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8th Grade Mock SSA

Total questions: 115

Worksheet time: 1hrs 17mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

In a scientific investigation, the variable that is being changed by the scientist is the:

a)

Independent Variable

b)

Dependent Variable

c)

Constant

d)

Control Group

2.

Ms. Mynatt completes several trials of the same experiment to ensure that her data is accurate. This is an example of:

a)

Repetition

b)

Replication

c)

Independent Variable

d)

Constant

3.

Ms. Mynatt completes several trials of the same experiment to ensure that her data is accurate. She then gives her materials and procedure to Ms. Hyde and Ms. Hyde completes the same experiment.  This is an example of:

a)

Repetition

b)

Replication

c)

Independent Variable

d)

Dependent Variable

4.

Rocks formed through heat and pressure

a)

Igneous

b)

Metamorphic

c)

Sedimentary

5.

A new brand of headache medication wants to test if their medication is effective. They find 20 people with headaches. They give their medication to Group A and they give flavored water to Group B. Which is the control group?

a)

Group A

b)

Group B

6.

The _________ group is the group not receiving any treatment.

a)

Control

b)

Experimental

7.

Variables that must be the same across all groups in an experiment are

a)

Constants

b)

Independent

c)

Dependent

8.

Why does scientific knowledge change over time?

a)

Scientists like to make things complicated

b)

Scientists like to change their minds

c)

New evidence and discoveries lead to revisions in their understanding

d)

Scientific knowledge does not change

9.

Which of the following best describes empirical evidence in science?

a)

Evidence based on personal feelings

b)

Evidence that a scientist obtained by talking to another scientist

c)

Evidence gathered through experiments and observations

d)

Evidence obtained through textbooks

10.

What is the main difference between scientific theories and scientific laws?

a)

Theories are ideas and laws are proven

b)

Theories explain why something happens, while laws describe what happens

c)

Theories are always correct, while laws can be incorrect

d)

Theories describe what happens, while laws explain why something happens

11.

What is a common limitation of scientific models?

a)

They are always accurate representations and to scale

b)

They cannot be used to make predictions

c)

They are based on opinion rather than evidence

d)

They simplify complex systems and may not capture all details

12.

Which of the following is most similar to Oxygen?

a)

Polonium

b)

Gold

c)

Nitrogen

d)

Neon

13.

Which of the following is most similar to Gold?

a)

Silver

b)

Platinum

c)

Mercury

d)

Iodine

14.

Transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves ex: sunlight or warmth from a fire

a)

Conduction

b)

Convection

c)

Radiation

15.

Transfer of heat through direct contact

a)

Conduction

b)

Convection

c)

Radiation

16.

Transfer of heat through the movement of a liquid or gas (circulation)

a)

Conduction

b)

Convection

c)

Radiation

17.

How do ocean currents influence local weather?

a)

By affecting the direction of the wind

b)

By transporting heat and moisture

c)

By causing earthquakes

d)

By creating tornadoes

18.

What is the main difference between weather and climate?

a)

Weather refers to long-term patterns while climate refers to short-term atmospheric conditions

b)

Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, which climate refers to long-term patterns

c)

Weather and climate are the same thing

d)

Weather refers to conditions on land, which climate refers to conditions at sea

19.

Ice

a)

Geosphere

b)

Hydrosphere

c)

Cryosphere

d)

Biosphere

20.

Layer of gases surrounding the Earth

a)

Geosphere

b)

Atmosphere

c)

Biosphere

d)

Cryosphere

21.

All of Earth's water

a)

Atmosphere

b)

Geosphere

c)

Biosphere

d)

Hydrosphere

22.

All living things

a)

Hydrosphere

b)

Biosphere

c)

Geosphere

d)

Cryosphere

23.

Earth's layers, rock, and landforms

a)

Geosphere

b)

Biosphere

c)

Hydrosphere

d)

Cryosphere

24.

Movement of sediment

a)

Weathering

b)

Erosion

c)

Deposition

25.

Breaking down of rocks and minerals into smaller pieces

a)

Weathering

b)

Erosion

c)

Deposition

26.

Dropping sediment in a new location

a)

Weathering

b)

Erosion

c)

Deposition

27.

The cooling and hardening of magma

a)

Metamorphic

b)

Igneous

c)

Sedimentary

28.

Which statement best summarizes cell theory?

a)

All living things are made up of cells, cells are the basic unit of structure, and come from existing cells

b)

All cells have a cell wall

c)

Cells are only found in animals not in plants

d)

Cells have a nucleus, mitochondria, and chloroplasts

29.

How does the body regulate its internal temperature to maintain homeostasis?

a)

By increasing heart rate

b)

By sweating to cool down and shivering to warm up

c)

By changing blood pressure

d)

By altering digestion

30.

