A student collected a soil sample and placed it in a clear cylinder. Next, the student added 10 mL of water to the container.

After two minutes, the student observed that most of the water remained on top of the soil in the container.

Which of the following most likely describes the soil in the container?

• The soil is mostly clay.

• The soil is mostly silt.

• The soil is mostly loam.

• The soil is mostly gravel.

In many parts of Texas, the soil forms a smooth thick mud when it rains. The water is more likely to runoff than absorb into the ground due to the lack of drainage through the soil.

The soil type is most likely —

• loam

• clay

• silt

• sand

The pictures demonstrate four types of soil.

Which statement best describes how these soils support plants?

• The soil in Picture 1 has a texture of large gravel that retains water and supports roots for healthy plant growth.

• The soil in Picture 2 is grainy and dry which supports plants growing in a rainforest because roots can easily grow.

• The soil in Picture 3 is moist and loosely packed which supports deep roots and strong, healthy plant growth.

• The soil in Picture 4 has a silky-smooth texture that supports deep root growth for strong and healthy plants.

Which property or group of properties can be used to classify soil?

• Color and texture

• Capacity to retain water

• Ability to support the growth of plants

• All of the other answer choices

Which of the following statements best describes the importance of conserving Earth’s natural resources?

• Earth’s natural resources are available on an unlimited basis.

• Some of Earth’s natural resources are renewable and others are nonrenewable.

• Some of Earth’s natural resources may be replaced in a short time.

• Many of Earth’s natural resources are used up faster than they can be replaced.

What type of resource are the grapes in the image above?

• A nonrenewable resource

• A fossil resource

• An alternative resource

• A renewable resource

Water is a valuable natural resource. Why is water classified as a renewable resource?

• Water provides nutrients to plants and prevents animals from dehydrating.

• Water can be replenished as it cycles between the Earth and the atmosphere.

• Water does not have a unique taste or an odor.

• Water covers over seventy percent of the Earth’s surface.

What is an example of a natural resource?

What are the three types of fossil fuels?

A student is testing objects to see if the item will sink or float.

If a student drops the metal key into the aquarium, what will be the most likely result?

• The key will sink.

• The key will float.

• The water level will decrease.

• The water level will stay the same.