Quiz about Practice NGGSS Assessment

Question 1

What happens to scientific knowledge over time?

Accepted Answer

It becomes accepted or modified with repeated observations and new evidence.

Answer

It is always proven wrong when scientists test old experiments with new technology.

Answer

It changes completely every time new evidence is found.

Answer

It is lost if it is not tested and observed frequently.

Question 2

Why has scientific knowledge become more accurate over time?

Accepted Answer

because scientists start with a base of knowledge and keep modifying it based on evidence

Answer

because scientists do not investigate ideas that are not completely figured out, and few mistakes are made

Answer

because scientists only study brand-new ideas, and their accuracy has not been challenged yet

Answer

because scientists now know everything about phenomena that occur in nature

Question 3

Which statement best describes how scientific knowledge is durable?

Accepted Answer

Ideas are only valid with empirical evidence and controlled experiments.

Answer

Theories can be improved or modified as new information is discovered.

Answer

Scientists' opinions do not influence their research.

Answer

Knowledge is never challenged or proven false.

Question 4

What is happening at step 2?

Accepted Answer

The scientist is repeating the experiment with multiple trials to make sure the data is precise.

Answer

The scientist is repeating the experiment by changing the variables in the experiment.

Answer

The scientist is replicating the experiment by changing the variables in the experiment.

Answer

The scientist is replicating the experiment with multiple trials to make sure the data is accurate.

Question 5

Read the passage "Do Metals React With Nonmetals?" What did Trisha do in her experiment?

Accepted Answer

She only repeated her experiment of reacting a metal with a nonmetal six times to confirm her results.

Answer

She replicated an experiment by performing an experiment by another scientist, but she repeated the experiment by doing it six times.

Answer

She replicated an experiment by doing it six times, but she repeated the experiment by using methods used by another scientist.

Answer

She only replicated her own experiment by doing an experiment done by another scientist.

Question 6

Before they begin pursing a scientific explanation, what is the first thing that all individuals in various fields of science do?

Accepted Answer

They identify and develop a question that they can test.

Answer

They share their idea with fellow scientists for support.

Answer

They make sure no one has investigated the explanation before.

Answer

They create and design an experiment that will control a variable.

Question 7

Which statement is correct about scientific laws in comparison to scientific theories?

Accepted Answer

Scientific laws are rarely changed, while theories are more frequently modified as new experiments are completed and new evidence is found.

Answer

Scientific laws are often changed, while scientific theories are rarely modified or revised when new evidence is found.

Answer

Scientific laws are only about aspects in the biological sciences, while scientific theories are only about aspects of the physical sciences.

Answer

Scientific laws are only about aspects in the physical sciences, while scientific theories are only about aspects of the biological sciences.

Question 8

The box below shows some of the steps a scientist takes in the pursuit of scientific knowledge. - Step W: Create a hypothesis - Step X: Create and perform an experiment - Step Y: Use empirical evidence - Step Z: Make observations Which of these steps do scientists in all fields perform?

Accepted Answer

W, Y, and Z

Answer

W and Z, only

Answer

X and Z, only

Question 9

Kyle wanted to see which gum had the most sugar. He chose four different brands of gum. He weighed each piece. Then, he chewed each piece for 10 minutes. After that, he let the gum dry and weighed it again. He recorded his data in the table. What is the independent variable in Kyle's experiment?

Accepted Answer

the brand of gum

Answer

the change in weight of the gum

Answer

the weight of the dried gum

Answer

the time chewed

Question 10

The students in Ms. Alvarez's science class wanted to find out which brand of paper towels was the most absorbent. They selected three brands and labeled them W, X, and Y. They made sure all the sheets of paper to be tested were the same size. They poured water in three flat pans and used each sheet to absorb water for two minutes. After two minutes, they measured the amount of water that remained in the pan. Their results are shown in the table. What is the independent variable in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

the brand of paper towel

Answer

the amount of water absorbed by each towel

Answer

the amount of water remaining in each pan

Answer

the size of each sheet

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT an example of a source of error when following a set of instructions for a scientific investigation?

