STAAR Science Practice Assessment

A student compares the water flow through four different soils. The setup and results of the investigation are shown in the diagram.

The student used this procedure to perform the investigation:

1. Place 100 grams of each type of soil into one of the funnels with a coffee filter.

2. Slowly pour 100 milliliters of water onto the soil in each funnel.

3. Allow the water in each funnel to drain for 30 minutes.

4. Record the amount of water in each beaker.

5. Subtract the amount of water in each beaker from 100 mL and record this number as the amount remaining in the funnel.

Based on the data in the table, which soil is MOST LIKELY made of the smallest particles?

• Soil 1

• Soil 2

• Soil 3

• Soil 4

Tags

5.3.4.7.A

An ocean food web is shown.

Which food chain is correct based on the information in this food web?

• Tiny sea plants → Tiny sea animals → Baleen whales → Toothed whales

• Leopard seals → Fish → Tiny sea animals → Tiny sea plants

• Elephant seals → Leopard seals → Seabirds → Baleen whales

• Crabs → Fish → Elephant seals → Toothed whales

Tags

5.4.5.9.B

Black walnut trees produce and release a chemical from their roots that prevents nearby plants of different species from growing. Which statement describes the MOST LIKELY advantage for the black walnut trees of releasing this chemical?

• Less sunlight is needed to produce food.

• Walnuts are protected from animal predators.

• Competition for space and nutrients is decreased.

• The amount of air available to the tree increases.

Tags

5.4.5.9.A

Students are conducting an experiment to determine how the amount of force needed to drag a wood block across a surface is affected by the type of surface. A diagram of the experimental setup is shown.

Which procedure should the students follow when conducting their experiment?

• Measure the force required to drag four different blocks over the same surface. Conduct three trials for each block.

• Measure the force required to drag the same block over four different surfaces. Conduct three trials for each surface.

• Measure the force required to drag the same block over the same surface using four different scales. Conduct three trials for each scale.

• Measure the force required to drag the same block over the same surface by four different students. Conduct three trials for each student.

Tags

5.2.5.6.D

This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B. A student has three blocks. Each block is made of iron, lead, or copper. All three blocks have equal masses and are the same color.

Part A

How could the student determine whether any of the blocks are made of iron?

• Place a magnet close to each of the blocks.

• Record whether the blocks float or sink in water.

• Try to dissolve the blocks in a beaker of water.

• Drop the blocks from a certain height and record any cracks.

Tags

5.1.5.5.A

Which explanation supports the answer to Part A?

• Iron is denser than water and will therefore float.

• Iron can break more easily than copper or lead.

• Iron is magnetic and will be attracted to the magnet.

• Iron dissolves in water but copper and lead do not.

Tags

5.1.5.5.A

Which statement BEST describes the roles of weathering and erosion in the formation of sedimentary rock?

• Weathering is the movement of sediment, and erosion breaks down rocks into sediment.

• Erosion is the movement of sediment, and weathering breaks down rocks into sediment.

• Weathering is the movement of sediment, and erosion is the dropping of sediment at new locations.

• Erosion is the movement of sediment, and weathering is the dropping of sediment at new locations.

Tags

5.3.5.7.A

Which statement explains why the sun appears to move across the sky during the day?

• Earth revolves around the sun.

• Earth rotates on its axis.

• The sun revolves around Earth.

• The sun rotates on its axis.

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5.3.5.8.C

In what order do these steps occur during the formation of sedimentary rock? Move the correct answer to each box.

Step 1: ​ (a)  

Step 2: ​ (b)  

Step 3: ​ (c)  

Step 4: ​ (d)  

Step 5: ​ (e)  

• Weathering

• Erosion

• Deposition

• Compaction

• Cementation

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5.3.5.7.A

The drawing shows fossils of dinosaur tracks. Scientists determined that the tracks formed at the same time. They also determined that the tracks were made by the same species of dinosaur. Based on the drawing, which conclusion can be made about the behavior of this species of dinosaur?

• It traveled in family groups.

• It preferred to hunt alone for prey.

• It ate both plants and insects.

• It was most active during the day.

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5.4.5.9.D