Caused by the compaction and cementation of pieces of rock and fossils

a)

Metamorphic

b)

Igneous

c)

Sedimentary

31.

Which TWO organelles do plant cells have that animal cells do not?

a)

Chloroplasts

b)

Cell Wall

c)

Mitochondria

d)

Nucleus

32.

In the levels of organization, which level is the most broad?

a)

Kingdom

b)

Domain

c)

Species

d)

Family

33.

In the levels of organization, which level is the most specific?

a)

Domain

b)

Class

c)

Species

d)

Genus

34.

The scientific name of an organism is made up of its _______ and ________.

a)

Genus; Family

b)

Genus; Species

c)

Genus; Domain

d)

Genus; Order

35.

Sediment being carried away by wind

a)

Weathering

b)

Erosion

c)

Deposition

36.

Which of the following accurately describes the organization of living things? (in order from basic to complex)

a)

Organ, organ system, tissue, cell

b)

Cell, tissue, organ system, organ

c)

Cell, tissue, organ, organ system

d)

organ system, organ, cell, tissue

37.

Which organ system is responsible for delivering oxygen to cells and removing carbon dioxide from the body?

a)

Circulatory

b)

Excretory

c)

Respiratory

d)

Nervous

38.

What does the Law of Conservation of Energy state?

a)

Energy cannot be created or destroyed, it simply changes form

b)

Energy can be created and destroyed

c)

Energy can be created but not destroyed

d)

Energy disappears

39.

Which point has the greatest potential energy?

a)

A

b)

B

c)

C

40.

Which layer is the mantle?

a)

1

b)

2

c)

3

d)

4

41.

What is the net force?

a)

500 N

b)

450 N

c)

50 N

d)

25 N

42.

A _________ is two or more atoms of different elements that are chemically combined.

a)

Element

b)

Compound

c)

Mixture

43.

Mixtures are not chemically combined.

a)

True

b)

False

44.

Sediment being dropped and forming a delta.

a)

Weathering

b)

Erosion

c)

Deposition

45.

Light bending

a)

Reflection

b)

Refraction

c)

Absorption

46.

A magnifying glass _______ light.

a)

Reflects

b)

Refracts

c)

Absorbs

47.

Light bouncing

a)

Reflection

b)

Refraction

c)

Absorption

48.

Kinley created a model of the molecules of a solid, liquid, and gas to compare the motion of the particles.


Which state of matter does each image represent?

a)

A - solid, B - liquid, C - gas

b)

A - gas, B - liquid, C - solid

c)

A - liquid, B - gas, C - solid

d)

A - liquid, B - solid, C - gas

49.

Penny placed a tablet of baking soda in a cup of water. The tablet immediately began to bubble, fizz, and eventually dissolve.

Did a physical or chemical change occur and how do you know?

a)

chemical; the tablet gave off a gas in the form of bubbles

b)

chemical; the fizzing sound indicates a new substance was formed

c)

physical; the tablet only dissolved in the water and formed a mixture

d)

physical; the water can be boiled off and the tablet residue would be left

50.
The number at the top of each square on the periodic table is the ...
a)
atomic number
b)
atomic mass
c)
Chemical Symbol
d)
Element Name
51.

The atomic number tells you what?

a)

number of electrons

b)

number of protons and electrons in an atom

c)

number of neutrons

52.
A proton is....
a)
A negatively charged subatomic particle
b)
A positively charged subatomic particle
c)
A neutrally charged subatomic particle
d)
The only subatomic particle located in the nucleus
53.
A neutron has a charge of
a)
+2
b)
No charge
c)
-1
d)
+1
54.
Which subatomic particles are found in nucleus?
a)
Proton and electron
b)
Proton and neutron
c)
neutron and electron
d)
neutron, electron and proton
55.
Put the liquids in order from most dense to least dense?
a)
4, 3, 2, 1
b)
1, 2, 3, 4
c)
3, 4, 2, 1, 
d)
4, 3, 1, 2
56.
Why do some substances float on water?
a)
they are warmer than water
b)
they are cooler than water
c)
they are more dense than water
d)
they are less dense than water
57.

How do you calculate density?

a)

Density=Mass/Volume

b)

Density=Volume/Mass

58.

How do animals get carbon?

a)

By eating plants and or other animals.

b)

They absorb it from the atmosphere.

c)

From the ground

d)

They do not get carbon from anywhere.

59.

What do plants need to perform photosynthesis?

a)

Love

b)

Soil with a high nitrogen (N) content

c)

Water (H2O) + Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Sunlight Energy

d)

Pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds

60.

In which cell organelle does PHOTOSYNTHESIS take place?

a)

The chloroplast

b)

The mitochondria

c)

The cytoplasm

d)

The golgi apparatus

61.

