NYS Grade 8 Science Practice Test

The diagram represents a potato plant. Several plant structures are labeled.

What is the primary structure in the potato plant that converts light energy into chemical energy?

• leaves

• flower

• roots

• tuber

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

The diagram represents a potato plant. Several plant structures are labeled.

The main function of the potato plant’s stem is to

• absorb water

• produce potatoes

• produce seeds

• transport nutrients

The diagram represents a pond area.

The original source of energy for this pond area is the

• fish

• Sun

• water

• duck

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

The data table shows the years when Halley’s Comet was closest to the Sun, making it visible to observers on Earth.

Based on the data table, the next year when Halley’s Comet will most likely be visible to an observer on Earth would be

• 2022

• 2043

• 2061

• 2136

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

The data table shows the years when Halley’s Comet was closest to the Sun, making it visible to observers on Earth.

The reason that Halley’s Comet can be seen during specific years is that

• the orbit of Halley’s Comet is a perfect circle

• the orbit of Halley’s Comet is controlled by Earth’s gravity

• Halley’s Comet orbits Earth in a cyclic and predictable pattern

• Halley’s Comet orbits the Sun in a cyclic and predictable pattern

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

The Moon completes the cycle of phases from one Full Moon to the next Full Moon in approximately one

• day

• week

• month

• year

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

The diagram below represents Earth’s polar and equatorial diameters, measured in kilometers (km).

The shape of Earth is best described a

• perfectly spherical because the equatorial diameter is the same as the polar diameter

• perfectly spherical because the equatorial diameter is slightly larger than the polar diameter

• nearly spherical because the equatorial diameter is the same as the polar diameter

• nearly spherical because the equatorial diameter is slightly larger than the polar diameter

Snowflakes are seen melting as they fall through the air. This melting occurs because the snowflakes

• lose heat and the surrounding air loses heat

• lose heat and the surrounding air gains heat

• gain heat and the surrounding air gains heat

• gain heat and the surrounding air loses heat

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

The diagram below represents Earth’s layers, labeled A through D.

Which letter represents the outer core?

• A

• B

• C

• D

The freezing point of a substance is the temperature at which the substance changes from

• gas to liquid

• gas to solid

• liquid to gas

• liquid to solid

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4