STAAR Category 3 Science

A topographic map provides details about Emory Peak in Big Bend National Park. A radio tower on Emory Peak is indicated. Based on the topographic map, if a park ranger hiked due west from the radio tower, the ranger’s path would —

• cross a canyon with a river running through it

• cross another peak in the park

• be flat and then go up a steep slope

• go down a steep slope and then become flatter

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

A student makes a model of the sun-Earth system by swinging a ball around her head. Using this model, the student is trying to explain how Earth stays on a path around the sun.The student explains that this path is the result of —

• The magnetic attraction between Earth and the sun

• Potential energy stored in Earth that originated in the sun

• The gravitational attraction between the sun and Earth

• Electromagnetic energy from the sun pulling on Earth

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

A teacher asks students to make a model of a transform plate boundary. The students use blocks to represent tectonic plates and slide the blocks past each other in the directions of the arrows as shown. Which event can the students best demonstrate with their model?

• Earthquake

• A volcanic eruption

• Formation of a rift valley

• Building up of a mountain

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Which set of conditions best describes the weather at the area of lowest air pressure?

• Bright sun with no wind

• Partly cloudy with no wind

• Mostly sunny with light winds

• Overcast skies with strong winds

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Earth’s atmosphere blocks short wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum. Which telescopes must be placed in orbit around Earth in order to observe short-wavelength radiation?

• Gamma-ray telescopes

• Visible-light telescopes

• Infrared telescopes

• Radio telescopes

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

A student models moon phases. She holds a foam ball on a stick in front of her body and then stands in front of a light as shown. The student uses herself to represent Earth. She turns her body slowly to represent four different moon phases. Which numbered diagram represents the student modeling a full moon?

• Diagram 1

• Diagram 2

• Diagram 3

• Diagram 4

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Which two riverbanks are the steepest?

• W and X

• Y and Z

• X and Y

• W and Z

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Which statement best describes a galaxy?

• A cloud of gas that is the birthplace of stars

• A system of billions of stars, gas, and dust held together by gravity

• A ball of plasma that experiences nuclear fusion in its core

• A mass of dust and ice that orbits a star in an elliptical pattern

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

The spectral classes of four stars are shown in comparison with a Hertzsprung-Russell diagram. Based on the information, which star is most like the sun?

• Star 1

• Star 2

• Star 3

• Star 4

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-1

NGSS.HS-ESS1-3

A student viewed the moon through binoculars one week after a new moon. Which image shows the phase of the moon that the student observed?

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Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1