Accepted Answer

using a different graduated cylinder than instructed

Answer

using a different chemical than instructed

Answer

heating a substance for longer than instructed

Answer

adding more liquid to a solution than instructed

Question 12

A meteorologist has a theory about how humidity affects the jet stream during the summer. What would be the fastest way for the researcher to conduct initial tests of the theory?

Accepted Answer

manipulating the variables in an existing computer model of the jet stream

Answer

traveling to different areas of the country to see how the jet stream changes

Answer

building a physical model with varying humidity levels to test the theory

Answer

measuring the humidity changes and jet stream changes over several summers

Question 13

Which two spheres are interacting as wind causes waves in the ocean?

Accepted Answer

atmosphere and hydrosphere

Answer

biosphere and atmosphere

Answer

geosphere and hydrosphere

Answer

cryosphere and biosphere

Question 14

The image below shows a simple model of an event that is part of the rock cycle. Which type of event is most likely occurring in the pictures?

Accepted Answer

the compacting of layers by high pressure and heat that leads to metamorphic rock

Answer

the cementing of layers of sediment particles that leads to sedimentary rock

Answer

the melting of sediment particles that leads to igneous rock

Answer

the hardening of liquid magma that leads to igneous rock

Question 15

The picture below shows a simple model of the rock cycle. Use the picture to answer any questions that follow. Which processes at point 1 can transform sedimentary rock into metamorphic rock?

Accepted Answer

high pressures and temperatures

Answer

low pressures and temperatures

Answer

weathering and erosion

Answer

cooling and hardening

Question 16

The picture below shows a simple model of the rock cycle. Use the picture to answer any questions that follow. Which events at point 6 could transform sedimentary rock into igneous rock?

Accepted Answer

Tectonic plates drive sedimentary rock under Earth's surface, where it melts into magma and turns into igneous rock.

Answer

Extreme winds and storms weather the sedimentary rock into particles, which collect in rivers and are compacted into igneous rock.

Answer

Rising oceans erode mountains of sedimentary rock into particles, which sink and get compacted into layers that form igneous rock.

Answer

Shifting tectonic plates push the sedimentary rock toward the poles, where it freezes and hardens into igneous rock.

Question 17

The timeline below shows historical changes that occurred in the Sahara, an area of North Africa that is currently a desert. What does this timeline suggest about Earth?

Accepted Answer

It suggests that Earth has changed over time, since human fossils became present in the Sahara after 9,000 years, indicating that the environment had once been suitable for human life.

Answer

It suggests that Earth has changed very little over time, since human fossils were present as early as 9,000 years ago, indicating that the Sahara has always been suitable human life.

Answer

It suggests that one of the only areas on Earth that is able to preserve fossils wells is in an arid desert environment.

Answer

It suggests that all of Earth's deserts have typically received monsoon rains in 1,000-year cycles.

Question 18

Read the passage "Wegener's Observations" and answer the following question: Which scientific theory was supported by this evidence?

Accepted Answer

the continental drift theory, which states that all of the continents were once joined together and drifted apart to their current locations

Answer

the expanding Earth theory, which states that the position and movement of continents is dependent on the volume of the planet increasing

Answer

the big bang theory, which states that at one point the universe was one confined to a single point but expanded rapidly

Answer

the theory of spontaneous generation, which states that matter can form on its own and appear anywhere

Question 19

In the deepest portions of the ocean, there is no sunlight for plants to make energy. Instead, many of the organisms there live near thermal vents which spew mineral-rich material into the ocean. What causes these thermal vents to erupt from the ocean floor?

Accepted Answer

The water over thin spots in the ocean crust gets heated by the magma in the mantle, causing it to boil and explode.

Answer

Energy from the Sun conducts into the water under the ocean crust, causing it to boil and explode from many tiny cracks.

