
120240
Volts
electromagnet
transformer
motor
voltmeter
4. Some scientists believe that a hurricanes

intensity or path could be affected by
human intervention in the beginning stages
of the storm. How can scientists use this
theory to predict which changes should
be made?
E. simulate various initial storm
conditions using a weather model
F. gather weather data throughout the
cycle of a tropical storm
G. compare inland weather data to the
initial storm conditions
H. use satellite images from the start of
the storm to find weather
Go on
Diagnostic Test (continued)

5. Most metallic elements, such as copper
and iron, have high melting points. Why is
this a useful property?
A. It keeps cars made of metal from
becoming hot on summer days.
B. It enables people to use pots and pans
made of metal to cook food.
C. It prevents machine parts made of
metal from rusting.
D. It makes metals easier to melt so they
can be poured into molds to make
precision tools.
6. Which of these shows the food chain in
the correct order?
E. Zooplankton Bear Salmon
F. Salmon Zooplankton Bear
G. Zooplankton Salmon Bear
H. Bear Zooplankton Salmon
Volume (mL)
Pressure (atm)
400
0.5
300
1.0
200
1.5
100
2.0
7. The data in the table above were collected

from a gas sample at constant mass and
constant temperature. Which statement
BEST explains the relationship between
the pressure and volume of a gas sample?
A. As the pressure of a gas sample
increases, the volume decreases.
B. As the pressure of a gas sample
increases, the volume increases.
C. As the pressure of a gas sample
decreases, the volume decreases.
D. As the pressure of a gas sample
increases, the volume stays the same.
Go on

8. According to this table, which solid has an
atomic mass greater than 200?
Characteristics of Some Solids
Solid
Color
Rubidium
37
85.5
Cesium
55
132.9
Silvery-white
Tantalum
73
180.9
Gray
Thorium
90
232.0
Silvery-white
E.
F.
G.
H.
Atomic Atomic
Number Mass
White
rubidium
cesium
tantalum
thorium
9. What is the layer beneath the moving

tectonic plates called?
A. asthenosphere
B. core
C. crust
D. lithosphere
11. Which is the correct progression in the

evolution of stars?
A. white dwarf, red giant, supergiant,
main sequence
B. supergiant, main sequence, white dwarf,
red giant
C. main sequence, white dwarf, red giant,
supergiant
D. main sequence, red giant, supergiant,
white dwarf
12. How does the velocity of an object
traveling in a straight line change if a
nonzero net force acts in the same
direction as the objects velocity?
E. It will not change.
F. The speed increases.
G. The direction of motion changes.
H. The speed decreases.
10. Which bacterial adaptation helps a

bacterium avoid being engulfed by white
blood cells?
E. capsule
F. cell wall
G. pili
H. flagella
Go on

13. The gene for brown eyes (B) is dominant
over the gene for blue eyes (b). Two browneyed people have a blue-eyed child. Which
genotypes make this possible?
A. The mother and father are both
homozygous brown-eyed (BB).
B. The mother is homozygous brown eyed
(BB) and the father is heterozygous
brown-eyed (Bb).
C. The mother is heterozygous browneyed (Bb), and the father is
homozygous brown-eyed (BB).
D. The mother and the father are both
heterozygous brown-eyed (Bb).
14. Three years ago, the temperature of the
water in a large river varied during the
year from 12C to 24C. At the time,
researchers studied the population of
different fish in the river. Their results are
shown in the table below.
F.
Type of
Fish
Percent
Population
Carp
5%
Perch
40%
Bass
10%
Trout
45%
Type of
Fish
Percent
Population
Carp
45%
Perch
10%
Bass
10%
Trout
35%
G. Type of
Fish
Percent
Population
Carp
15%
Preferred
Temp.
Lethal
Temp.
Perch
10%
Bass
50%
Trout
25%
Carp
15%
26C29C
44C
Perch
35%
13C16C
35C
Bass
35%
22C26C
38C
Trout
15%
10C14C
25C
The following year, a nuclear power plant

opened and began discharging heated
water into the river. The average water
temperature rose 8C. Which table shows
the most likely distribution of fish in the
river at the present time, two years after
the nuclear power plant opened?
H. Type of
Fish
Type of
Percent
Fish
Population
E.
Percent
Population
Carp
45%
Perch
10%
Bass
40%
Trout
5%
Go on

15. Infrared detectors can detect hidden things
that give off heat. Which would be a good
use for an infrared detector?
A. finding algae in a freshwater stream
B. sending signals to communicate with
other people
C. determining the temperature of a
preheated oven
D. finding people who are buried by an
avalanche
16. Which two organ systems provide the

materials required for the human body to
produce ATP?
E. reproductive and excretory
F. digestive and respiratory
G. respiratory and immune
H. digestive and reproductive
17. Twice during the year, Earths axis is not
tilted toward or away from the Sun. Which
statement BEST describes the length of
the day at every point on Earth during
these two times?
A. There are 24 hours of daylight.
B. There is no daylight, only 24 hours of
darkness.
C. The length of the day varies greatly
depending on latitude.
D. The length of the day and night are
about equal.
18. In 1929 Edwin Hubble estimated that

the universe is about 2 billion years old.
Today, most scientists agree that the age of
the universe is closer to 12 billion years.
Which best explains the reason for this
change?
E. New data have helped scientists make
better estimates.
F. Todays scientists have changed all the
old theories and laws.
G. Many years have passed since the first
estimate was made.
H. The scientists have gotten older since
making their estimate.
19. Antoine Lavoisier is credited with the
discovery of the law of conservation of
mass. This law states that in a chemical
reaction, matter is not created or
destroyed, but preserved. Which equation
correctly models this law?
A. H2 + Cl2 2HCl
B. H2 + Cl2 HCl
C. H + Cl 2HCl
D. 2H2 + Cl2 2HCl2
20. What is the goal of selectively breeding
cotton seeds?
E. to reduce the number of seeds needed
to grow cotton crops
F. to increase the crop yield
G. to make cotton in different colors
H. to force cotton seeds to mutate
Go on

21. Scientists believe that a rise in temperature
is due to a buildup of greenhouse gases,
such as carbon dioxide. This can lead to
an increase in the average temperature of
Earth. Why do scientists believe that the
burning of fossil fuels contributes to the
greenhouse effect?
A. The burning of fossil fuels raises the
overall temperature of Earth.
B. The burning of fossil fuels decreases
the amount of oxygen in the air.
C. The burning of fossil fuels consumes
plants, which decreases atmospheric
carbon dioxide.
D. The burning of fossil fuels releases
carbon dioxide, which traps thermal
energy in the atmosphere.
Plant
Water Fertilizer Sunlight

(L)
(mL)
(h/day)
Rosebush 1
15
Rosebush 2
30
Rosebush 3
11
75
A. She has not recorded her observations.

