Spring 2023 Science TCAP Released Items

The table shows data about planets. 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

Students need a container to carry birdseed to a bird feeder. The students make a list of properties: - must be easy to carry - must not break easily - must last all year. 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

Astronauts use tools on the space station. When the astronauts are not using their tools, they need a way to keep the tools from floating around. Some students think this problem can be solved with magnets. The astronauts would glue a magnet to each of their tools. They would also glue magnets to the walls. The magnets would keep each tool on the wall until an astronaut needs to use it. Which two of these need to be true for the magnet solution to work?

• 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 outer space.

• The tools must be made of metal.

• Objects move faster in outer space than on Earth.

Hairy woodpeckers eat insects. The insects live under the tree bark. Which two body parts help the woodpecker get the insects from under the bark?

• strong, dark wings for flight

• long, sturdy tail feathers for support while climbing trees

• strong, pointed beak for hammering on trees

• small, oval-shaped head that protects the brain

• strong, long claws for gripping tree bark tightly

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.

• 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.

• Male lions fight other males for mates.

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.

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

• 1 book

• 2 books

• 3 books

• 4 books

Students are asked to make an electric candle that lights up. The picture shows one design. 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.