Where in the cell does cellular respiration take place?

a)

The chloroplasts

b)

The golgi apparatus

c)

The mitochondria

d)

The cell wall

62.
I am found in plant cells. I am rigid, strong & stiff. I give support to the plant cell.  I give the cell it's box shape
a)
cell membrane
b)
cell wall
c)
chlorophyll
d)
mitochondria
63.

Kristine exercises regularly. The process of cellular respiration makes it possible for Kristine to run on the treadmill and to lift weights. What do her cells do during cellular respiration?

a)

convert kinetic energy into chemical energy

b)

absorb light energy through the chlorophyll in their chloroplasts

c)

combine water and carbon dioxide to produce oxygen and glucose

d)

break down food molecules to release energy in the form of ATP

64.

A timeline of some models of atoms throughout history is shown above. These models have contributed to the formation of the atomic theory. Which statement BEST summarizes the development of the atomic theory over time?

a)

The discovery of new evidence resulted in changes to the atomic theory.

b)

Advancements in atomic models proved the atomic theory was accurate.

c)

The atomic theory was modified with the discovery of every new element.

d)

Changes in atomic models showed that the atomic theory was based on opinion.

65.

The change in seasons is a result of what?

a)

rotation

b)

ravioli

c)

revolution

d)

Earth's tilt on its axis as it revolves around the sun

66.

Which causes day and night?

a)

revolution

b)

ravioli

c)

rotation

d)

Earth's tilt on its axis as it revolves around the sun

67.

Which is most responsible for Earth's tides?

a)

the sun

b)

the moon

c)

mars

d)

humans

68.

Which statement is true concerning the diagram:

a)

The tidal range would be high because it is a spring tide

b)

The tidal range would be low because it is a spring tide

c)

The tidal range would be high because it is a neap tide

d)

The tidal range would be low because it is a neap tide

69.

The force that holds the planets in orbit around the sun is called?

a)

Rotation

b)

Gravity

c)

Friction

d)

Pressure

70.

What makes the moon look bright in the sky?

a)

The moon reflects light from Earth.

b)

The moon reflects light from the Sun.

c)

The moon generates its own light.

d)

The moon absorbs light from the stars.

71.

What type of model is shown?

a)

geocentric

b)

Wheels on wheels

c)

heliocentric

d)

galaxy

72.

The distance between objects, along with the masses of the objects, affect the gravitational force between the objects. Which statement is true according to Newton’s law of universal gravitation?

a)

When the masses of objects increase, gravitational force decreases.

b)

When distance between objects increases, gravitational force decreases.

c)

When distance between objects decreases, gravitational force decreases.

d)

When the masses of objects decrease, the distance between objects decreases.

73.

Where is the energy for the Sun created?

a)

in the Sun's atmosphere

b)

in the convection zone

c)

in the hot zone

d)

in the core

74.
As wavelength increases, its
a)
frequency decreases
b)
frequency stays the same
c)
frequency increases
d)
volume increases
75.
Where would a book have the most potential energy?
a)
on the floor
b)
on top of a bookshelf
c)
on a table
d)
on a chair
76.
As a lawnmower burns gas to turn the blade, which energy transformation is taking place?
a)
nuclear to mechanical
b)
thermal to mechanical
c)
chemical to mechanical
d)
mechanical to thermal
77.

In the wave above, which is the wavelength?

a)

A

b)

B

c)

C

d)

D

e)

E

78.

Why does sound travel faster through a solid object than in the air?

a)

The atoms are smaller in a solid object than the atoms in the air.

b)

The atoms in the solid object are closer together than the atoms in the air.

c)

The atoms are larger in the solid object than the atoms in the air.

d)

The atoms in the solid object are farther apart than the atoms in the air.

79.
Which has the LONGEST wavelength and, therefore, the lowest frequency/energy
a)
Gamma Rays
b)
Radio Waves
c)
Visible Light
d)
Infrared rays
80.
Which has the SHORTEST wavelength and, therefore, the highest frequency/most energy
a)
Radio waves
b)
Ultraviolet Rays
c)
Gamma Rays
d)
X-rays
81.
When you touch a cold window, how is energy being transferred?
a)
The window transfers heat to you 
b)
You transfer heat to the window
c)
The sun transfers heat to you
d)
None of the above
82.
Warm air rises and the cool air sinks demonstrates this type of heat transfer. 
a)
conduction
b)
convection
c)
radiation
d)
Insolation 
83.
What happens when ice cubes melt in a glass?
a)
Heat travels from the ice to the warmer water.
b)
No energy is transferred.
c)
Heat is transferred from the warmer water to the ice cubes.
d)
The water warms up due to the humidity
84.

The ratio of mass of a substance to volume of a substance.

a)

Luster

b)

Mass

c)

Texture

d)

Density

85.