B. She has too many variables.
C. None of the plants will get enough
water.
D. Her control group will receive too
much sunlight.
22. During a storm, several butterfly-eating

birds were blown to a distant island. The
island, which previously had no birds, was
filled with butterflies of all colors. One
year later, all the butterflies are dark green
and brown. Which of the following is the
most likely explanation for the change in
the butterfly population?
E. Gradualism is selecting against red,
yellow, and blue butterflies.
F. Natural selection favored the dark
green and brown butterflies.
G. Primates like to eat all other butterflies.
H. A genetic mutation led to punctuated
equilibrium.
23. A student wants to conduct an experiment

using three rosebushes of the same variety
and size. Her hypothesis is that the plant
receiving the most sunlight at the end of
three months will show the most growth.
In her plan below, she listed how much
water, fertilizer, and sunlight each plant
will receive. Why is her experiment flawed?
Go on

24. A large box is being pushed by two men in
opposite directions causing it to stop
accelerating. Why will the box stop
accelerating?
E. because the opposing forces are
balanced
F. because the floor creates friction
G. because the man on the left side applies
more force that does the man on the
right side.
H. because the man on the right side
applies more force than does the man
on the left side
25. According to the seismogram below, what

is the difference in the arrival times of the
P wave and the S wave?
P
0
1
A.
B.
C.
D.
S
2
5 6 7 8
Time in minutes
about 2 minutes
about 3 minutes
about 3.5 minutes
about 5.5 minutes
26. Sir Isaac Newton proposed that light was

made up of particles. However, most
scientists of the time believed only in the
wave theory of light. Even though Newton
had made great discoveries in the world of
physics, why was his theory not immediately
accepted?
E. No one could understand his theory.
F. Scientists believed he was falsifying
his data.
G. Experimental evidence supported the
wave theory of light.
H. He was not liked, and no one would
reproduce his results for verification.
27. Normally, single-celled algae are beneficial

to marine life because they produce
dissolved oxygen. However, when an algal
bloom occurs it causes marine life to die.
Why does this happen?
A. because the large amount of
decomposing algae depletes the
amount of oxygen in the water
B. because the algal bloom smothers
marine life by filling up their habitat
10
C. because the algal bloom creates
toxins and poisons the marine life
D. because the algal bloom blocks out all
sunlight
Go on
3 cm
3 cm
28. A group of students performed a volume investigation using the cubes shown below. They
concluded that the object with the greater mass also has the greater volume. Which statement
best explains whether this conclusion is correct or not?
Mass = 0.4 kg
Mass = 0.25 kg
3 cm
3 cm
3 cm
3 cm
E. The conclusion is correct because an objects volume is affected only by its mass.
F. The conclusion is not correct because an objects volume is affected only by
its dimensions.
G. The conclusion is correct because an objects volume is affected by its mass and
dimensions.
H. The conclusion is not correct because an objects volume is affected by factors
other than its mass and dimensions.
30. What is one potential benefit of using
natural products on agricultural crops?
E. a decrease in the number of pests on
the crops
F. an increase in the number of pests on
the crops
G. a decrease in crop yield
H. an increase in the amount of toxins
released into the surrounding
ecosystem
Stop
29. On a laboratory exam, a student is

asked to determine if the cells under a
microscope are plant cells or animal cells.
What might the student look for?
A. chloroplasts and a cell wall
B. ribosomes and vacuoles
C. a nucleus and ribosomes
D. a cell membrane and mitochondria
Standards Practice
1.a
1. The data in the table below was collected
by astronomers to record when the
Sun rose each day during one week. If
conditions remain the same, what will be
the time of sunrise on Friday?
Sunrise Times
Day
Sunrise
Monday
6:28 A.M.
Tuesday
6:30 A.M.
Wednesday
6:32 A.M.
Thursday
6:34 A.M.
Friday
A.
B.
C.
D.
6:32 A.M.
6:35 A.M.
6:36 A.M.
6:38 A.M.
2. Darnell conducts an investigation to

determine the charge on a piece of cloth.
What kind of control should he use to
classify the charge on the cloth?
E. test the cloth with negative charges
only
F. test the cloth with negative and neutral
charges
G. test the cloth with negative, neutral,
and positive charges
H. this experiment doesnt need a control
3. Which BEST describes the purpose of the
control group in an experiment?
A. Having a control group simplifies the
experiment.
B. The control group is expected to have
the best results.
C. The control group is used to test the
greatest number of variables.
D. The results for the control group are
used as a standard of comparison.
4. Kate was conducting an investigation. She

placed four buttons of the same size on a
large piece of ice. She used a red button,
a black button, a green button, and a
white button. She placed the ice in direct
sunlight for ten minutes, then checked to
see which button had sunk deepest into the
ice. In order for this to be a controlled
investigation, what else should Kate do?
E. She should place four buttons of other
colors on another piece of ice.
F. She should repeat the same setup,
but put the ice in a dark place for
ten minutes.
G. She should use only two different
colored buttons.
H. She should place the ice in direct
sunlight for a longer period of time.
5. You have a dark-colored piece of cloth
and a light-colored piece of cloth. What
would be the best way to determine which
piece of cloth absorbs the most heat?
A. Place one cloth outside in the sunlight
and the second cloth under a lamp.
Measure the temperature change.
B. Place each cloth under the same type
of lamp for the same period of time.
Measure the temperature change.
C. Put both cloths in the shade. Measure
the temperature change.
D. Place one cloth under a 100-W bulb for
10 minutes. Place the other cloth under
a 50-W bulb for 20 minutes. Measure
the temperature change.
Go on
Standards Practice (continued)

1.b
5000
4000
130
ad
450
Le
390
er
pp
Iro
900
m
Co
inu
2100
1700
d
um
Al
uid
wa
t
er
1000
W
oo
2000
Ic
4180
3000
Substances
E. Solids require more energy than liquids

to raise their temperature 1 K.
F. Metals require less energy than
nonmetals to raise their temperature 1 K.
G. Lead and iron require more energy
than ice and liquid water to raise their
temperature 1 K.
H. Liquid water and ice require the least
amount of energy to raise their
temperature 1 K.
Go on
10
3. A scientist publishes the results of her

research on how volcanic eruptions have
had catastrophic effects on Earths surface.
What type of research is the scientist
communicating with the charts, graphs,
and tables used in the published paper?
A. descriptive research
B. quantitative research
C. qualitative research
D. historical research
Specific Heat
of Common Substances
Liq
2. What term means to draw a conclusion

based on something you observe?
E. guess
F. model
G. control
H. infer
4. The specific heat of a substance is the

amount of energy required to raise the
temperature of 1 kg of that substance
1 kelvin, or 1 K. Which is a reasonable
quantitative statement based on the data
in the graph?
Specific heat (J/kg K)
1. You are measuring the mass of various

objects and identifying their shapes.
You then record the qualitative and
quantitative data in a table. Which data
is qualitative and which is quantitative?
A. mass is quantitative; shape is qualitative
B. shape is quantitative; mass is qualitative
C. both mass and shape are quantitative
D. both mass and shape are qualitative

1.c
1. According to the table, which statement
summarizes the effects of commercial
fishing on a local Atlantic cod population
over the last ten years?
3. The graph shows the yearly cost of heating

a home in the northeastern part of the
United States. What is the effect of having
thicker insulation in the walls?
1400
Effects of Commercial Fishing on Atlantic

