Download Mastering the PACT - Darlington Middle School

SOUTH
CAROLINA
Mastering the PACT
Student Edition
Test-Taking Tips
• Go to bed early the night before the test. You will think more clearly
after a good night’s rest.
• Read each problem carefully and think about ways to solve the
problem before you try to answer the question.
• Relax. Most people get nervous when taking a test. It’s natural. Just
do your best.
• Answer questions you are sure about first. If you do not know the
answer to a question, skip it and go back to that question later.
• Think positively. Some problems may seem hard to you, but you may
be able to figure out what to do if you read each question carefully.
• If no figure is provided, draw one. If one is furnished, mark it up to
help you solve the problem.
• When you have finished each problem, reread it to make sure your
answer is reasonable.
• Become familiar with a variety of formulas and when they should
be used.
• Make sure that the number of the question on the answer sheet
matches the number of the question on which you are working in
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ISBN-13: 978-007-875656-6
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Contents
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
Student Recording Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi
South Carolina Science Academic Standards, Grade 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Test Practice
Diagnostic Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Standards Practice
Indicator 8-1.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Indicator 8-1.2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Indicator 8-1.3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Indicator 8-1.4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Indicator 8-1.5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Indicator 8-1.6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Indicator 8-1.7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Indicator 8-2.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Indicator 8-2.2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Indicator 8-2.3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Indicator 8-2.4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Indicator 8-2.5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Indicator 8-2.6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Indicator 8-2.7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Indicator 8-3.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Indicator 8-3.2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Indicator 8-3.3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Indicator 8-3.4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Indicator 8-3.5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Indicator 8-3.6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Indicator 8-3.7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Indicator 8-3.8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Indicator 8-3.9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Indicator 8-4.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Indicator 8-4.2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Indicator 8-4.3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Indicator 8-4.4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Indicator 8-4.5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Indicator 8-4.6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Indicator 8-4.7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Indicator 8-4.8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Indicator 8-4.9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Indicator 8-4.10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Indicator 8-5.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Indicator 8-5.2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Indicator 8-5.3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Contents (continued)
Indicator 8-5.4
Indicator 8-5.5
Indicator 8-5.6
Indicator 8-6.1
Indicator 8-6.2
Indicator 8-6.3
Indicator 8-6.4
Indicator 8-6.5
Indicator 8-6.6
Indicator 8-6.7
Indicator 8-6.8
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Test Practice
Sample Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Overview
The material in this booklet is designed to help you prepare for the South
Carolina Palmetto Achievement Challenge Tests (PACT).
It contains:
• a Student Recording Chart,
• South Carolina Science Academic Standards,
• a Diagnostic Test,
• practice questions for each indicator, and
• a Sample Test.
How to Use This Book
Diagnostic Test This test will help you identify any weaknesses you
may have as you prepare to take the PACT. Once you’ve taken the test and
it’s been graded, complete the Student Recording Chart that is found on
page vi. Circle each question that you answered incorrectly.
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Practice If you missed one or two of the questions for a particular
indicator, you could probably use some extra practice with that indicator.
The Student Recording Chart lists practice pages for each indicator.
Complete the appropriate practice pages. If you are unsure about how to
answer some of the problems, you may want to refer to your science book.
Sample Test After you have completed your practice worksheet(s), take
the Sample Test on pages 73 to 95.
Mastering the PACT, Grade 8
v
Name _____________________________________________________
Student Recording Chart
Directions Circle each question from the Diagnostic Test that you answered
incorrectly. If there are one or two circles marked for an indicator, write Yes
in the Need Practice? box. Then complete the practice pages for that indicator.
Indicator
8-1.1
8-1.2
8-1.3
8-1.4
8-1.5
8-1.6
1 2
3
4 6
5 7
9
8 10 11
25
26
27
28
29
30
8-1.7
8-2.1
8-2.2
8-2.3
8-2.4
8-2.5
12 13 14
15 16
20 21 22
17 18 19
24 25 27
23 26 28
31
32
33
34
35
36
Indicator
8-2.6
8-2.7
8-3.1
8-3.2
8-3.3
8–3.4
Test Questions
29 30
31 32 33
36 38
34 35 37 39
40 43 44
41 42
37
38
39
40
41
42
Indicator
8-3.5
8-3.6
8-3.7
8-3.8
8-3.9
8-4.1
Test Questions
45 46
47
48 49
50 51
55 56
52 53 54
43
44
45
46
47
48
Test Questions
Need Practice?
Practice Pages
Indicator
Test Questions
Need Practice?
Practice Pages
Practice Pages
Need Practice?
Practice Pages
vi
Mastering the PACT, Grade 8
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Need Practice?
Name _____________________________________________________
Student Recording Chart (continued )
Indicator
8-4.2
8-4.3
8-4.4
8-4.5
8-4.6
8-4.7
58 59 62
57 60 61
63 65
64 66
68 70 71
67 69 72
49
50
51
52
53
54
Indicator
8-4.8
8-4.9
8-4.10
8-5.1
8-5.2
8-5.3
Test Questions
73 74
75 76 77
78 81 82
79 80
85 86 87
83 84
55
56
57
58
59
60
8-5.4
8-5.5
8-5.6
8-6.1
8-6.2
8–6.3
88 90 92
89 91
93 94 95
96 97
100 101
98 99 102
61
62
63
64
65
66
8-6.4
8-6.5
8-6.6
8-6.7
8-6.8
103 105
109 112
108 110
111 113
68
69
70
71
Test Questions
Need Practice?