Answer

The cold temperature of the deep ocean water mixes with magma-heated water and creates holes in the ocean crust.

Answer

The movement of the mantle creates cracks in the ocean crust through which magma-heated water escapes.

Question 20

What theory explains the main cause of mountain building, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions on Earth?

Accepted Answer

the scientific theory of plate tectonics

Answer

the scientific theory of magnetism

Answer

the scientific theory of Earth's shift

Answer

the scientific theory of Earth's layers

Question 21

Which sequence correctly lists the astronomical bodies in order of size, from smallest to largest?

Accepted Answer

the solar system, the Milky Way galaxy, our universe

Answer

the solar system, our universe, the Milky Way galaxy

Answer

the Milky Way galaxy, our universe, the solar system

Answer

the Milky Way galaxy, the solar system, our universe

Question 22

How does the distance between Earth and the Sun compare to the distance between Earth and the Moon?

Accepted Answer

Earth is much farther away from the Sun than it is from the Moon.

Answer

Earth is about the same distance away from both the Moon and the Sun.

Answer

Earth is slightly farther away from the Moon than it is from the Sun.

Answer

Earth is much farther away from the Moon than it is from the Sun.

Question 23

There are billions of stars in the Milky Way galaxy that are the same size as the Sun. Based on this information, why does the Sun appear to be the largest star from Earth?

Accepted Answer

The Sun is the closest star to Earth.

Answer

The other stars are not as bright as the Sun.

Answer

The other stars are not as old as the Sun.

Answer

The Sun is the farthest star from Earth.

Question 24

What is the primary reason Earth can support life?

Accepted Answer

Earth is the perfect distance from the Sun for moderate temperatures.

Answer

Earth is the only planet with liquid water on its surface.

Answer

Earth has a protective magnetic field.

Answer

Earth has a thick atmosphere that traps heat.

Question 25

What is responsible for keeping the Moon's orbit regular?

Accepted Answer

the force of gravity exerted on the Moon by Earth

Answer

the nuclear energy exerted on the Moon from Earth

Answer

the thermal energy exerted on the Moon from Earth

Answer

the electromagnetic force exerted on the Moon by Earth

Question 26

The picture below shows a club hitting a golf ball. Why does the golf ball move when the club strikes it?

Accepted Answer

Contact with the club creates an unbalanced force affecting the ball.

Answer

Contact with the ball creates an unbalanced force affecting the club.

Answer

Contact with the club releases the ball's kinetic energy.

Answer

Contact with the ball releases the club's potential energy.

Question 27

Rochelle dives into a full swimming pool from a 1-meter-high diving board. Which forces are acting on Rochelle as she hits the water?

Accepted Answer

The force of gravity pulls her downward, while the buoyant force of the water pushes her upward.

Answer

The force of friction pulls her downward, while the normal force of the water pushes her upward.

Answer

The buoyant force of the water pulls her downward, while the force of gravity pushes her upward.

Answer

The normal force of the water pulls her downward, while the force of friction pushes her upward.

Question 28

How do human eyes see color?

Accepted Answer

The human eye sees the wavelength of light that is reflected by an object, and each color of light is a separate wavelength.

Answer

The human eye sees all wavelengths of light that are reflected by an object, and all colors are the same wavelength of light.

Answer

The human eye sees the wavelength of light that is absorbed by an object, and each color of light is a separate wavelength.

Answer

The human eye sees all wavelengths of light that are absorbed by an object, and all colors are the same wavelength of light.

Question 29

In the diagram above, there is only one straw in the cup of water. Which of the following BEST explains the reason that there appears to be two straws?

Accepted Answer

Light is refracted differently in air than it is in water.

Answer

The water actually bends the straw a little bit.

Answer

Water is more dense than air and gives the illusion that the straw is bent.

Answer

Receptors in the eye process light differently when it has passed through water.

Question 30

A person who is hard of hearing can still enjoy music by feeling the sound vibrations the music makes on a medium. Which material would be best suited to transmit sound vibrations?