Cod Population
Estimated
Population of
Atlantic Cod
(in thousands)
1995
14.0
1997
12.5
1999
12
11.5
2001
14
9.0
2003
17
4.5
A. As the number of fishing boats increased,

the number of Atlantic cod decreased.
B. As the number of Atlantic cod increased,
the number of fishing boats decreased.
C. Both the population of Atlantic cod
and the number of fishing boats
remained steady.
D. Both the population of Atlantic cod and
the number of fishing boats decreased.
2. Tomas was observing a chemical reaction
and concluded it was exothermic. What
observation probably led Tomas to this
conclusion?
E. The final products were colder than the
reactants.
F. The final products were warmer than
the reactants.
G. The chemical reaction had occurred
quickly.
H. The chemical reaction had occurred
slowly.
Yearly Costs ($)
Year
Number of
Commercial
Fishing boats
1200
1000
800
0" Wall insulation
600
400
3" Wall insulation
200
6" Wall insulation
0
2
10 12 14 16 18
Ceiling Insulation (in.)
A. The yearly cost of heating a home goes

down.
B. The thickness of the ceiling insulation
has no effect.
C. The yearly cost of heating a home does
not change.
D. More heat will escape to the outside of
the home.
4. When determining the water quality in a
local pond, which piece of information is
NOT considered quantitative?
E. the number of indicator species
F. the pH of the water
G. the water temperature
H. the smell of the water
Go on
11

1.d
Homemade Electromagnets
Number
of
Batteries
Number
of Wire
Turns
Number
of Nails
Number
of Tacks
Lifted
20
40
20
40
13
20
40
14
20
15
40
29
2. Which conclusion can be made by

examining the data in the table below?
Effects of Acid Rain on a Lake
Year
pH Level
Number of Fish
1940
5.9
abundant
1950
5.5
many
1960
4.9
few
1970
4.2
very few
E. The pH level of the lake increased

through the time span studied.
F. The lake became a popular fishing spot
in 1950.
G. As the pH level decreased, the number
of fish increased.
H. As the pH level decreased, the number
of fish decreased.
12
Mass Gained by Cows (kilograms)

Days
Cow A
Cow B
30
30
150
80
60
300
170
115
450
345
240
A. BGH does not noticeably affect cows.

B. The more BGH injected into a cow,
the faster her mass will increase.
C. A cow injected with the hormone will
increase in mass faster than a cow not
injected.
D. A cow injected with the hormone will
increase in mass slower than a cow not
injected.
4. An experiment showed that all of the light
that entered an optic fiber was emitted at
the end of the fiber. The results supported
which hypothesis for this experiment?
E. Optic fibers have total internal
reflection.
F. Optic fibers filter different wavelengths.
G. An optic fibers weight affects its light
transmission.
H. An optic fibers color affects its
translucence.
Go on
1. Chris wanted to find out how to make an

electromagnet stronger. The results of her
experiment are listed in the table above.
According to these data, which does NOT
make an electromagnet stronger?
A. increasing the number of batteries that
are connected
B. increasing the number of wire turns
around the core
C. increasing the number of nails inside
the core
D. increasing the number of tacks used
3. Some cattle are given bovine growth

hormone (BGH) so that they will produce
more meat or milk for consumption.
Two cows were studied to trace the effect
of BGH over the period of two years. Cow
A was injected with BGH, and Cow B was
not. The table shows the results of the
investigation. Which is a valid conclusion
from this data?

1.e
2. Chen measured the temperature in June

and July for two consecutive years and
noticed that the average temperature for
each month increased by 2C. His
conclusion was the climate in his area was
warming. What did Chen base his
conclusion on?
E. inaccurate data
F. sound evidence
G. too few data points
H. too long a time period
3. A scientist hypothesizes that increasing

amounts of fire retardant added to wood will
reduce the severity of a wood fire at a steady
rate. She tests fire retardant on pieces of
wood of the same size and records the
temperature using a probe 15 cm away,
2 minutes after lighting the fire. Based on
the data below, what should the scientist do?
Effects of Flame Retardant on Fire Temperature
Temperature (C)
1. In a chemical reaction in which two

reactants yield a single product, what is a
reasonable beginning and ending mass for
the reaction?
A. reactant 1 = 10.0 g, reactant 2 = 5.1 g,
product = 15.1 g
B. reactant 1 = 5.0 g, reactant 2 = 5.0 g,
product = 5.0 g
C. reactant 1 = 10.0 g, reactant 2 = 10.0 g,
product = 10.0 g
D. reactant 1 = 7.9 g, reactant 2 = 10.0 g,
product = 2.1 g
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
0g
20g
40g
80g
Amount of flame retardant used
A. Change her hypothesis; flame retardant

has no effect on fire severity.
B. Change her hypothesis; flame retardant
added to wood will reduce the severity
of a wood fire at a varying rate.
C. Change her hypothesis; flame retardant
added to wood will reduce the
temperature of a wood fire to 21C.
D. Not change her hypothesis; flame
retardant added to wood will reduce the
severity of a wood fire at a steady rate.
Plant
Experiment
Duration (days)
Height Increase
During
Experiment (cm)
Mass of Pot and

Plant at End of
Experiment (kg)
1: watered with
rainwater
240
18
22.5
2: watered with
acid rainwater
240
11
16.1
4. The results in the table above indicate that acid rain has a negative effect on plant growth.
How could the reproducibility of this experiment be improved?
E. by increasing the amount of water used
F. by increasing the number of plants tested
Go on
G. by decreasing the acidity of the acid rainwater
H. by eliminating the plant treated with rainwater
13

1.f
1. Marcus wants to keep the pH level at a
local pond very basic. Why will he have
trouble doing this?
A. Because its not possible to change the
pH level of a pond.
B. Because acid rain entering the pond
will make the pH level more acidic.
C. Because he cant control how much
basic material he puts into the pond.
D. Because the pond will always have a
neutral pH level no matter what is
done to it.
3. A student designs and installs a batterypowered light by the sidewalk at her home
to help light the walkway in the dark.
However, water keeps getting in the light
when it rains and the lights go out. What is
the best possible solution for this problem?
A. use a more powerful lightbulb
B. use a heavier wire
C. run the light only on dry nights
D. add a cover that fits over the light
5. Bernice and Toby are studying daily ozone

levels near a school of asthmatic children.
In order to have unbiased results, they
made a questionnaire for the students,
teachers, and students parents or
guardians to fill out without mentioning
asthma or ozone. What else can Bernice
and Toby do to make their study as
objective as possible?
A. repeat the study at all of the schools in
the city
B. tell everyone that they are actually
studying a different problem
C. find articles about ozone levels and
asthma to use in their results
D. create another questionnaire for
everyone participating in the study
Go on
14
2. A team of inventors designed a machine

to monitor heart rate while running or
jogging. The machine has a monitor built
into a wristband, with a wire running to
the device. The device can be strapped
around the waist, is waterproof, and has a
mass of 9.5 kg. What is the design problem
with the machine?
E. The wristband might be uncomfortable.
F. The wire could break.
G. The waterproofing material might
cause a rash.
H. The device is too heavy.
4. LeAnn is working on her science project

that is due tomorrow. She takes notes, uses
clean equipment, and follows directions.
Her results are unexpected. She discovers
that the triple-beam balance used to weigh
ingredients was off by 5 percent. Since she
does not have time to retest her experiment,
what should she do?
E. She should change her results to match
the expected results.
F. She shouldnt change anything and
pretend that nothing was wrong.
G. She should record the error so her
teacher will understand her results.
H. She should retest until she gets it right,
even if she misses the due date.

