FCAT Science 5th Grade Review

Missy brainstorms ideas for her science fair project. Which of the following would be the most difficult to test? (SC.5.N.2.1)

• how far a ball will roll when released down a ramp

• how much fun young children have when playing with a ball

• how long young children will play with differently colored marbles

• how many times a ball will bounce when dropped from a certain height

Answer explanation

How would you test how much fun children can have? Is there a measurement tool?

Jacobo is designing an experiment to see whether sugar or artificial sweetener will attract the greater number of ants. Which statement best describes why Jacobo should write down his experimental procedure and record his data? (SC.5.N.2.2)

• The data will show people which ants are more common

• The data will help people decide what type of sweetener to use

• The experiment can be changed by others to get different results

• The exact experiment can be repeated by others and the results can be compared

Answer explanation

Experimental procedures should be written down and data should be recorded so it can be repeated and results can be compared.

Which of the following is the main purpose of a scientific investigation? (SC.5.N.1.1)

• to prove scientific law

• to determine the investigator's opinion

• To answer questions about the natural world

• to support results from previous investigations

Paula is performing an investigation using several earthworms. She places a rectangular box under a bright lamp and covers one-half of the box so that side is shaded. She then places the earthworms into the box on the side that is still brightly lit. Later, Paula notices that all of the earthworms have moved over to the shaded side of the box. Based on her investigation, which of the following is an observation rather than an opinion? (SC.5.N.1.6)

• Earthworms are afraid of light.

• Earthworms like staying together.

• Earthworms move away from light.

• Earthworms like living in the ground.

Answer explanation

Observations are based on evidence and can be proven. Opinions usually can't be tested.

Dr. Dock conducts an experiment. Her results are not what she expected. What should she do next? (SC.5.N.1.3)

• Try a new experiement

• Repeat her experiment

• Change her data to match her prediction

• Generate a conclusion based on her opinions

Answer explanation

Experiments and investigations need repeated trials for reliability and validity in data.

Rubie wanted to complete a controlled experiment on how the size of a basketball affects how many times it will bounce. Why is it important for Rubie to identify a control group for her experiment? (SC.5.N.1.4)

• A control group is required to keep every variable the same

• A control group is required because it is the variable you are testing

• A control group is required to follow all the steps of the scientific method

• A control group is required to compare what you are testing to what normally occurs.

Answer explanation

Control group is used to compare. It is the group that isn't impacted by the testing variable.

Hanna is learning about the Universe in class. Her teacher shows a picture taken by a special telescope. The picture shows something that has billions of stars, dust and gas. What does the picture show? (SC.5.E.5.1)

• a comet

• a galaxy

• an asteroid

• a solar system

Answer explanation

A galaxy is comprised of gas, dust and many stars. That's it. That is ALL you need to know!

Astronomers study many different kinds of objects in our Solar System. Which of the following BEST describes a difference between comets and asteroids? (SC.5.E.5.3)

• Comets orbit planets, and most asteroids orbit the Sun

• Comets are hot balls of gas, and asteroids are made mostly of ice

• Comets are made mostly of ice, and asteroids are made mostly of rocks

• Comets orbit the Sun between Mars and Jupiter, and asteroids form patterns in the sky.

Answer explanation

Comets, ice. Asteroids, rocks.

The Solar System has both inner planets and outer planets. What is one way that the inner planets and outer planets are different? (SC.5.E.5.2)

• The outer planets have more moons than the inner planets

• The inner planets have rings, but the outer planets do not.

• The outer planets are closer to the Sun than the inner planets.

• The inner planets are made of gas, but the outer planets are rocky.

Answer explanation

If you get this wrong, make a T-Chart for inner and outer planet characteristics.

Anthony says the Sun is not a star because it is much larger and brighter than stars in the night sky. Why does the Sun appear larger and brighter than other stars? (SC.5.E.5.3)

• It is much hotter

• It is closer to Earth

• It gives off more energy

• It is the largest star in our galaxy