Practice Pages
Need Practice?
Practice Pages
Indicator
Test Questions
Need Practice?
Practice Pages
Indicator
Test Questions 104 106 107
Need Practice?
67
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Practice Pages
Mastering the PACT, Grade 8
vii
South Carolina Science Academic Standards
Grade 8
Scientific Inquiry
The skills of scientific inquiry, including a knowledge of the use of tools, will be
assessed cumulatively on statewide tests. Students will therefore be responsible for the
scientific inquiry indicators from all of their earlier grade levels.
Standard 8-1: The student will demonstrate an understanding of technological design and scientific
inquiry, including process skills, mathematical thinking, controlled investigative design
and analysis, and problem solving.
8-1.1
Design a controlled scientific investigation.
8-1.2
Recognize the importance of a systematic process for safely and accurately conducting
investigations.
8-1.3
Construct explanations and conclusions from interpretations of data obtained during a
controlled scientific investigation.
8-1.4
Generate questions for further study on the basis of prior investigations.
8-1.5
Explain the importance of and requirements for replication of scientific investigations.
8-1.6
Use appropriate tools and instruments (including convex lenses, plane mirrors, color filters,
prisms, and slinky springs) safely and accurately when conducting a controlled scientific
investigation.
8-1.7
Use appropriate safety procedures when conducting investigations.
viii Mastering the PACT, Grade 8
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Indicators
Grade 8
Earth’s Biological History
Standard 8-2: The student will demonstrate an understanding of Earth’s biological diversity over time.
(Life Science, Earth Science)
Indicators
Explain how biological adaptations of populations enhance their survival in a particular
environment.
8-2.2
Summarize how scientists study Earth’s past environment and diverse life-forms by
examining different types of fossils (including molds, casts, petrified fossils, preserved and
carbonized remains of plants and animals, and trace fossils).
8-2.3
Explain how Earth’s history has been influenced by catastrophes (including the impact of an
asteroid or comet, climatic changes, and volcanic activity) that have affected the conditions
on Earth and the diversity of its life-forms.
8-2.4
Recognize the relationship among the units—era, epoch, and period—into which the
geologic time scale is divided.
8-2.5
Illustrate the vast diversity of life that has been present on Earth over time by using the
geologic time scale.
8-2.6
Infer the relative age of rocks and fossils from index fossils and the ordering of the rock
layers.
8-2.7
Summarize the factors, both natural and man-made, that can contribute to the extinction of
a species.
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
8-2.1
Mastering the PACT, Grade 8
ix
Grade 8
Earth’s Structure and Processes
Standard 8-3: The student will demonstrate an understanding of materials that determine the structure of
Earth and the processes that have altered this structure. (Earth Science)
8-3.1
Summarize the three layers of Earth—crust, mantle, and core—on the basis of relative
position, density, and composition.
8-3.2
Explain how scientists use seismic waves—primary, secondary, and surface waves—and
Earth’s magnetic fields to determine the internal structure of Earth.
8-3.3
Infer an earthquake’s epicenter from seismographic data.
8-3.4
Explain how igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks are interrelated in the rock
cycle.
8-3.5
Summarize the importance of minerals, ores, and fossil fuels as Earth resources on the basis
of their physical and chemical properties.
8-3.6
Explain how the theory of plate tectonics accounts for the motion of the lithospheric plates,
the geologic activities at the plate boundaries, and the changes in landform areas over
geologic time.
8-3.7
Illustrate the creation and changing of landforms that have occurred through geologic
processes (including volcanic eruptions and mountain-building forces).
8-3.8
Explain how earthquakes result from forces inside Earth.
8-3.9
Identify and illustrate geologic features of South Carolina and other regions of the world
through the use of imagery (including aerial photography and satellite imagery) and
topographic maps.
x
Mastering the PACT, Grade 8
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Indicators
Grade 8
Astronomy: Earth and Space Systems
Standard 8-4: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics, structure, and
predictable motions of celestial bodies. (Earth Science)
Indicators
Summarize the characteristics and movements of objects in the solar system (including
planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and meteors).
8-4.2
Summarize the characteristics of the surface features of the Sun: photosphere, corona,
sunspots, prominences, and solar flares.
8-4.3
Explain how the surface features of the Sun may affect Earth.
8-4.4
Explain the motions of Earth and the Moon and the effects of these motions as they orbit the
Sun (including day, year, phases of the Moon, eclipses, and tides).
8-4.5
Explain how the tilt of Earth’s axis affects the length of the day and the amount of heating
on Earth’s surface, thus causing the seasons of the year.
8-4.6
Explain how gravitational forces are influenced by mass and distance.
8-4.7
Explain the effects of gravity on tides and planetary orbits.
8-4.8
Explain the difference between mass and weight by using the concept of gravitational force.
8-4.9
Recall the Sun’s position in the universe, the shapes and composition of galaxies, and the
distance measurement unit (light year) needed to identify star and galaxy locations.
8-4.10
Compare the purposes of the tools and the technology that scientists use to study space
(including various types of telescopes, satellites, space probes, and spectroscopes).
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
8-4.1
Mastering the PACT, Grade 8
xi
Grade 8
Forces and Motion
Standard 8-5: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the effects of forces on the motion of an
object. (Physical Science)
Indicators
Use measurement and time-distance graphs to represent the motion of an object in terms of
its position, direction, or speed.