Accepted Answer

metal

Answer

air

Answer

glycerol

Answer

wood

Question 31

A blow dryer can be plugged into a socket and used to dry hair that is wet. What kind of energy change occurs?

Accepted Answer

Electrical energy is being transformed into thermal energy.

Answer

Mechanical energy is being transformed into thermal energy.

Answer

Sound energy is being transformed into electrical energy.

Answer

Magnetic energy is being transformed into wind energy.

Question 32

The element iron (Fe) is a metal, and the element chlorine (Cl) is a nonmetal. Based on the physical properties of metals and nonmetals, which of the following is true?

Accepted Answer

Iron is ductile, while chlorine is not.

Answer

Chlorine is more metallic than iron.

Answer

Chlorine is a better conductor than iron.

Answer

Iron is brittle, while chlorine is not.

Question 33

Lu Chin and Karissa are lab partners. Their science teacher gave them four labeled samples with differing physical properties. They were told to establish the mass and volume of each using triple beam balances, displacement canisters, and graduated cylinders. They recorded their data in the table below. Based on the information in their table, which substance will float on Sample B? Be aware that the density equation is d = m/v, with d being density, m being mass, and v being volume.

Accepted Answer

Sample A

Answer

Sample B

Answer

Sample C

Answer

Sample D

Question 34

How are compounds formed?

Accepted Answer

Compounds are formed when atoms from two or more elements chemically bond.

Answer

Compounds are formed two elements in the same state come into contact.

Answer

Compounds are formed when pure elements are broken down into their basic parts.

Answer

Compounds are formed when two or more atoms from the same element physically bond.

Question 35

Cameron is making juice pops as an after-school snack. He dissolves a can of frozen juice concentrate into three cans of water. Then he pours the solution into small cups and puts a small wooden handle into each cup. Finally, he places the cups into the freezer and freezes the solution to make a juice pop. What change or changes were required to create the juice pops?

Accepted Answer

physical only

Answer

chemical only

Answer

physical and chemical

Answer

chemical and thermal

Question 36

Mary Lou made several observations while she conducted her science experiment. The observations are listed in the box. Mary Lou's Observations - bubbles released - yucky odor given off - color change produced - precipitate produced Which statement best explains Mary Lou's observations?

Accepted Answer

B. A chemical reaction took place.

Answer

A. A physical reaction took place.

Answer

C. An exothermic reaction took place.

Answer

D. An endothermic reaction took place.

Question 37

All life depends on the availability of usable energy. When is this energy released?

Accepted Answer

B. when animal cells carry out the process of respiration

Answer

A. when plants carry out the process of transpiration

Answer

C. when plants convert solar energy into chemical energy

Answer

D. when animal cells synthesize starch and carbon dioxide

Question 38

Coral reefs are made of living colonies of coral. The coral build the reef by producing a solid, calcium carbonate, usually at the rate of several millimeters a year. Many plants and animals make their home within the coral: eating one another, reproducing, and producing substances to maintain a number of interlinked lifestyles. What is the ultimate outcome of these interactions?

Accepted Answer

C. the continuous transfer of matter and energy in and around the reef

Answer

A. the continuous gain in matter and energy of the reef

Answer

B. the continuous loss of matter and energy from the reef

Answer

D. the continuous exchange of matter and energy between the reef and the ocean floor

Question 39

All living organisms contain carbon. As organisms grow, they require large quantities of carbon to carry out life processes and make new cells. Where is the source of most of Earth's available carbon?

Accepted Answer

A. Carbon is constantly recycled from dead organisms back into the environment.

Answer

B. New carbon atoms are constantly being created by the process of photosynthesis.

Answer

C. Carbon atoms are constantly transferred from the Sun to Earth along with sunlight.

Answer

D. Carbon is constantly transported from the mantle to the crust by volcanic eruptions.

Question 40

Read the passage "Ticks and Cleaner Shrimp" and answer the question: What relationship exists between the fish and the shrimp?