1.g
1. Before genetics were understood, many

diseases were a mystery. When the human
genome was decoded, the key for many of
these diseases became available. This led to
even more genetic testing and theories.
Why has genetic study evolved the way it
has?
A. Scientists from different fields use
different scientific methods.
B. Scientific advancement usually happens
with sudden discoveries.
C. Scientists are constantly improving
theories as discoveries are made.
D. The study of genetics disproves most
previous theories about disease.
2. Our understanding of the universe has
changed greatly over time. Which explains
why this has occurred?
E. New scientific discoveries lead to new
theories.
F. Theories are redesigned every ten years
as a necessity.
G. The constantly evolving universe
requires new theories to describe it.
H. Larger number of scientists have
opinions that must be incorporated.
3. New theories are often developed as a

response to what type of change?
A. available scientific data
B. cultural biases
C. political beliefs
D. the philosophy of science
4. Further understanding of scientific
problems often relies on new experiments.
What may be reinforced or weakened?
E. alternate theories
F. researcher bias
G. natural laws
H. mathematical models
5. Recently, some prescription drugs have
been shown to have harmful effects on
the human body. New studies are being
conducted to ensure the safety of these
drugs. Which of the following describes
the most appropriate way for these studies
to be conducted?
A. The same scientists should reevaluate
the data.
B. The government should repeat the drug
companies studies.
C. A third party should investigate
previous patients who were studied.
D. Pharmaceutical companies should
study people currently on the drug.
Go on
15

1.h
1. In the past, scientists classified all
organisms as either plants or animals, but
never both. This classification proved
wrong when unicellular organisms were
observed switching back and forth between
the two categories. Then a new
classification system was invented. What
can be concluded from this?
A. Theories are more important than
observations.
B. Scientists must always be prepared to
re-evaluate theories with new data.
C. Observations that do not agree with
current theories are wrong.
D. If recorded data does not support the
current theory, the theory must be
wrong.
4. In the seventeenth century, Galileo

proposed that sunspots appear and
disappear on the Sun. This went against
the accepted idea that the objects in space
were pure and could not change. Today,
Galileos theory is accepted as fact. What
explains the change in the acceptance of
Galileos theory?
E. Galileo was not as respected in the
seventeenth century as he is today.
F. Over time, more scientists read about
Galileos theory and came to accept it.
G. Over time, scientists developed
technologies that enabled them to test
the theory.
H. Scientists today are more accepting
of new theories than those in the
seventeenth century.
Go on
16
2. Two groups of scientists in different fields

are studying the effects of magnetism on
the process of conductivity. The two
groups present their findings in scientific
journals and prove two completely
different hypotheses. How is this possible?
E. The scientists fixed their data to
support their hypotheses.
F. One group of scientists had access to
better, more accurate data than the
other group.
G. The scientists copied each other but
altered the results to make them unique
to their field of study.
H. The scientists had different specialties
and interpreted their data so both
could have different, but correct,
results.
3. In the 1900s, Alfred Wegener theorized

that continents drift apart from one
another and did so in the past. At first,
scientists dismissed Wegener. Which of the
following helps prove the continental drift
theory?
A. Geologists measure the width of the
Atlantic Ocean.
B. Satellite images show Earths
lithosphere as a single plate.
C. Scientists realize that volcanoes occur
on the edges of tectonic plates.
D. Fossils of the same species are found on
the coast of South America and Africa.

2.a
1. Identify the balanced equation for
photosynthesis.
A. 5CO2 + 6H2O + light energy
C6H12O6 + 2O2
B. 6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy
C6H12O6 + 6O2
C. 6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy
2C6H12O6 + 6O2
D. 3CO2 + 6H2O + light energy
2C6H12O6 + 6O2
2. All chemical equations follow the law of
conservation of mass. Which number
should be used in place of the question
mark to balance this equation?
Zn + Ag2S ZnS + ?Ag

E. 1
F. 2
G. 3
H. 4
3. What is the correct chemical name for
NaCl?
A. sodium chloride
B. sodium chlorate
C. chloro sodium
D. chloric sodium
4. Calcium is a metal with an oxidation

number of 2+. Chlorine is a nonmetal
with an oxidation number of 1. Which is
the chemical formula for the compound
formed by these two elements?
E. CaCl
F. CaCl2
G. Ca2Cl
H. CaCl3
5. Margaret has learned that plants take in
water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) to
produce sugar (C6H12O6) and give off
oxygen (O2). Which chemical equation
represents photosynthesis?
A. O2 + H2O C6H12O6 + CO2
B. 6CO2 + 6H2O C6H12O6 + 6O2
C. C6H12O6 + O2 CO2 + H2O
D. CO2 + O2 C6H12O6 + H2O
6. Identify the correct formula for sugar.
E. C6H12O6
F. C6H10O6
G. C6H12O8
H. C6H10O8
Go on
17

2.b
1. Which is NOT a property of most metallic
elements?
A. a high melting point
B. being a good conductor of electricity
C. being easily crumbled into pieces
D. a shiny luster
2. Which is NOT evidence of a chemical
reaction?
E. An iron nail changes to a brownishorange color.
F. An ice cube melts into liquid water.
G. An antacid tablet produces bubbles of
gas when placed in water.
H. A piece of zinc raises the temperature
of an acid as it reacts with it.
3. The law of conservation of mass states
that in a chemical reaction the mass of the
reactants equals the mass of the products.
Based on this information, what mass of
hydrogen (H2) was produced in this
reaction?
4. Which is a property of a nonmetal?

E. It has a hard and shiny surface.
F. It can be bent into different shapes.
G. It is a poor conductor of electricity.
H. It is a good conductor of electricity.
5. A chemist analyzed the block shown above

and found that it was hard, malleable, and
shiny. What could the block be made of ?
A. neon
B. oxygen
C. copper
D. chlorine
Zn + 2HCl ZnCl2 + H2
65 g 72 g
135 g
?g
A.
B.
C.
D.
2g
4g
72 g
144 g
Go on
18

2.c
1. The graph below shows the distance
traveled by four objects over a period of
five seconds. Which line on the graph
represents an object that is accelerating?
Distance (meters)
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
3. The graph shows the distance traveled

by two walkers during a walkathon.
According to the graph, what is true?
Walkathon
Distance walked (miles)
Line 2
Line 3
Line 4
1
Time (sec)
1
2
3
4
2. A car with a crash-test dummy moves

forward at 32 kilometers per hour and
then makes a sudden stop. The air bag
inflates and the dummy is propelled
forward into the bag. What kind of
acceleration does the dummy experience
when it hits the air bag?
E. zero acceleration moving forward
F. positive acceleration moving forward
G. negative acceleration moving forward
H. negative acceleration moving backward
Mi
2.0
A.
B.
C.
D.
ch
a
el
Line 1
1.5
hn
Jo
1.0
0.5
10
20
30
40
50
60
Time (minutes)
A. Only John walked on a straight path.