8-5.2
Use the formula for average speed, v = d/t, to solve real-world problems.
8-5.3
Analyze the effects of forces (including gravity and friction) on the speed and direction of
an object.
8-5.4
Predict how varying the amount of force or mass will affect the motion of an object.
8-5.5
Analyze the resulting effect of balanced and unbalanced forces on an object’s motion in
terms of magnitude and direction.
8-5.6
Summarize and illustrate the concept of inertia.
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
8-5.1
xii
Mastering the PACT, Grade 8
Grade 8
Waves
Standard 8-6: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the properties and behaviors of waves.
(Physical Science)
Indicators
Recall that waves transmit energy but not matter.
8-6.2
Distinguish between mechanical and electromagnetic waves.
8-6.3
Summarize factors that influence the basic properties of waves (including frequency,
amplitude, wavelength, and speed).
8-6.4
Summarize the behaviors of waves (including refraction, reflection, transmission, and
absorption).
8-6.5
Explain hearing in terms of the relationship between sound waves and the ear.
8-6.6
Explain sight in terms of the relationship between the eye and the light waves emitted or
reflected by an object.
8-6.7
Explain how the absorption and reflection of light waves by various materials result in the
human perception of color.
8-6.8
Compare the wavelength and energy of waves in various parts of the electromagnetic
spectrum (including visible light, infrared, and ultraviolet radiation).
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
8-6.1
Mastering the PACT, Grade 8
xiii
Name:
Date:
Class:
Diagnostic Test
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
1
Effects of Acid Rain on a Lake
Derek needs to determine the boiling
point of an unknown liquid. To get the
most reliable results, which procedure
should Derek follow?
A Heat some of the liquid in a test tube
and record the liquid’s temperature
every 5 minutes until it boils.
Year
pH level
Number
of fish
1970
5.9
458
1980
5.5
299
1990
4.9
211
2000
4.2
122
B Heat some of the liquid in a test tube
and record the liquid’s temperature
when it starts to boil.
C Heat 10 mL of the liquid in a test
tube and record the liquid’s
temperature every minute until the
liquid boils.
3
The table above shows the data collected
by researchers trying to determine the
effects of the pH of lake water on the fish
living in the lake. Which statement about
the experimental process would cause
the validity of the data collected in the
project to be questioned?
D Heat 10 mL of the liquid in a test
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
tube and record the liquid’s
temperature every minute until the
liquid boils. Repeat the procedure
3 times.
A It was discovered that different pH
meters were used each year.
B It was discovered that the same
species of fish was counted each year.
C It was discovered that the lake was a
2
In a controlled scientific investigation,
experimental results are compared
against the results of controls. Controls
improve an investigation by _______.
F
allowing the effects of the variable to
be determined
more popular fishing site in 1970
compared with 2000.
D It was discovered that the water
samples tested for pH levels were
taken at a different location and
depth each year.
G allowing for the investigation to test
as many variables as possible
H making sure everything in the
investigation remains constant
I
guaranteeing that the investigation
conclusion verifies the hypothesis
Grade 8 Diagnostic Test
1
Name:
Date:
Diagnostic Test
(continued)
Use the information in the table below to
answer questions 4 and 5.
Time (hours)
Use the information in the table below to
answer questions 6 and 7.
Runner
70 kg
4.0 m/s
Football player
90 kg
3.0 m/s
2
8.0
Car
1600 kg
20 m/s
4
6.5
Truck
2500 kg
2 m/s
6
?
According to the information in the table
above, which object has the greatest
inertia to overcome in order to start
moving?
F
football player
G truck
8.0
H runner
I
H 5.0
car
On the basis of this investigation, which
is a question that could be answered by
further study?
A What type of battery was used?
B After how many hours will the
flashlight no longer light?
C What brand of flashlight would be
best to use?
D Is it expensive to carry out this
Sanjiv wants to study more about the
motion of each object listed in the table
above. Which question might he use to
further his investigation?
A How much force is needed to get the
objects moving?
B How can the objects stop moving?
C How far can the object travel at that
speed?
D What type of footwear or tires works
best?
investigation?
2
Grade 8 Diagnostic Test
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
4.5
7
5
Speed
9.5
G 7.5
I
Mass
0
The data in the table were collected as
John let his flashlight remain lit while he
measured the light given off (lumens).
What will be the lumens he might expect
after six hours?
F
Object
Light given off (lumens)
6
4
Class:
Name:
Date:
Class:
Diagnostic Test
(continued)
Eyepiece
Eyepiece
Light
8
Based on the diagram above, what
scientific instrument is being used?
F
microscope
G convex lens
H spectroscope
I
telescope
10 The convex lens the student is holding is
being used to _____.
F
bend the light into focus
G absorb light and reflect it back to the
eye
H magnify the image
9
The reliability of a scientific explanation
can be increased by __________ .
I
compress light to fit the size of the
boy’s eye
A taking notes once the investigation
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
has been completed
B changing the dependent variable
when repeating the experiment
11 If a stage manager wanted only a certain
color of light to illuminate the stage area,
he would use a ______.
C changing the independent variable
when repeating the experiment
D repeating the experiment several
times
A color filter
B prism
C flat mirror
D spectroscope
Grade 8 Diagnostic Test
3
Name:
Date:
Diagnostic Test
(continued)
12 When safely working with electric
devices during an experiment, it is
important to ______.
