5th Grade Science STAAR Force and Motion Review

Front

In a futuristic water park, Ava and Priya are on a mission to discover how the propulsion force of a robotic ball affects the height of the splash it creates in a holographic pool. Which table BEST represents how their exciting investigation should be set up?

Back

Independent variable: Force the ball is thrown with; Dependent variable: Height of the splash; Controlled variables: Weight of the ball, Type of ball, Height the ball is thrown from

Answer explanation

Choice D is correct because it identifies the force the ball is thrown with as the independent variable, which directly affects the height of the splash (the dependent variable). Other factors are controlled to ensure a fair test.

Front

In a fun science class experiment, Priya, Abigail, and Arjun are testing a new transportation system using ramps and toy cars. What exciting hypothesis are they exploring in this setup?

Back

The shorter the ramp, the shorter the distance the toy car will glide.

Answer explanation

The hypothesis being tested is that the length of the anti-gravity platform affects the glide distance. A shorter platform would logically result in a shorter glide distance, making the second choice correct.

Front

What extra gadget do James and Olivia need to measure how far their toy truck can zoom down a ramp?

Back

A ruler to measure the distance.

Answer explanation

A ruler is essential to measure the distance the truck rolls, which is crucial for testing the hypothesis. The other options do not directly relate to measuring distance.

Front

In the vibrant city of Tomorrowland, young inventors Olivia and Noah are on a mission to test their new hoverboard designs. Which thrilling experiment will best reveal the secrets of friction on their hoverboards?

Back

Roll three hoverboards across three different surfaces from the same starting point at the same time and with the same amount of force

Answer explanation

Rolling three hoverboards across different surfaces allows for direct comparison of friction effects, as each surface will provide varying resistance. This isolates the variable of surface friction, making it the best test.

Front

In a warehouse adventure, Zoe and Grace are using a ramp to slide boxes. Which change will make it easier for them to move the boxes?

Back

Decrease the height of the ramp

Answer explanation

Decreasing the height of the ramp reduces the angle of incline, which in turn decreases the gravitational force component acting along the ramp. This makes it easier to move the cargo with less force.

Front

In a high-tech sports arena of the future, Jackson and Oliver are watching a robotic ball zoom along a track. Which diagram BEST shows the direction of the extra force and the spot where the extra force was applied to the ball? Options: Position 2, Position 3, Position 4, Position 5

Back

Position 3

Answer explanation

Position 3 is correct because it shows the extra force applied at an angle that would effectively change the ball's direction, which is crucial for its movement along the track.

Front

Imagine Mia is having a blast on the playground swing! Which statement correctly describes the forces that affect Mia’s position and motion while she’s swinging?

Back

The force of gravity causes Mia to speed up from Position A to Position B.

Answer explanation

The correct choice states that the force of artificial gravity causes the astronaut to speed up from Position A to Position B. In a zero-gravity environment, artificial gravity influences motion, accelerating the astronaut towards Position B.

Front

What motion will Luna and Daniel's balloon-powered car make when the balloon is released?

Back

The car will zoom away from the starting point in the same direction as the air leaving the balloon.

Answer explanation

The hovercar moves away from the launch pad because the jet propulsion system generates thrust in the direction of the jet stream. This follows Newton's third law: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Front

What mysterious force is responsible for halting the hover-wagon's journey in the city of tomorrow?

Back

The force of friction which is acting in the opposite direction of the arrow

Answer explanation

The hover-wagon stops due to the force of friction, which acts in the opposite direction of its motion. This opposing force slows it down and eventually brings it to a stop.

Front

In the vibrant city of tomorrow, Mason and Anika are on a mission to light up the skyline! They decide to activate Control Panel 1 and Control Panel 3. Which smart light will dazzle the night? Options: L1, L2, L3, L4

Back

L3

Answer explanation

Activating Control Panel 1 and Control Panel 3 specifically triggers the smart light L3 to illuminate, as per the system's design.