B. Michael and John walked the same
distance.
C. Michael walked half his total distance
after 30 minutes.
D. Michael had walked farther than John
at the 40-minute mark.
4. If T is the reference point for measurement,
where would the position 10 cm be
located?
Q
210cm
0 cm
10 cm
20 cm
30 cm
E.
F.
G.
H.
T
S
U
Q
Go on
19

2.d
1. What role does a generator play in an electrical circuit?
A. The circuit routes energy through the generator.
B. The generator changes electricity into motion.
C. The generator changes kinetic energy into electrical energy.
D. The generator changes the direction of the energy flow within the circuit.
3. In the diagram above, where do the

reactions take place that produce the
chemical energy that is converted into
electrical energy?
A. in the wires
B. in the battery
C. in the light bulb
D. in the electromagnetic field surrounding
the wires
20
4. What is the basic action that takes place in

an electric generator that causes electricity
to flow?
E. Electrons are discharged from heated wires.
F. Opposite poles of magnets are brought
together.
G. An electric wire moves through a
magnetic field.
H. A negative charge is repelled by a
positive charge.
5. What is the principle behind the operation
of an electric generator?
A. A moving magnetic field produces an
electric current in a coil of wire.
B. A moving magnetic field pushes a coil
of wire through an electric field.
C. An electric current in a coil of wire placed
in a magnetic field produces a rotation.
D. An electric current in a coil of
Go on
wire produces an electric
current in another coil of wire.
2. Alan set up the electric circuit shown above.

He noticed that when he connected the last
wire to the battery, the light bulbs did not
light. Which statement is the best
explanation for this?
E. There is only one path in the circuit.
F. The circuit is closed.
G. The battery is creating a voltage
difference.
H. The battery is not producing enough
energy.
Use the diagram below to answer questions 2 and 3.

2.e
2. How do X-rays generally benefit humans
the most?
E. cooking and heating food quickly
F. transmitting information over cellular
and portable phones
G. damaging internal organs from
prolonged exposure
H. helping doctors diagnose medical
problems
1. Which electromagnetic wave can have

wavelengths that are thousands of meters
long?
A. gamma rays
B. infrared waves
C. ultraviolet waves
D. radio waves
3. Which portion of the electromagnetic spectrum shown below has

the shortest wavelength?
A. A
B. B
C. C
D. D
4. Which electromagnetic wave has the highest frequency?

E. gamma waves
F. visible light
G. infrared waves
H. radio waves
Go on
21

2.f
1. According to Newtons second law of
motion, what does force equal?
A. mass multiplied by the speed of light
squared
B. velocity multiplied by direction
C. distance multiplied by force
D. mass multiplied by acceleration
2. A group of students is playing tug-of-war.
The students on one side of the rope are
pulling the students from the other side.
What does this example show?
E. unbalanced forces
F. displacement
G. acceleration
H. balanced forces
3. Which scientific law does the diagram
illustrate?
Motion
2000
newtons
5. A firefighter feels the hose pushing

backwards. What is the most likely cause
of this?
A. The hose is very elastic.
B. Since the hose is at rest, it tends to stay
at rest.
C. The force exerted on the water equals
the mass of the water multiplied by its
acceleration.
D. The escaping water exerts an equal and
opposite force on the hose.
2 meters
A.
B.
C.
D.
law of gravity
Newtons first law of motion
Newtons second law of motion
Newtons third law of motion
Go on
22
Force
4. Alicia wanted to pull out a particular issue

from a pile of magazines. First, she tried
pulling slowly, but the whole pile began to
move. Then, she tried pulling quickly, and
the issue she wanted came out without the
pile moving. Why did the pile not move?
E. because of the smooth surface of the
magazines
F. because of the inertia of the pile and
friction
G. because of the larger force Alicia
applied
H. because of the friction between the
magazines

3.a
1. Which adaptation does NOT help reptile
eggs survive in a terrestrial environment?
A. a yolk
B. a chorion
C. an amnion
D. a moist, external membrane
2. The lateral-line system of a fish consists of

fluid-filled canals. The canals contain cells
specialized to convert mechanical stimuli
into electrical signals that the fishs nervous
system processes. What does this system
help the fish do?
E. distinguish between the seasons
F. blend in with its environment
G. distinguish between the sexes
H. sense objects in the water
3. Certain plants and animals have
adaptations that enable them to survive in
a desert ecosystem. What is the abiotic
factor that affects these adaptations
MOST?
A. amount of rainfall
B. number of producers
C. number of consumers
D. abiotic factors dont affect them
4. Walruses live in polar climates. If the

temperature of the climate changed and
became warmer, which adaptation would
NOT be appropriate for the new climate?
E. tusks
F. fins
G. extra fat
H. smooth skin
5. What unique characteristic would the
beetles shown below develop through
biological adaptation if, over a period
of years, the bark on the trees became
spotted?
Bark of tree
A. The beetles would become spotted.
B. The beetles would become plain.
C. About half the beetles would become
spotted and half would not.
D. There would be no change.
Go on
23

3.b
1. Where is the endoplasmic reticulum found?
A. eukaryotic cell
B. ribosomes
C. prokaryotic cell
D. nuclear envelope
2. Cells of which type of organism have
cell walls?
E. plant
F. human
G. bacterium
H. fungus
3. In which structure would you find a
nucleus?
A. bacterial cell
B. plant cell
C. prokaryote
D. virus
4. What produces red and white blood cells

and platelets?
E. osteoblasts
F. osteoclasts
G. red bone marrow
H. yellow bone marrow
5. Which of these pictures is an example of
a mitochondrion?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Go on
24

3.c
1. What does a virus need to replicate?
A. capsid, tail, and spikes
B. DNA only
C. set of prions
D. host cell
2. How does a virus attach to a host cell?
E. through hundreds of tiny hooks placed
into the host cell membrane
F. by burrowing into the center of the cell
G. through specific receptors on the host
cell membrane
H. by using its tail to surround the host
cell
3. How is virus reproduction different from

cell reproduction?
A. Viruses use the same cell to reproduce
over and over again, and cell
production uses multiple cells.
B. Viruses only reproduce in plant cells,
and cell reproduction only occurs in
animal cells.
C. Virus reproduction does not reproduce
the virus DNA, and cell reproduction
does.
D. Viruses destroy the host cell when
finished reproducing, and cell
reproduction leaves the host cell intact.
4. What are the proteins that your body

produces in response to foreign matter?
E. antigens
F. allergens
G. antibodies
H. helper T cells
Go on
25

3.d
1. The process of an organism passing on its
traits to its offspring is called __________.
A. a Punnett Square
B. a pedigree
C. heredity
D. phenotype
2. Which does NOT play a role in determining
an individuals sex?
E. gametes
F. chromosomes
G. meiosis
H. autosomes
4. By analyzing a blood sample, a doctor can

tell a patient whether his or her children
might inherit a genetic condition. This is
true even if the patient doesnt have that
condition. This type of analysis tells the
doctor about a patients ________.
E. phenotype
F. recombinant DNA
G. pedigree
H. genotype
5. What do the R and the r represent in the
Punnett square?
rr x RR
3. Which part of the egg cell contains genetic

information?
A
B
r Rr
Rr
r Rr
Rr
alleles
hybrids
environmental factors
dominance
A.
B.
C.
D.
A.
B.
C.
D.
A
B
C
D
Go on
26

3.e
1. Which of these is the ultimate source of
energy in the energy pyramid?
A. water
B. air
C. sunlight
D. soil
2. Why are bacteria and fungi essential

components of the food web in a forest
ecosystem?
E. because they make nutrients available
to producers
F. because they are the primary prey for
first-level consumers
G. because they increase the total amount
of energy in the ecosystem
H. because their photosynthetic activities
produce food for first-level consumers
3. Which of the following correctly describes
how energy flows
A. populations communities
ecosystems biomes biosphere
B. biosphere ecosystems biomes
communities populations
C. ecosystems populations
biosphere communities biomes
D. populations biomes communities
ecosystems biosphere
4. According to the food web diagram

above, which answer BEST describes a
relationship identified by the food web?
E. The fox eats the plants.
F. The mouse is a predator of the snake.
G. The snake is prey for the hawk
H. The mouse has multiple predators.
Go on
27