F
Class:
wash your hands after using the
device
15 Which statement best explains how
natural selection occurs?
A Natural selection occurs when
organisms are geographically isolate
B Natural selection occurs when an
G unplug the device by pulling the cord
organism’s offspring grow vestigial
structures.
H keep the device turned to its highest
setting if possible
I
C Natural selection occurs when
characteristics from the parent
organism are inherited.
not use the device near water
D Natural selection occurs when genetic
variation in a population produces
different rates of survival and
reproduction.
13 Emilio must use hydrochloric acid to test
for the mineral calcite. Which is
important to remember when using
acids in the lab?
eyewash station.
B Clean up an acid spill with wet paper
towels.
C Always wear goggles and aprons when
working with acids.
16 Some fruit flies have develop wings that
are shorter than normal. Fruit flies with
short wings cannot fly. Based on this
information, which is the best prediction
for the survival of short-wing fruit flies?
F
D Dispose of excess acid in the nearest
trash can.
There will eventually be fewer shortwing fruit flies than normal fruit flies.
G There will eventually be more short-
wing fruit flies than normal fruit flies.
H There will eventually be the same
14 What should you do if you break a piece
number of short-wing fruit flies as
normal fruit flies.
of glassware in the laboratory?
F
Tell your lab partner about the
broken glass immediately.
G Tell your teacher about the broken
glass immediately.
I
Short-wing fruit flies will mate with
normal fruit flies and eventually all
fruit flies will have medium-length
wings.
H Clean up the broken glass as quickly
as possible.
I
4
Push the broken pieces of glass out of
the way until you have time to clean
it up.
Grade 8 Diagnostic Test
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
A Wash acid off your arm at the
Name:
Date:
Class:
Diagnostic Test
17 Volcanic eruptions can blast particles
and various chemical compounds high
into the atmosphere. These materials can
reduce the amount of solar radiation
that reaches Earth’s surface. As a result,
you would expect that after a major
volcanic eruption _______.
A the ozone layer would disappear
(continued)
20 A fossil that forms within the cavity of a
mold fossil is a ______ fossil.
F
petrified
G carbonized
H cast
I
preserved remains
B Earth’s average temperature would
decrease
C global climates would become warm
and dry
D most species of animals and plants
would die off
21 _______ are the preserved remains or
traces of plants or animals from Earth’s
past.
A Fossils
B Epochs
C Geologic columns
18 Earliest life forms on Earth were affected
D Traits
by each of the following EXCEPT
_______.
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
F
volcanic activity
22 Which is an example of a trace fossil?
G forming of the atmosphere
F
H mountain building
G dinosaur footprint
I
unconformitites
petrified wood
H mummified remains
I
insect trapped in amber
19 A volcanic eruption is a dramatic and
powerful event. A volcanic eruption
can positively affect the environment
by _______.
A increasing the amount of landmass
B increasing the amount of acid rain
C decreasing air quality
D decreasing the number of organisms
Grade 8 Diagnostic Test
5
Name:
Date:
Diagnostic Test
Class:
(continued)
23 Which statement best explains why rock
from the Precambrian time period
contains very few fossils?
A Precambrian life-forms have not had
time to fossilize.
B During early Precambrian time, there
26 When did dinosaurs flourish?
F
Precambrian time
G Paleozoic Era
H Mesozoic Era
I
Cenozoic Era
were no life-forms on Earth.
C A global event destroyed all life-forms
at some point during Precambrian
time.
D Life-forms on Earth during
Precambrian time were soft-bodied
and left very few fossil imprints.
27 Some geologic periods have been divided
into smaller time units called _______.
A epochs
B eras
C centuries
D years
24 The largest unit of geologic time is
a(n) _______.
era
G period
H epoch
I
century
28 _______ became the dominant life-form
during the Cenozoic Era.
F
Plants
G Mammals
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
F
H Insects
I
Fish
25 Identify the present geologic era.
A Precambrian time
B Paleozoic Era
C Mesozoic Era
D Cenozoic Era
6
Grade 8 Diagnostic Test
Name:
Date:
Class:
Diagnostic Test
Use the diagram below to answer questions 29
and 30.
Q
R
(continued)
31 As a result of human activities, the rate
of species extinction is _______.
A declining
B unknown
C increasing
D unaffected
River
S
T
32 Same species on Earth are in danger of
29 The diagram above is a geological cross
section of an area where a river has
exposed a cliff of undisturbed rock
layers. According to the diagram, which
rock layer is the oldest?
becoming extinct because of each of the
following EXCEPT_______.
F
G their habitats have nearly been
destroyed
A Q
B R
H they are a prime source of food for
the people living near them
C S
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
D T
30 Which is the principle that a scientist
would use to determine the relative age
of the rock layers in the diagram?
F
law of superposition
they are breeding too many of their
population
I
non-native species are competing for
their territories
33 Some scientists believe that a large
asteroid or comet hit Earth about
65 million years ago, causing the
extinction of _______.
G law of unconformity
A fish
H law of sedimentation
B dinosaurs
H law of conservation of matter
C amphibians
D mammals
Grade 8 Diagnostic Test
7
Name:
Date:
Diagnostic Test
(continued)
34 Seismographs measure and record the
movements and vibrations, or seismic
waves, within Earth. Which statement is
true about seismic waves?
