3rd Grade TCAP Science Item Release

Which of these describes an outer planet?

• has no moons or rings

• has rings and many moons

• has no moons and is smaller than Earth

• has two moons and is smaller than Earth

Student 1 claims that Mars is an outer planet because it is farther away from the sun than Earth. Student 2 claims that Mars is an inner planet.

Which two pieces of evidence could Student 2 use to support the argument that Mars is an inner planet?

• Mars is red.

• Mars has a rocky surface.

• Mars does not have water.

• Mars does not have rings.

• Mars is much colder than Earth.

Based on the data in the table, which location most likely has a tropical climate?

• Location 1

• Location 2

• Location 3

• Location 4

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which container best meets the students’ needs?

• a large wooden box

• a plastic bucket with a handle

• a small paper bag

• a glass jar with a lid

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-1

NGSS.MS-ETS1-2

NGSS.MS-ETS1-3

Which two of these need to be true for the magnet solution to work?

• 1. Glue has to work the same in outer space as it does on Earth.

• There is no atmosphere in space.

• Two magnets can attract each other in space.

• Tools must be made of metal.

• Objects move faster in outer space than on Earth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-1

NGSS.MS-PS2-5

Which two body parts help the woodpecker get the insects from under the bark?

• 1. strong, dark wings for flight

• 1. long, sturdy tail feathers for support while climbing trees

• 1. strong, pointed beak for hammering on trees

• 1. small, oval-shaped head that protects the brain

• 1. strong, long claws for gripping tree bark tightly

Tags

NGSS.4-LS1-1

A student makes the claim that lions benefit by living in groups.

Which three statements support the student’s claim?

• The lions can share food.

• Male lions fight other males for mates.

• Hunting in groups makes it easier for the lions to catch prey.

• The group of lions can provide protection for the young.

• Other animals can see the group of lions easily.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

A student stands at the bottom of a small, grassy hill and kicks a ball. The ball rolls up the hill and stops at the top of the hill.

How does the ball get the energy to roll up the hill?

• Energy is transferred from the student to the ball.

• Energy is released from inside the ball.

• Energy is transferred from the grass on the hill to the ball.

• Energy is released from gravity acting on the ball.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

NGSS.MS-PS3-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

At which ramp height did the marble have the most energy?

• 1 book

• 2 books

• 3 books

• 4 books

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

NGSS.MS-PS3-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Which change should the students make so the bulb will successfully light up?

• Add a second battery.

• Put the switch on the bottom of the candle.

• Use a larger bulb.

• Use another wire to connect the switch to the bottom of the battery.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-1

NGSS.MS-ETS1-2