STAAR Grade 8 Science Practice Assessment

Front

What is the lunar cycle?

Back

The lunar cycle is the sequence of phases the Moon goes through as it orbits Earth, taking about 29.5 days to complete. It includes phases such as new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter.

Front

How long does it take for the Moon to go from first quarter to full moon?

Back

It takes approximately 7.4 days for the Moon to transition from the first quarter phase to the full moon phase.

Front

What causes riverbank erosion?

Back

Riverbank erosion is primarily caused by the flow of water in the river, which can wear away soil and sediment along the banks.

Front

What is a hurricane and what conditions are necessary for its formation?

Back

A hurricane is a large tropical storm system characterized by strong winds and heavy rain. High water temperatures (at least 26.5°C) are essential for its formation.

Front

What is the role of the endocrine system?

Back

The endocrine system produces hormones that regulate various bodily functions, including metabolism, growth, and insulin production.

Front

What is Newton's Third Law of Motion?

Back

Newton's Third Law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This means that forces between two objects are equal in size and opposite in direction.

Front

What is the definition of erosion?

Back

Erosion is the process by which soil and rock are removed from the Earth's surface by natural processes such as wind or water flow.

Front

What is the significance of high water temperatures in hurricane formation?

Back

High water temperatures provide the energy needed for hurricanes to develop and strengthen, as warm water fuels the storm's convection processes.

Front

What is the function of insulin in the human body?

Back

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells.

Front

What is sedimentation?

Back

Sedimentation is the process by which particles settle out of a fluid, often leading to the accumulation of sediment in rivers, lakes, and oceans.