STAAR Science Practice 2

A student conducts the investigation shown in the diagram. In this experiment a paper cup hangs from a string tied to a single uncooked spaghetti noodle. The student measures and records the mass of a penny. The student then adds pennies to the paper cup one at a time.

Which question is the student most likely trying to answer with this investigation?

• How many spaghetti noodles will it take to hold up the mass of a penny?

• How much force will it take to break the spaghetti noodle?

• How long should the string that holds the paper cup be in order to support the greatest mass of pennies?

• How does the distance between the two chairs affect the amount of force it takes for the spaghetti noodle to break?

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

A student builds a circuit allowing the lightbulbs to light, the buzzers to make sound, and the motors to turn.

Which two switches can be open and still allow all of the parts to work?

• Switches 1 and 3

• Switches 1 and 4

• Switches 2 and 3

• Switches 3 and 4

Tags

NGSS.4-PS3-2

NGSS.4-PS3-4

The diagram shows parts of a process that occurred over time.

Which process does this diagram most likely represent?

• The erosion of a coastline

• The deposition of sediments

• The weathering of a mountain

• The formation of a sea

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

The photograph shows a laser cutting a sheet of metal as the laser moves from one end of the metal to the other.

Four groups of students each made a table of examples of the different types of energy involved in this process. Which of these tables is correct?

• 
• 
• 
• 

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

Students plan to investigate the different states of matter. They will measure the volume of water in three containers after five days. They make this table to organize the data.

Which graph represents the volume of water most likely left in the containers after five days?

• 
• 
• 
• 

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

A student wants to build a circuit with four lightbulbs and one bell. The student wants to place a switch in the circuit so that only one light will still be on and the bell will still ring when the switch is opened.

Which of these circuits should the student build?

• 
• 
• 
• 

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-1

NGSS.MS-ETS1-2

The picture shows how a light ray behaves with two different types of materials.

Which table best describes the behavior of the light ray as it encounters the materials?

• 
• 
• 
• 

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Which of these environments could form coal if the area is buried for a long time?

• 
• 
• 
• 

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

A zookeeper sets up a habitat for a certain species of rabbit. Which answer choice describes the rabbit as it interacts with two nonliving parts of the rabbit’s habitat?

• The rabbit breathing air while running down a rocky path

• The rabbit licking its fur while feeding its young

• The rabbit hiding under plants from loud noises

• The rabbit nibbling on vegetation inside the habitat

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

The diagram shows the shadow of a tree in a field at noon on a summer day.

The sun rises at 7:00 A.M. on this day. Which diagram best shows the shadow of the tree at 10:00 A.M. on the same day?

• 
• 
• 
• 

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1