A description of the way a surface looks when light reflects off of the surface. (How shiny or dull it is)

a)

Luster

b)

Density

c)

Solubility

d)

Freezing Point

86.

The quality of being soluble. (ability of a solid to dissolve into a liquid)

a)

density

b)

solubility

c)

malleability

d)

luster

87.

The ability to transmit or transfer heat or electricity through a material.

a)

Magnetism

b)

Conductivity

c)

Density

d)

Flammability

88.

The measure of the amount of matter in an object.

a)

Mass

b)

Volume

c)

Density

d)

Shape

89.

What is a measurement of the gravitational force of attraction of the earth acting on an object?

a)

mass

b)

weight

c)

volume

d)

density

90.
What cannot be broken down into other substances?
a)
Compound
b)
Mixture
c)
Solids
d)
Element
91.
Is water an element or a compound?
a)
Element
b)
Compound
92.

Through which of the following would Sound Waves move the fastest?

a)

Water

b)

Air

c)

Carbon Dioxide

d)

Wooden Table

93.

In science, what is a vacuum?

a)

An experiment

b)

Empty space

c)

The mass

d)

The weight

94.

When heat is added how do atoms behave?

a)

Atoms speed up and more collisions occur

b)

Atoms slow down and less collisions occur

95.

When a solid changes directly to a gas, what change in state has occurred?

a)

Freezing

b)

Melting

c)

Sublimation

d)

Condensation

96.

The movement of plates is due to convection currents in the ________.

a)

Mantle

b)

Inner Core

c)

Outer core

d)

Crust

97.

Which layer is most dense?

a)

Outer Core

b)

Inner Core

c)

Mantle

d)

Crust

98.

Which of the following orders the rock layers accurately from oldest to youngest?

a)

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

b)

5, 4, 3, 2, 1

c)

2, 3, 4, 5, 1

d)

1, 2, 3, 5, 4

99.
According to the law of superposition, which layer is the youngest?
a)
A
b)
B
c)
C
100.

What is Natural Selection?

a)

The oldest organisms die

b)

The organisms best suited for their environment survive and reproduce

c)

An organisms body starts changing the older is gets

101.

A possible explanation for an observation that can be tested by scientific investigations.

a)

prediction

b)

hypothesis

c)

inference

d)

claim

102.

The act of using one or more of your senses to gather information and taking note of what occurs.

a)

empirical evidence

b)

observation

c)

science

d)

prediction

103.

A scientific investigation performed in controlled settings such as a laboratory and involving different test groups.

a)

field study

b)

experiment

c)

investigation

d)

study abroad

104.

A summary of the information gained from testing a hypothesis.

a)

inference

b)

conclusion

c)

prediction

d)

hypothesis

105.

Plants make their own food called

a)

glucose

b)

oxygen

c)

carbon dioxide

d)

chloroplast

106.

What is the green pigment (coloring) found in chloroplasts in plants?

a)

glucose

b)

sugar

c)

oxygen

d)

chlorophyll

107.

What are the small openings on an underside of a leaf through which gas is exchanged?

a)

stem

b)

stomata

c)

chlorophyll

d)

chloroplasts

108.

What equation is this?

a)

Photosynthesis

b)

Cellular Respiration

109.

What equation is this?

a)

Photosynthesis

b)

Cellular Respiration

110.

Which is true about Bob's speed between 4 and 6 hours?

a)

His speed was faster than it was during 0 to 2 hours.

b)

His speed was the same as it was during 0 to 2 hours.

c)

His speed was slower than it was during 3 to 4 hours.

d)

His speed was the same as it was during 3 to 4 hours.

111.
Which of the following best describes the tilt of the earth when it is summer in the southern hemisphere?
a)
The northern hemisphere is tilted toward the sun
b)
The northern hemisphere is tilted away from the sun
c)
The norther hemisphere is tilted neither toward or away from the sun
d)
Why are you talking about the northern hemisphere when you asked about the southern hemisphere?
112.

Why is the Equator warmest?

a)

Because it is closest to the sun.

b)

Because it receives the most direct sunlight

c)

Because no clouds form here.

d)

Because it is far from the sun

113.

Which of the following best describes the tilt of the earth when it is summer in the southern hemisphere?

a)

The northern hemisphere is tilted toward the sun

b)

The northern hemisphere is tilted away from the sun

c)

The southern hemisphere is tilted toward the sun

d)

The southern hemisphere is tilted away from the sun

114.
What season is letter A in the northern hemisphere?
a)
Winter
b)
Summer
c)
Spring
d)
Fall
115.

In the diagram below, the Northern hemisphere would be in what season at position A?

a)

Fall or Autumn

b)

Spring

c)

Winter

d)

Summer