WCAS Science Test Prep

Less snow falls during a warmer-then-normal winter in the Yellowstone ecosystem. The thinner snow cover on the ground allows for more plants to be visible than when the snow cover is thick.

Describe how a winter with less snowfall might affect the population of elk.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Less snow falls during a warmer-then-normal winter in the Yellowstone ecosystem. The thinner snow cover on the ground allows for more plants to be visible than when the snow cover is thick. Some scientists predict that, over time, the average thickness of the snow cover in the Yellowstone ecosystem will decrease as global air temperatures increase. Predict a long-term effect of the reduced snow cover in the Yellowstone ecosystem on the beaver population. Be sure to support your prediction using evidence.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Scientists in a different area with an ecosystem similar to that of Yellowstone are considering different solutions for protecting trees in hopes of restoring the ecosystem to its previous levels of biodiversity. One scientist recommends placing fences that are two meters in height around areas of existing trees rather than introducing wolves to the ecosystem. Select one likely ADVANTAGE of using fences to protect the trees.

• young trees would be able to grow to maturity

• birds would have access to trees for building nests

• the elk population would increase as the adult tree population would increase

• beavers would be unable to access the trees for food and to build their shelters

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

From November to February, the constellation Orion is clearly visible in the night sky from Mississippi. Orion appears to rise from the east and set in the west. The stars do not actually move through the sky. They appear to change positions due to the Earth's Movement.

What factor is responsible for the changes in Orion's position when viewed during the winter month?

• the rotation of the Sun

• the rotation of Earth on its axis

• the revolution of the Sun around the Earth

• the revolution of the moon around the Sun

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Use the scenario to answer the next two questions Making solutions Solutions are mixtures that are very common in our daily lives. A solution is composed of a solute and a solvent. A student conducted an investigation using 50 milliliter of distilled water and 5 grams of table salt. The water for each test was brought to a certain temperature before the salt was added. The data from the investigation are shown in the graph. Which conclusion best describes the data in the graph?

• Increasing the amount of solvent increases the temperature of a solution

• Increasing the temperature of the solute increases the amount of the solution

• the amount of solute in a solution determines the time needed for the solute to dissolve in the solvent

• A decrease in the temperature of a solvent increases the time needed for a solute to dissolve in a solvent

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

A student is identifying properties of chemical particles by using the chart below. Complete the chart by selecting boxes to identify each property as a description of an atom, a molecule, or both

Properties of Particles

Which are particles held together by bonding?

• atom

• molecule

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

A student is identifying properties of chemical particles by using the chart below. Complete the chart by selecting boxes to identify each property as a description of an atom, a molecule, or both

Properties of Particles

Which is the smallest particle of an element with properties of that element?

• atom

• molecule

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

Which statement best explains the change that occurs when wood is burned?

• This is physical change because the products can be changed back into wood

• This is physical change because the products are different from the starting materials

• This is chemical change because the products can be changed back into wood

• This is chemical change because the products are different from the starting materials

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Which statement accurately describes the vegetation or animals that would be best supported by the ecosystem?

• the desert would support animals that need to remain cool

• the pond would support animals that can survive in saltwater environment

• the tropical rainforest would support plants that are tall and have then needles

• the polar tundra would support plants that are small and grow close to the ground

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Which is the correct order of the food chain of the channel catfish?

• A,B,C,D

• B,C,D,A

• C,D,A,B

• D,B,A,C

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3