3.f
1. Research facilities like the Thad Cochran
National Warm Water Aquaculture Center
in Stoneville, MS, conduct research on
catfish to __________.
A. test new kinds of Alzheimer drugs
B. increase catfish production and support
the Mississippi economy
C. create better homes for the catfish
D. to help fight global warming
2. Which would be an argument supported
by opponents of genetically engineered
food animals?
E. Animal diseases could cross over to
humans.
F. Gene manipulation makes animals too
big to care for.
G. Gene manipulation makes food animals
taste funny.
H. Gene manipulation costs too much.
4. Which animal would mostly likely be

considered as inbred?
E. seal
F. Clydesdale horse
G. giraffe
H. African elephant
5. Which would be an argument supported
by people who encourage selective
breeding?
A. Selective breeding increases genetic
variation.
B. Selective breeding provides surprising
results.
C. Selective breeding can pass on harmful
traits to offspring.
D. Selective breeding produces offspring
with desired traits such as disease
resistance.
3. Selective breeding can be divided into

two categories: classical breeding and
transgenic breeding. What is transgenic
breeding?
A. The combination of genes from similar
species, such as different varieties of
tomatoes.
B. The combination of genes from different
life forms, such as tomatoes and pigs.
C. The combination of genes from exactly
the same species, such as the species of
tomato plants.
D. The breeding of species without altering
their genes.
Go on
28

3.g
1. How can single-celled organisms help
during an oil spill?
A. by containing the oil spill
B. by breaking down crude oil and
disposing of it
C. by locating the source of the oil spill
D. by turning the oil a different color
4. Single-celled organisms, like yeast, can be

used during the fermentation process.
Which choice will be a result of going
through fermentation?
E. bread
F. distilled water
G. cookies
H. lemonade
2. What do probiotics, the single-celled

bacteria in yogurt, provide?
E. good bacteria that helps regulate
digestion
F. bad bacteria that can cause nausea
and sickness
G. absolutely no health benefits
H. a marketing ploy to help manufacturers
sell more yogurt
3. Why does yeast spoil food?

A. because they have a very basic pH
B. because they smell really bad
C. because they metabolize the food
product and change the smell,
chemical, and physical
appearance of it
D. because they increase all of the
nutrients in the food
Go on
29

3.h
1. Which statement best describes the process
of cellular respiration?
A. Cellular respiration circulates nutrients
to cells.
B. Cellular respiration uses carbon dioxide
and water to synthesize glucose.
C. Cellular respiration splits nitrogen
molecules.
D. Cellular respiration converts chemical
energy into electrical energy.
2. Which are waste products of cellular
respiration?
E. carbon dioxide and water
F. carbon dioxide and ATP
G. water and oxygen
H. ATP and oxygen
4. What element is always present during

aerobic cellular respiration?
E. iron
F. aluminum
G. gold
H. oxygen
5. Aerobic respiration uses oxygen to create
what form of energy?
A. more oxygen
B. ATP
C. chlorophyll
D. sugar
3. In which cell organelle is the process of

cellular respiration concluded?
A. chloroplast
B. endoplasmic reticulum
C. mitochondrion
D. nucleus
Go on
30

4.a
1. Where would the boundary between
the continental and oceanic plates NOT
be found?
A. at a divergent mid-ocean ridge
B. about 70 km inland from the beach
C. where the water stops during low tides
D. about 70 km from shore out in the
ocean
2. How is the oceanic crust compared with
continental crust?
E. older
F. thicker
G. more dense
H. less volcanic
4. Which portion of Earths layer is

plastic-like and fluid?
E. upper mantle
F. lithosphere
G. asthenosphere
H. continental crust
5. What layer in Earths mantle do plates
slide over?
A. asthenosphere
B. lithosphere
C. upper mantle
D. continental crust
3. Which portion of Earths layer is rigid and

approximately 100 km thick?
A. upper mantle
B. lithosphere
C. asthenosphere
D. oceanic crust
Go on
31

4.b
1. To locate the epicenter of an earthquake,
you will need a seismogram from at least
how many different seismic stations?
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
2. The Mariana Islands are an arc of
volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean.
Based on this fact only, which is most
likely to be true?
E. Tectonic plates collide near the
Mariana Islands.
F. The Mariana Islands are larger than
most islands.
G. The Mariana Islands have a warm and
wet climate.
H. There is very little seismic activity near
the Mariana Islands.
3. The diagrams below represent

seismograms of four different earthquakes
recorded at the same station. The epicenter
of which earthquake is located closest to
the station?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E
PA N
GA
Equator
Permian
225 million years ago
E.
F.
G.
H.
erosion
deposition
natural selection
plate tectonics
Go on
32
4. The diagram below shows Alfred

Wegeners theory of how the landmass
Pangaea looked 225 million years ago.
Which process explains how Pangaea
broke apart and how the continents
reached their current locations on Earth?

4.c
Use the sample station model to
answer questions 1 and 2.
25
147
20
13
80
138
Sample Station Model
50
-3
1. According to the sample station model

above, how much has the barometric
pressure changed in the last 3 hours?
A. 13 millibars
B. 147 millibars
C. 1.3 millibars
D. 14.7 millibars
Use the diagram below to answer

questions 3 and 4.
2. What percentage of cloud cover is indicated

in the sample station model?
E. 0%
F. 25%
G. 50%
H. 100%
3. The diagram represents local weather

conditions for Jackson, MS. According
to the model, what is the current
temperature?
A. 27C
B. 10C
C. 3C
D. 13C
4. Using the information in the diagram,
which would be the most accurate weather
forecast for the Jackson area?
E. snow
F. rain
G. sleet
H. hail
Go on
33

4.d
1. What is a problem associated with the
expansion of highly populated areas?
A. the loss of natural resources
B. the expense of building
C. the concentration of resources
D. the availability of cultural resources
3. Which is a nonrenewable energy resource?

A. water
B. wind
C. geothermal
D. petroleum
2. The evening news reported that modern

technology will help reduce the problems
of smog and the greenhouse effect.
Which technology is the news report
talking about?
E. finding a replacement for CFCs
F. composting more garbage
G. using alternatives to fossil fuels
H. building containers for nuclear waste
4. After the carbon

is returned to the
1. Plants remove
carbon dioxide from
the air and use it to
2. The carbohydrates
are eaten and
used by other
organisms.
atmosphere, the
cycle continues.
make carbohydrates.
3. The carbon from the carbohydrates

is returned to the atmosphere through
respiration, combustion, and decay.
4. The diagram above shows the basic steps in the carbon cycle. At which step is sunlight
converted into chemical energy?
E. Step 1
F. Step 2
G. Step 3
H. Step 4
Go on
34

