Science Benchmark Test Practice

A student created a model of convection using a beaker, water, and food coloring.

The model did NOT demonstrate convection as the student had intended. The model could be improved to best demonstrate and model convection by adding a -

• light source

• heat source

• second food coloring

• wind source

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Energy from the Sun is transferred from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere, resulting in atmospheric convection currents that produce winds. How do physical properties of air contribute to convection currents?

• The warmer air sinks because it is more dense than cooler air

• The warmer air rises because it is more dense than cooler air.

• The warmer air sinks because it is less dense than cooler air.

• The warmer air rises because it is less dense than cooler air.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

If the weather map below is from today's forecast, which city is most likely to see its temperatures rise tomorrow?

• Chicago

• Houston

• Denver

• Memphis

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

When watching the local meteorologist on television or looking at a weather map online, there are often maps with an "L", as seen below. The "L" represents an area of low atmospheric pressure on the surface of the Earth. What is most likely occurring in the atmosphere in the area located at the "L" on the map above?

• The air is descending at this location causing clear skies.

• The air is descending at this location causing cloudy skies.

• The air is rising at this location causing clear skies.

• The air is rising at this location causing cloudy skies

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Which of the following statements best describes the role of oceans in the formation of hurricanes?

• Warm air masses over equatorial regions rise more quickly than air masses over polar regions

• Warm, moist air above warm, tropical waters provides the energy that drives storm systems

• Cool air masses over polar regions are more dense than air masses over equatorial regions

• Cool, dry air above cool, tropical ocean waters provides the energy that drives storm systems

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

The term El Niño in meteorology describes a prolonged warming period in the Pacific Ocean near the equator. The increase in surface temperature caused by El Niño can last up to two years.

What is the most likely effect of El Niño conditions?

• A decrease in severe storms originating from the Pacific Ocean

• An increase in hurricanes originating from the Pacific Ocean

• A decrease in precipitation along Pacific coastal regions

• An increase in stationary fronts developing along Pacific coastal regions

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

What is the main cause of global convection currents?

• Deforestation

• Uneven heating of the Earth by the Sun

• the greenhouse effect

• The increase in the number of cities

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The diagram below is a portion of a topographic map

According to the diagram, which direction would you expect a delta to be formed?

• To the left

• to the right

• to the top

• to the bottom

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

If the contour intervals are 50 meters, what is the elevation of X?

Record your answer in the boxes below. Be sure to use correct place value.

The diagram below models the movement of two tectonic plates. What is occurring as a result of the plate collision?

• A mid-ocean ridge is forming

• Subduction is occurring because oceanic crust in denser than continental crust.

• A divergent boundary is forming.

• A transform boundary is forming due to two plates sliding past one another.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3