2021 PSSA 8th Grade Science Sampler

A student was unable to lift a rock using the lever setup shown. The student moved the location of the fulcrum closer to the rock until he was able to lift the rock. The student concluded that as the length of the effort arm increased, less effort force was needed to lift the rock. Which graph best represents the student's conclusion?

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Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

A scientific technique can be used to determine the presence and concentration of a chemical compound in a sample . A light source is directed at samples of known concentrations and the amount of light each absorbs is measured . Based on the graph, which statement best describes the relationship between concentration and light absorption?

• The light absorption of a sample is independent of the concentration of the chemical compound

• The concentration of the chemical compound in a sample remains steady as the light absorption increases

• An increase in the concentration of the chemical compound in a sample is accompanied by an increase in the light absorption

• A decrease in the light absorption of a sample is accompanied by an increase in the concentration of the chemical compound

Which statement best describes the mass of an apple?

• Mass is the amount of matter in the apple

• Mass is the amount of space the apple occupies

• Mass is the force applied to the apple by another object

• Mass is the measure of the apple’s ability to resist changes in motion

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

A student used the smallest screen that could be used to completely sift the soil sample . Which conclusion best matches the student’s investigation?

• Soil sample X has the most uniform particle size

• Soil sample Y has the smallest average particle size

• Soil samples Y and Z are most similar in size

• Soil samples X and Y are most similar in size

Which unit should a student use when measuring the change in the amount of space taken up by a liquid as it is heated?

• g

• ^oC

• mL

• mm

An engineering team developed a new airplane body design that uses less fuel while flying . The team built a model to test the new design . How does using a model most likely help the engineering team?

• It can be tested and changed more easily than a real airplane

• It allows them to safely fly an airplane in dangerous conditions

• It can be made to higher quality standards than a real airplane

• It allows them to save money by never test-flying a full-size airplane

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-4

A scientist examined a colorless gas, which had a density between 1 .30 and 1 .60 g/L and a boiling point between −190 and −180°C . The gas reacted with sodium (Na) metal . Based on the data in the table, what is the most likely identity of the gas?

• argon ( Ar )

• hydrochloric acid (HCl)

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

A student is roasting marshmallows on a stick above the flames of a campfire . How does convection transfer heat from the fire to the marshmallows?

• by direct contact between the fire and the marshmallows

• by currents of warm air molecules flowing upward from the fire

• by the collision of warm air and cool air molecules above the fire

• by the movement of heat through empty spaces between air molecules

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Which statement best describes wood and coal in terms of renewability and formation time?

• Wood is nonrenewable and forms in a few years, unlike coal, which is renewable and takes millions of years to form .

• Wood is renewable and forms in a few years, unlike coal, which is nonrenewable and takes millions of years to form

• Wood is nonrenewable and takes millions of years to form, unlike coal, which is renewable and forms in a few years

• Wood is renewable and takes millions of years to form, unlike coal, which is nonrenewable and forms in a few years

Processing the sap into maple syrup typically involves reducing water content by heating the sap in large pans . Once the liquid reaches a precise finishing temperature and density, it is maple syrup . It takes nearly 40 gallons of sap from maple trees to make 1 gallon of maple syrup

Which inference about the process of making maple syrup from maple tree sap is best supported by these data?

• As the concentration of sugar in the liquid increases, the boiling point increases

• As the concentration of sugar in the liquid increases, the boiling point decreases

• A decrease in the boiling point of the liquid causes a decrease in sugar concentration

• A decrease in the boiling point of the liquid causes an increase in sugar concentration

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS1-4