F
Seismic waves travel toward the focus.
G Different waves travel at different
speeds.
H All seismic waves occur close to
Earth’s core.
I
Class:
37 Scientists use P-waves and S-waves to
help them explore Earth’s interior.
Changes in the _______ of seismic waves
were used to determine the location of
Earth’s layers.
A type
B size
C number
D speed
Waves traveling closest to Earth’s core
cause the most damage.
38 The largest layer of Earth is the _______.
35 Which has been the greatest benefit of
F
inner core
studying and measuring seismic waves?
G outer core
A prevention of all earthquakes
H mantle
worldwide
I
crust
B precise prediction of earthquakes
C mapping of Earth’s internal structure
land
39 Many scientists believe that Earth’s
magnetic field originates in the _______.
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
D preventing tsunamis from reaching
A crust
36 Earth’s inner core is _______.
F
solid
B mantle
C inner core
D outer core
G liquid
H gas
I
8
lava
Grade 8 Diagnostic Test
Name:
Date:
Class:
Diagnostic Test
(continued)
40 Seismologists can locate an earthquake’s
_______ based on the different speeds of
seismic waves.
F
A
fault
B
G epicenter
H topography
I
surface wave
41 Sedimentary rock, when buried deep
C
43 At which point is the approximate
enough, can be reformed by _______ to
different types of rock.
epicenter of the earthquake shown in the
map above?
A fire and water
A A
B weathering
B B
C heat and pressure
C C
D erosion
D D
42 Igneous rock that has slowly cooled
forming large crystals is called _______.
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
D
F
earthquake, scientists must use the
records from _______.
compacted
G foliated
H extrusive
I
44 In order to locate the epicenter of an
intrusive
F
G 3 primary waves
H a seismograph site on the opposite
side of Earth
I
Grade 8 Diagnostic Test
3 seismograph stations
a seismograph site near the
earthquake
9
Name:
Date:
Diagnostic Test
(continued)
Some Mineral Resources
and Their Uses
Mineral
Hematite
Gypsum
Sylvite
Kaolinite
Class:
Use
Iron rods
Plaster
Fertilizer
Pottery
47 Some mountains are formed by the
collision of two tectonic plates. If the
arrows indicate the direction of plate
movement, which diagram below shows
a situation that would most probably
result in the formation of such
mountains?
45 According to the table above, which
mineral is most likely to be a clay?
A
A gypsum
B kaolinite
Plate 1
Plate 2
Plate 1
Plate 2
Plate 1
Plate 2
C hematite
D sylvite
B
46 _______ is the hardest mineral found in
nature. It is often used in drills to cut,
grind, and shape other hard materials.
Iron
G Quartz
C
H Diamond
I
Magnesium
D
Plate 1
10
Plate 2
Grade 8 Diagnostic Test
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
F
Name:
Date:
Class:
Diagnostic Test
(continued)
50 The point within the crust or mantle
where energy is released during an
earthquake is the ______.
F
focus
G epicenter
H fault block
I
48 What process is taking place in the
diagram above?
F
soil erosion
G deposition
H compaction
I
mountain building
compression point
51 A sudden tectonic plate shift would
cause which of the following?
A earthquake
B folding
C tension
D compression
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
49 The Appalachian Mountains were
formed when rock layers were slowly
squeezed from opposite sides. What type
of mountains are the Appalachian
Mountains?
A strike-slip mountains
B folded mountains
C fault-block mountains
D volcanic mountains
Grade 8 Diagnostic Test
11
Name:
Date:
Diagnostic Test
(continued)
52 Which statement is true of both
asteroids and meteoroids?
F
They are made of frozen gases and
dust.
G They are rocky objects that vary
widely in size and orbit the Sun.
H They are pieces of debris that orbit
Earth.
I
Class:
55 Remote sensing images from _______
show details about features on Earth’s
surface?
A weather balloons
B satellites
C space probes
D radio towers
Most of them are grouped together in
a belt between the orbits of Earth and
the Moon.
400
500
6 00
N
700
53 _______ is the largest planet in the solar
0
80
system, is the fifth planet from the Sun,
and has colorful clouds.
.
860
A Jupiter
B Saturn
D Neptune
56 What do contour lines that are closely
spaced on a topographic map indicate?
F
54 Which inner planet has no atmosphere
because of its being so close to the Sun?
F
Venus
G Mars
H Earth
I
12
Mercury
The change in elevation is rapid and
the slope of the land is steep.
G The change in elevation is gradual
and the land is relatively flat.
H The change in elevation is rapid and
the land is relatively flat.
I
The change in elevation is gradual
and the slope of the land is steep.
Grade 8 Diagnostic Test
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
C Uranus
Name:
Date:
Class:
Diagnostic Test
57 Solar storms occur when explosions on
(continued)
60 Powerful solar storms release electrically
the Sun shoot hot, electrified gases out
into space. These explosions take place at
different locations on the Sun, called
“sunspots.” As a result, the effect that
solar storms have on Earth depends
partly on _______.
charged particles. These particles can
interfere with _______ on Earth.
A where the Sun is in its orbit
I
F
tides
G seasons
H living organisms
radio communications
B where the Moon is in its orbit
C where Earth is in its orbit
D whether the explosions occur at night
or during the day
61 Which is the best explanation for how
auroras are produced?