4.e
1. Which statement BEST explains what

causes the seasons?
A. Earth rotates on an axis, which causes
winds to circle around the planet.
B. The Moon revolves around Earth in
orbit, which causes the oceans to
periodically rise and fall.
C. Earth revolves around the Sun in an
orbit that is slightly elliptical. This
causes some parts of the planet to be
closer to the Sun and other parts to be
farther away from the Sun for periods
of time.
D. Earth rotates on an axis that is tilted
with respect to the Sun. This causes
some parts of the planet to receive
sunlight at a higher angle than other
parts of the planet for periods of time.
2. How is Earth tilted when summer occurs
on the northern hemisphere?
E. turned away from the Sun
F. tilted toward the Sun
G. tilted away from the Sun
H. turned toward the Sun
3. Which two countries experience winter at

the same time?
A. Great Britain and Argentina
B. Canada and Australia
C. Russia and the United States
D. Japan and South Africa
4. What is the tilt of Earths axis
responsible for?
E. the change between day and night
F. the changing seasons
G. solar eclipses
H. lunar eclipses
5. Which statement is TRUE about winter in
the northern hemisphere?
A. Sunlight strikes at a lower angle than
during summer.
B. The Sun is farther away from Earth
than it is during summer.
C. Sunlight strikes at a higher angle than
during summer.
D. Earths axis is straight up and down
and not tilted.
Go on
35

4.f
1. Which gives the correct order of size from
smallest to largest?
A. a planet, our solar system, a star, a
nebula, a galaxy
B. a planet, a star, our solar system, a
nebula, a galaxy
C. a planet, a star, our solar system, a
galaxy, a nebula
D. a planet, a nebula, a star, our solar
system, a galaxy
2. How do astronomers know that the
universe is expanding?
E. Light from galaxies outside of the local
group displays a red shift.
F. Light from galaxies outside of the local
group displays a blue shift.
G. Light from galaxies outside of the local
group displays a yellow shift.
H. Light from galaxies outside of the local
group displays green shift.
3. What does a light-year measure?

A. a comets total age
B. a comets top speed
C. a stars average brightness
D. the distance light travels in one year
4. What is the best way for a scientist to
estimate the age of a star?
E. its distance from Earth
F. its position in the night sky
G. the constellation it is found in
H. the color of the light it gives off
5. Before the early 1990s, when the Hubble
Space Telescope began receiving data from
objects in the universe, which was NOT
well-known?
A. what makes stars shine
B. distances to far-off galaxies
C. the existence of Pluto
D. the presence of the asteroid belt in out
solar system
Go on
36

4.g
1. Which is a biomass that could be converted
to fuel?
A. wind
B. sunlight
C. coal
D. wood chips
4. Why are natural products important to

scientists?
E. Scientists dont have to synthesize new
compounds; they can use ones that
already exist.
F. Natural products arent important to
scientists.
G. Natural products dont work as well as
synthesized compounds.
H. Natural products are rare, and
scientists try to preserve them.
2. What is a natural product?

E. any plastic material that blends in with
its environment
F. anything produced by a living organism
G. anything produced by humans that
looks like it was produced naturally
H. any rock or mineral created inside
Earth
3. Which is NOT a natural product?

A. silk
B. diamonds
C. honey
D. wood
Go on
37

4.h
1. The map shows a hurricane located over
southern Florida. The isobars connect
points of equal air pressure. At which
location are the winds of this hurricane
the strongest?
90W
80W
70W
30N
30N
29.8
A
30
.0
29.6
D
29.7
20N
29
.9
20N
KEY:
= Hurricane center
A.
B.
C.
D.
A
B
C
D
3. What is the best reason a scientist would

be able to predict that a hurricane would
not hit the western United States?
A. because the western United States is
immune to severe storms
B. because scientists can predict storms
before they happen
C. because hurricanes stop before they
strike land
D. because hurricanes only form over the
Atlantic Ocean
4. What instruments does NASA use to help
predict hurricanes?
E. underwater sensors
F. satellites
G. seismometers
H. radio towers
2. What would the National Weather Service

most likely use to determine if a hurricane
may strike a particular area?
E. computer forecast model
F. satellites
G. weather maps
H. radiosonde
Stop
38
Self-Assessment Test
1. In general, how does using renewable
resources benefit humans the most?
A. by keeping energy costs low
B. by decreasing harmful pollutants
C. by providing as much energy as needed
D. by being easier to obtain than
nonrenewable resources
2. In the circuit below, what is the source of
electric energy?
Lightbulb
E.
F.
G.
H.
Battery
wire
battery
lightbulb
lightbulb base
Wire
3. Cammi conducted an investigation to

find out which type of soap kills the
most Escherichia coli bacteria. In her
investigation, each test group of bacteria
was exposed to a different amount of a
different soap. Why dont the results from
her investigation accurately measure each
soaps ability to kill the bacteria?
A. Different types of bacteria were used.
B. Both the type and the amount of soap
were varied at the same time.
C. Each test group of bacteria was grown
on a different medium.
D. All soaps can kill the same amount of
bacteria.
4. Scientists at the Delta States Research
Center in Mississippi are researching catfish
genetics. Which of the following is the best
reason to understand catfish genes?
E. to find ways to kill this invasive species
F. to help fishers catch more catfish
G. to cure catfish diseases so they dont
feel any pain
H. to make catfish farmers more successful
by increasing the production of farmraised catfish
Go on
39
Self-Assessment Test (continued)

5. What does the picture below represent?
A. the number of organisms in a species

B. the predator/prey interactions in a
habitat
C. the importance of water in an
ecosystem
D. the primary succession in an ecosystem
7. The speed of a soccer ball is decreasing as

it rolls along on the ground. Which best
describes the net force on the soccer ball?
A. The net force is zero.
B. The net force is at a right angle to the
balls motion.
C. The net force is in the same direction as
the balls motion.
D. The net force is the direction opposite
to the balls motion.
8. Substances produced by some bacteria can
have severe effects on humans. What are
these substances called?
E. venoms
F. toxins
G. histamines
H. antigens
6. Mario is conducting an investigation to

see how long it takes 100 mL of water at
room temperature to boil. He places the
water on a hot plate and turns it on. He
checks the water after 20 minutes and finds
it is boiling. From his investigation, he
concludes that it takes 20 minutes for
100 mL of water to come to a boil.
What changes, if any, could Mario make
in order to improve his investigation?
E. None. His investigation is sound.
F. He should have used more water.
G. He should have added salt to the water.
H. He should have taken the temperature
of the water before heating it.
Go on
40
9. Identify the balanced equation for

respiration.
A. C6H12O6 + 5O2 6CO2 + 6H2O +
energy
B. C6H12O6 + 6O2 4CO2 + 6H2O +
energy
C. 2C6H12O6 + 6O2 6CO2 + 6H2O +
energy
D. C6H12O6 + 6O2 6CO2 + 6H2O +
energy
10. Miguel is conducting an experiment
comparing sponge A to sponge B. He
finds that type A is able to absorb 100 mL
of water, while type B is able to absorb
150 mL of water. What is one possible
inference Miguel could make from this
observation?
E. Sponge B might be larger than
sponge A.
F. Sponge A might be larger than
sponge B.
G. Sponge B might be more expensive
than sponge A.
H. Sponge A might be more expensive
than sponge B.
11. The National Weather Service (NWS)

issues hurricane watches and warnings
and projects the paths of hurricanes like
the one shown below. NWS bases its
projections on satellite data and computer
models from past storm data. What is the
effect of hurricane research?
Projected Path of Hurricane
A. Technology has helped scientists

control weather patterns.
B. Research helps meteorologists know
where all storms start.
C. Scientists are able to help people escape
dangerous situations.
D. Satellites and other techniques help
scientists avoid the formation of
storms.
12. What do selective breeding programs often
result in?
E. increased crop yields and decreased
genetic variation
F. decreased crop yields and increased
genetic variation
G. decreased crop yields and decreased
genetic variation
H. increased crop yields and increased
genetic variation
Go on
41

