5th Grade Science Vocabulary Study Sheet 3

What is the process of wind or water breaking down rock into soil, sand, and other tiny pieces?

• weathering

• erosion

• deposition

• sedimentation

Answer explanation

The process of wind or water breaking down rock into smaller particles like soil and sand is called weathering. It involves the physical and chemical breakdown of rocks, distinguishing it from erosion, which involves the movement of those particles.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

What is the process of moving sediment from one place to another?

• erosion

• deposition

• weathering

• compaction

Answer explanation

Erosion is the process of moving sediment from one place to another, typically by wind, water, or ice. It contrasts with deposition, which is the accumulation of sediment in a new location.

What is the process of dropping or depositing sediment in a new place?

• deposition

• erosion

• weathering

• transportation

Answer explanation

The process of dropping or depositing sediment in a new place is called deposition. It occurs when materials transported by wind, water, or ice settle in a different location, forming new landforms.

What type of rock is formed by sediment that is deposited in layers and formed over time?

• Sedimentary rock

• Igneous rock

• Metamorphic rock

• Volcanic rock

Answer explanation

Sedimentary rock is formed from particles of sand, silt, and clay that accumulate in layers over time. This process of deposition and compaction distinguishes it from igneous and metamorphic rocks, which form differently.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

What are the remains of plants and animals buried in the Earth, created by millions of years of heat and pressure? Examples include coal, oil, and natural gas?

• fossil fuels

• minerals

• metals

• sedimentary rocks

Answer explanation

The remains of plants and animals buried in the Earth, subjected to heat and pressure over millions of years, form fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. Thus, the correct answer is fossil fuels.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

What is a trait passed on from one generation to another such as eye color or hair color?

• inherited trait

• acquired trait

• learned behavior

• environmental factor

Answer explanation

An inherited trait is a characteristic passed from parents to offspring, such as eye color or hair color. In contrast, acquired traits and learned behaviors are not genetic, and environmental factors do not directly relate to genetic inheritance.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-1

NGSS.MS-LS3-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

A change in the body or behavior of a species over a long period of time to help it survive in its environment is called (a)   .

• adaptation

• mutation

• migration

• hibernation

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'adaptation' because it refers to the changes in a species over time that enhance its ability to survive in its environment, unlike mutation, migration, or hibernation which have different meanings.

What is a behavior that an animal develops by observing other animals or by being taught?

• learned behavior

• instinctive behavior

• innate behavior

• reflex action

Answer explanation

A behavior that an animal develops by observing others or through teaching is called learned behavior. This contrasts with instinctive or innate behaviors, which are hardwired and do not require observation or instruction.

What is the part of an experiment that is changed?

• variable

• constant

• control

• hypothesis

Answer explanation

In an experiment, the part that is changed is called the variable. It is the factor that is manipulated to observe its effect, distinguishing it from constants, which remain unchanged, and controls, which are used for comparison.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

What is the part of the experiment that is kept the same?

• control

• variable

• hypothesis

• result

Answer explanation

In an experiment, the 'control' refers to the part that is kept constant to ensure that any changes in the results can be attributed to the variable being tested. This helps validate the experiment's findings.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2