A Electrically charged particles strike
gas molecules in Earth’s atmosphere.
58 The outermost layer of the Sun’s
B Sunlight strikes water molecules in
atmosphere is the _______.
F
corona
Earth’s atmosphere.
C Small dust particles reflect infrared
light in all directions.
G photosphere
H exosphere
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
I
D Gas molecules in the atmosphere
absorb ultraviolet light and scatter it
through the sky.
thermosphere
59 The same forces that create sunspots
cause other disturbances in the Sun’s
atmosphere. What is one type of these
disturbances called?
A sunspot cycle
B prominence
C corona
62 Sunspots are _______ than surrounding
areas of the Sun.
F
larger
G heavier
H cooler
I
brighter
D photosphere
Grade 8 Diagnostic Test
13
Name:
Date:
Diagnostic Test
Class:
(continued)
63 Which diagram is most likely to have the
highest tide at the letter T?
A
65 Which statement best explains why the
same side of the Moon always faces
Earth?
A The Moon revolves around Earth and
rotates in about the same amount of
time.
T
B The Moon does not rotate as it
revolves around Earth.
B
C The Moon and Earth rotate in the
same amount of time.
T
D The Moon travels at a faster speed
than Earth.
C
T
66 Which statement best explains why
South Carolina’s temperature is cooler in
winter and warmer in summer?
F
T
There are more hours of sunlight in
winter than in summer.
G Earth is closer to the Sun during
summer and farther away during
winter.
H The Sun appears lower in the sky in
summer and higher in the sky in
winter.
64 The tilt of Earth’s axis is responsible
for _______.
F
the change between day and night
G the changing seasons
I
Because Earth’s axis is tilted, this
region receives more direct energy
from the Sun during summer and less
direct energy during winter.
H solar eclipses
I
14
lunar eclipses
Grade 8 Diagnostic Test
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
D
Name:
Date:
Class:
Diagnostic Test
67 Earth’s ocean tides are caused by
the _______.
A force of the wind
B rotation of Earth on its axis
C positions of Venus and Mars
D gravitational attraction of the Moon
and the Sun
68 _______ is a force that attracts all
objects toward each other.
F
Gravity
G Distance
H Density
I
(continued)
70 If the distance between Earth and the
Moon were doubled, the gravitational
force between them would _______.
F
decrease
G increase
H disappear
I
remain the same
71 How would the force of gravity between
two objects change if the mass of one is
increased?
A The force of gravity between the
objects is not affected.
B The force of gravity between the
Mass
objects is increased.
C The force of gravity between the
objects is decreased.
69 The force that keeps the planets in orbit
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
around the Sun is the _______.
D The force of gravity between the
objects disappears.
A balanced force between each planet
B elliptical orbit of each planet
C gravitational pull of the Sun
D magnetic attraction between the
planets
72 Which body exerts the strongest
gravitational force on Earth?
F
Jupiter
G Sun
H Venus
I
Grade 8 Diagnostic Test
Saturn
15
Name:
Date:
Diagnostic Test
Class:
(continued)
73 The gravitational force between an
76 Which best represents a galaxy?
object and Earth depends on _______.
F
A the mass of Earth and the mass of the
Sun
B only the mass of Earth and the mass
of the object
G
C the distance of the object from Earth
and the Sun
D the mass of Earth, the mass of the
object, and the distance of the object
from Earth
H
74 The gravitational force between an
object and Earth is also called _______.
F
mass
I
G weight
H density
I
frictional
the rest of the Milky Way galaxy?
75 A galaxy is a collection of stars, gas,
and _______.
A near the center
B in a spiral arm
A dust
C just outside the galaxy
B ice
D below the center
C liquid water
D wind currents
16
Grade 8 Diagnostic Test
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
77 Where is our solar system in relation to
Name:
Date:
Class:
Diagnostic Test
78 Which had the greatest effect on the
study of astronomy?
F
G microscopes
H 20 cm
telescopes
I
Use the graph below that shows the progress
made by a snail moving along a straight line to
answer questions 79 and 80.
7
Distance (cm)
30 cm
81 A spectroscope collects light from stars
and separates it into colors. Astronomers
can then determine _______.
A how large the star is
6
B how old the star is
5
C the elements in the star
4
D the brightness of the star
3
2
1
82 Which has been the greatest benefit of
using satellites to study space?
0
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
6 cm
G 5 cm
H prisms
I
80 If the snail keeps moving at the same
speed, how far will it have traveled at the
end of 30 seconds?
seismographs
F
(continued)
5
10 15 20 25
Time (seconds)
30
79 Which of the following is true about the
motion of the snail?
F
G Satellites do not need to be powered.
H Instruments are more protected from
solar radiation.
A The snail is moving faster as it gets
farther from its starting position.
Instruments are not hampered by
Earth’s atmosphere.
I
Satellites can be easily repaired.
B The snail is moving toward the
starting point with 4 meters to go.
C The snail will return to the starting
point in 10 more seconds.
D The snail is moving away from its
starting position at a constant speed.
Grade 8 Diagnostic Test
17
Name:
Date:
Diagnostic Test
(continued)
Use the diagram below to answer questions 83
and 84.
A
Class:
m = 80 kg m = 80 kg
B
m = 160 kg
A
B
85 Scientists observed that an object
traveled 60 meters in 30 seconds. Given
this information, which is the object’s
average speed?