13. Metals are ductile. What will this allow the
metals to do?
A. to be pulled into long wires
B. to conduct electricity
C. to melt quickly
D. to be used to cover floors
16. Why are yeast, a single-celled organism,

essential to the baking industry?
E. They make bread taste good.
F. They explode when baked.
G. They use fermentation to keep dough
very flat.
H. They convert the sugars in the dough
into carbon dioxide and cause the
dough to rise.
Go on
42
14. David and Amelia conduct an experiment

on the effects of music on plant growth.
David buys a tomato plant and plays rock
music near the plant for 8 hours each day.
Amelia buys a bamboo plant and plays
classical music near the plant for 8 hours
each day. At the end of 1 month, Davids
plant has grown more than Amelias. They
conclude that plants like rock music better
than classical music. What changes, if any,
could they make to arrive at a more
reliable conclusion?
E. None. Their conclusion is reliable.
F. They should have tested more types of
music.
G. They should have bought the same type
of plant and the same height.
H. Their plants should have been the same
height at the beginning of the
experiment.
15. According to Newtons first law of motion,

why does a book stay on a desk without
moving?
A. The desk pushes up on the book with
more force than the book pushes down
on the desk.
B. The desk pushes down on the book
with more force than the book pushes
up on the desk.
C. The desk and the book push each other
in opposite directions with equal force.
D. The desk and the book do not push on
each other.

17. The diagram below shows Earths position
during the summer solstice. Which point
would receive 24 hours of daylight during
the summer solstice?
Sun's Rays
A.
B.
C.
D.
A
B
C
D
19. Which adaptation of a cactus helps reduce

the rate of transpiration?
A. shallow root system
B. stems that store water
C. leaves modified into spines
D. flowers that bloom quickly after a
rainfall
20. What causes the changes in weather from
one day to the next?
E. cirrus clouds
F. the ozone layer
G. the Coriolis effect
H. the movement of air masses
18. What is the main benefit of doing multiple

trials of an experiment?
E. The results are more easily
communicated.
F. A chance of error is reduced.
G. A wider variety of materials are used.
H. Opportunities for cooperative work are
increased.
Go on
43

21. Leaded gasoline was phased out in the
United States in the 1970s. What argument
could be made by combining that fact with
the data on lead levels in blood among
people in the U.S.?
Time
Period
Average Blood Lead

Levels (micrograms per
deciliter)
19761980
12.8
19881991
2.8
A. Lead is harmful to your health.

B. Leaded gasoline causes higher lead
levels in blood.
C. The use of leaded gasoline is correlated
with higher lead levels in blood.
D. Lead is no longer a problem.
A.
B.
C.
D.
folded mountains
volcanic mountains
submarine mountains
fault-block mountains
24. Our understanding of the universe has

changed greatly over time. Which explains
why this has occurred?
E. New scientific discoveries lead to new
theories.
F. Theories are redesigned every ten years
as a necessity.
G. The constantly evolving universe
requires new theories to describe it.
H. Larger numbers of scientists have
opinions that must be incorporated.
Go on
44
22. A mid-ocean ridge is a series of underwater

mountain ranges that cross the deep ocean
floor. What caused these mountains to be
created?
E. volcanic activity
F. accumulation of sedimentary rock
G. erosion of surrounding areas
H. water pressure collapsing surrounding
areas
23. What mountain type is formed by the

process shown in the diagram below?

25. Many complex life forms reproduce
sexually. What kind of offspring does
sexual reproduction result in?
A. offspring that is identical to each other
B. offspring that is identical to both
parents
C. offspring that is identical to one
parent but are completely different
from the other
D. offspring that is not identical to either
parent, but share some traits with
either one
26. What type of tissue is located at the area
labeled A in the illustration below?
A
E.
F.
G.
H.
compact bone
spongy bone
marrow
cartilage
27. Leptin is a hormone found in humans

and most other living things. It has been
reported that mice injected with leptin
grew up much thinner than mice that were
not injected with leptin. From birth, both
groups of mice were fed the same amount
of food. Which could become new
scientific knowledge if the scientific
community accepts the result of this study
and agree that it applies to humans?
A. Food intake determines a persons
weight.
B. Food intake might not be the
predominant cause of obesity.
C. Heredity is the only factor that
determines a persons weight.
D. Small people should eat the same
amount of food as large people.
28. Which is a nutrient commonly used in
cellular respiration?
E. vitamin B
F. folic acid
G. calcium
H. glucose
Go on
45

29. According to this information, which type
of electromagnetic energy is used to
diagnose broken bones?
Radio
Waves Infrared
UltraGamma
violet X Rays Rays
30. The developmental stages of three types of

stars are based on mass. Stars that have the
approximate mass of the Sun are said to
have one stellar mass. Stars that have two to
three stellar masses develop into neutron
stars. What do stars with five to six stellar
masses develop into?
E. black holes
F. nebulas
G. super giants
H. white dwarfs
Visible Light
A.
B.
C.
D.
gamma rays
X-rays
infrared waves
radio waves
Stop
46
glencoe.com
ISBN: 978-0-07-894475-8
MHID: 0-07-894475-9
www.glencoe.com

Science

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Science

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Features & Benefits

Prepares all students for the

Formatted to match the

DOK level identified for every

Copyright Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Mastering the Mississippi Science TestGrade 8

Introduction to the Student Edition

Copyright Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Mastering the Mississippi Science TestGrade 8

How to Use this Workbook

Copyright Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

During the Test:

Student Recording Chart

Design and conduct

Mastering the Mississippi Science TestGrade 8

Copyright Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Student Recording Chart

Viruses, bacteria, and

Genetic engineering and

Renewable and nonrenewable resources

The solar system

Copyright Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Mastering the Mississippi Science TestGrade 8

Mississippi Science Framework

COMPETENCIES AND OBJECTIVES:

viii Mastering the Mississippi Science TestGrade 8

Copyright Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Chemical symbols and chemical formulas of common substances such as NaCl

Metals and nonmetals

Copyright Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

The Electrical Power Products Division of Howard Industries, a leading manufacturer

Mastering the Mississippi Science TestGrade 8

Differences in plant and animal cells

e. Explain energy flow in a specified ecosystem. (DOK 2)

Populations, communities, and habitats

The Animal Functional Genomics Laboratory at Mississippi State University

Mastering the Mississippi Science TestGrade 8

Copyright Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE

Copyright Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Copyright Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

1. The weather data for Biloxi shows the

3. The picture shows how homes get electric

4. Some scientists believe that a hurricanes

Mastering the Mississippi Science TestGrade 8

Diagnostic Test (continued)

7. The data in the table above were collected

Copyright Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Mastering the Mississippi Science TestGrade 8

Diagnostic Test (continued)

Copyright Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

9. What is the layer beneath the moving

11. Which is the correct progression in the

10. Which bacterial adaptation helps a

Mastering the Mississippi Science TestGrade 8

Diagnostic Test (continued)

The following year, a nuclear power plant

Copyright Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Mastering the Mississippi Science TestGrade 8

Diagnostic Test (continued)

Copyright Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

16. Which two organ systems provide the

18. In 1929 Edwin Hubble estimated that

Mastering the Mississippi Science TestGrade 8