Accepted Answer

mutualism

Answer

parasitism

Answer

competition

Question 41

Read the passage "Ticks and Cleaner Shrimp" and answer the question: What relationship exists between the tick and its host?

Accepted Answer

parasitism

Answer

commensalism

Answer

mutualism

Question 42

The picture provided shows a diagram of a cell. Where are the chromosomes located?

Accepted Answer

W

Answer

X

Answer

Y

Answer

Z

Question 43

Two sisters are born from a father who has blue eyes and a mother who has brown eyes. One sister has blue eyes, and the other sister has brown eyes. Which of the following best explains this difference in eye color?

Accepted Answer

A. Each sister inherited a different combination of alleles from their parents that determined their eye color.

Answer

B. The environment caused the alleles to be expressed in different ways, making the sisters' eye colors different.

Answer

C. One of the sisters inherited all of her alleles from the mother, and the other sister inherited only from the father.

Answer

D. The sister with the blue eyes had only one allele for determining eye color, and the sister with brown eyes had two.

Question 44

The picture shows the change that occurred in an insect population over 10 generations. The most likely explanation for this change is that over time there was

Accepted Answer

an increase in the need for spots on the wings.

Answer

a decrease in the need for spots on the wings.

Answer

an increase in the need for insects with longer legs.

Answer

a decrease in the need for insects with longer legs.

Question 45

Which of these best demonstrates natural selection?

Accepted Answer

A population of flowers takes over a certain area because they attract the most bees for pollination.

Answer

The pelvic bones in snakes have grown smaller because they do not have legs.

Answer

The human appendix has shrunk in size over time because it is not used.

Answer

A population of mice grows increasingly larger because the predators moved away from the area.

Question 46

Which of the following is NOT a reason why scientists classify organisms?

Accepted Answer

so that scientists can tell the order in which the organisms were discovered

Answer

so that scientists all over the world can talk about organisms with a common language

Answer

so that scientists can organize all the different types of organisms to study them better

Answer

so that scientists can more easily identify new organisms that are discovered

Question 47

The pictures below show three organisms that Yolanda found outside. Use the pictures to answer any questions that follow. Do these organisms share the same domain?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they are all in the same domain because their cells possess nuclei.

Answer

No, only the orange and snake are in the same domain because mushrooms cannot photosynthesize.

Answer

No, only the mushroom and orange are in the same domain because their cells have cell walls.

Answer

Yes, they are all in the same domain because they are prokaryotic.

Question 48

Which type of cell does the picture show?

Accepted Answer

An animal cell, because it does not have chloroplasts or a cell wall

Answer

A plant cell, because it contains a cell membrane and mitochondria

Answer

An animal cell, because it does not have vacuoles or mitochondria

Answer

A plant cell, because it contains cytoplasm and vacuoles

Question 49

Which organelle is located at U?

Accepted Answer

The nucleus, the control center in animal and plant cells

Answer

A vacuole, a water storage center in animal and plant cells

Answer

A vacuole, a water storage center found only in animal cells

Answer

The mitochondrion, the control center found only in plant cells

Question 50

The circulatory system is made up of the heart, the blood, and the blood vessels. What would happen if the blood suddenly disappeared?

Accepted Answer

The whole circulatory system would fail.

Answer

The heart would continue to function.

Answer

The blood vessels would continue to function.

Answer

None of the above

Question 51

What is true for all cells?

Accepted Answer

They are formed from pre-existing cells.

Answer

They are found in the human body.

Answer

They contain flagella.

Answer

They contain at least trace amounts of chlorophyll.

Question 52

Which of the following things found in a plant is the smallest?

Accepted Answer

atoms

Answer

cells

Answer

pollen

Answer

chloroplasts

Question 53

Vertebrates, a classification of animals, possess a brain, spinal cord, multiple senses, and a network of nerves. Which level of organization is represented by this combination of structures?

Accepted Answer

organ system

Answer

organ

Answer

organism

Answer

tissue

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