A 0.5 m/s
B 0.5 s/m
C 2 m/s
In motion
At rest
V = 4 km/hr V = 0 km/hr
Before
D 2 s/m
After
Bay School Runners
83 According to the diagram, what happens
when the two astronauts collide in space?
A The astronauts will stop moving.
B The astronauts will move upward
together.
C The astronauts will move to the left
Name
Distance (m)
Time (s)
David
200
20
Jolene
100
10
Pooja
300
20
Henry
100
20
together.
together.
86 Which runners listed in the table above
had the same average speed?
F
David and Jolene
G Henry and Pooja
84 The astronauts will continue moving in
space because the force that opposes
motion is not slowing them down. That
force is ______.
F
friction
G gravity
H magnetism
I
mass
H Jolene and Henry
I
Pooja and David
87 When calculating average speed, what is
one factor that you need to know?
A weight
B inertia
C distance
D mass
18
Grade 8 Diagnostic Test
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
D The astronauts will move to the right
Name:
Date:
Class:
Diagnostic Test
(continued)
88 What increases when the force applied to
an object increases?
F
speed of the object
G force of gravity on the object
Before
H effects of inertia on the object
I
mass of the object
After
89 Which is an example of balanced forces
acting on an object?
A an acorn falling from a tree
B a car sitting parked in a driveway
C a motorcycle changing speed from
50 miles per hour to 70 miles per hour
D a truck slowing down as it approaches
a red light.
91 The illustrations above show a large box
being pushed in opposite directions by
two men. The box changed its position
in the room because the _______.
A opposing forces were balanced
B smooth floor created no friction
C man on the left side applied more
force than the man on the right side
jogs along with you. Your friend gives
you a push in order to increase your
speed. Which set of vector arrows shows
the applied force on your bicycle?
D man on the right side applied more
force than the man on the left side
92 A bowling ball, a baseball, and a tennis
——
G <
>
ball are all initially pushed with the same
amount of force. Which object will move
faster with this amount of force?
H —
—
><
F
I
—
>—
>
—
>
F
—
>
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
90 You are riding a bicycle while your friend
All three balls will move at the same
time.
G bowling ball
H baseball
I
Grade 8 Diagnostic Test
tennis ball
19
Name:
Date:
Diagnostic Test
Class:
(continued)
93 Suppose you are riding on a bicycle and
it stops suddenly. What happens to your
body?
A It also stops moving.
B It keeps moving forward.
C It moves backwards.
D It speeds up.
96 Waves like the one shown above carry
_______ from one place to another.
F
matter
G molecules
94 Objects with more _______ have more
inertia.
F
H water
I
energy
mass
G energy
H friction
I
volume
97 Waves can travel through _______.
A solids only
B liquids only
95 The tendency of an object to resist any
change in its motion is called _______.
C gases only
D solids, liquids, and gases
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
A mass
B gravity
C inertia
D force
20
Grade 8 Diagnostic Test
Name:
Date:
Class:
Diagnostic Test
98 As wave travels from one medium to
another, the wave speed _______.
F
always slows down
G changes
(continued)
101 Electromagnetic waves consist of an
electric field and a magnetic field.
Which produces electromagnetic waves?
A
H remains the same
depends on the amplitude
I
B
C
Magnets
99 What do the arrows in the diagram
above illustrate?
D
A speed
B amplitude
WEIO RADIO AM
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
C frequency
D wavelength
Radio Station
100 Mechanical waves can travel
through _______.
F
solids only
102 The more _______ a wave carries, the
larger its amplitude.
F
energy
G solids and liquids
G space
H solids, liquids, and gases
H matter
I
solids, liquids, gases, and empty
space
Grade 8 Diagnostic Test
I
vibrations
21
Name:
Date:
Diagnostic Test
Class:
(continued)
103 _______ is the human perception of the
energy a wave carries.
A Loudness
B Pitch
C Wavelength
D Amplitude
106 The light wave in the picture above
that reflects off a hard surface?
F
beat
G echo
H frequency
I
amplitude
105 When you speak, your words are
transferred to a friend’s outer ear
_______.
A by transverse waves
B in between air molecules
C by compressional waves
D by electromagnetic waves
22
changes direction when it passes from
air to water. This wave behavior is
called _______.
F
reflection
G diffraction
H refraction
I
absorption
107 Reflection occurs when a wave strikes
an object or surface and _______.
A bounces off
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
104 Which term describes a sound wave
B is absorbed
C bends
D scatters
Grade 8 Diagnostic Test
Name:
Date:
Class:
Diagnostic Test
108 A leaf looks green because its
chlorophyll molecules _______.
F
reflect most light frequencies and
absorb only green light
G reflect green light and absorb the
other frequencies
H scatter green light
I
(continued)
111 Which of the following electromagnetic
waves has the shortest wavelength?
A ultraviolet
B red light
C green light
D infrared
refract only green light
112 The portion of the electromagnetic
109 The part of the eye that refracts light
entering the eye and focuses the light
waves at the back of the eye is the
______.
A cornea
B retina
C iris
spectrum that has longer wavelengths
than visible light and transmits thermal
energy is ______.
F
ultraviolet rays
G visible light
H infrared waves
I
white light
D lens
113 The electromagnetic waves that can be
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
seen with the eye are called _______.
110 Which behavior of light will NOT cause
colors to be perceived by the human
eye?
A radio waves
reflection by various materials
C microwaves
F
G refraction through a prism
B X rays
D visible light
H wavelengths of visible light received
by the retina
I
absorption by various materials
Grade 8 Diagnostic Test
23
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-1.1
Design a controlled scientific investigation.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
1
Kaylie wants to find out which of three
sunscreen products would best protect
her skin from UV radiation. Which
procedure would be the best to follow to
conduct a controlled investigation?
2
A Apply the same amount of two of the
products on her right arm and the
same amount of the third on her left
arm. Expose both arms to sunlight for
30 minutes and record her
observations.
A scientist is investigating solar energy’s
effect on bacteria in two petri dishes.
One dish receives no sunlight, and the
other receives several hours of sunlight
every day. If the experiment is designed
to find out if darkness or sunlight affect
bacteria growth, the scientist should
_______.
F
G use additional petri dishes to affect
B Apply the same amount of two of the
the bacteria with heat
products on her right arm and the
same amount of the third on her left
arm. Expose her right arm to sunlight
and leave her left arm in the shade for
30 minutes. Record her observations.
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
record the weight of the petri dishes
at the beginning of each day
H record the amount of sunlight that
reaches the petri dishes
I
use a control petri dish that is not
placed in darkness or direct sunlight
C Apply the same amount of two of the
products on her right arm and the
same amount of the third on her left
arm. Leave an area of her left arm
without sunscreen to serve as a
control. Expose both arms to sunlight
for 30 minutes and record her
observations.
D Apply the same amount of two of the
products on her right arm and the
same amount of the third on her left
arm. Leave an area of her left arm
without sunscreen to serve as a
control. Expose her right arm to
sunlight and leave her left arm in the
shade for 30 minutes. Record her
observations.
Grade 8 Standards Practice
3
Road salt, the mineral halite, is
sometimes used to melt snow and ice. A
scientist sets up an experiment to test
how road salt affects the growth of
nearby grass. What is the dependent
variable?
A the amount of salt used
B the growth of the grass
C the area of grass treated with salt
D the duration of the experiment
25
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-1.2
Recognize the importance of a systematic process for safely and accurately conducting
investigations.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
Morella wants to study how chlorine
affects the growth of bacteria. She sets
up four test tubes and adds 20 mL of
sterile beef broth to each. She then adds
5 mL of chlorine solution to test tube A,
10 mL of chlorine solution to test tube B,
15 mL of chlorine solution to test tube C,
and nothing to test tube D. Which test
tube is the control?
3
A developed a theory
B developed a hypothesis
A A
C developed a conclusion
B B
D developed a data table
C C
D D
2
A paleontologist discovers a layer of
sedimentary rock filled with fossils of
known and unknown species. He collects
some of the fossils of the unknown
species for further analysis. Which would
improve his analysis?
F
dating the unknown fossils with those
from the known species
G digging deeper to the next
Melissa slowly heated a few blue crystals
in a test tube. After a few minutes, she
observed that the crystals had turned
white and a film of water had formed on
the inside of the test tube. Before
conducting the investigation, Melissa
most likely _______.
4
Mr. Alcia’s class is determining the
average speed of the runners on the
school’s track team. The students all
have stopwatches to time the runners.
What additional factor do the students
need to consider when collecting this
information for their investigation?
F
G All runners must cover the same
distance along the track.
H All runners must have on the same
type of shoes.
sedimentary layer
H studying the region’s geographic
isolation
I
26
All runners must be the same weight.
I
All runners must have practiced with
the track team.
collecting all of the unknown fossils
Grade 8 Standards Practice
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
1
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-1.3
Construct explanations and conclusions from interpretations of data obtained during a
controlled scientific investigation.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
1
Times of Sunrise
A biologist grows a plant inside a sealed
glass jar. The plant keeps growing for
several days but then dies. At the start of
the experiment, the jar had a mass of
3 kg. At the end of the experiment, it still
had a mass of 3 kg. Which explains why
the mass stayed the same?
A The plant created mass.
B The jar’s temperature stayed the same.
Day
Sunrise
Monday
6:28 A.M.
Tuesday
6:30 A.M.
Wednesday
6:32 A.M.
Thursday
6:34 A.M.
Friday
?
C The jar was sealed and new mass
3
could not enter.
D The plant did not grow enough to
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
add new mass to the jar.
The data in the table above were
collected by astronomers to record when
the Sun rose each day during one week.
If conditions remain the same, what will
be the time of sunrise on Friday?
A 6:32 A.M.
C 6:36 A.M.
B 6:35 A.M.
D 6:38 A.M.
M
N
O
P
Layer
M
N
O
P
2
Estimated
Depth
Age (years) (meters)
Sedimentary rock
100,000
0–4
Composition
Sedimentary rock
Sedimentary rock
6 million
6.1 million
8–9
9–10
The diagram above models the site
where the data in the table were collected
by paleontologists. What is the depth of
Layer N?
F
Darnell conducts an investigation using
UV beads to determine the amount of
sunscreen needed to block ultraviolet rays.
During his investigation he noted the
beads inside the sunscreen-coated bags
change color from white to pale colors to
bright colors when UV rays were present.
His conclusion will be based on ______.
F
2–4 m
G 4–8 m
H 5–7 m
I
4
8–10 m
G the amount of sunscreen that has the
greatest variety of bead colors
H the brand of sunscreen applied to
each bag
I
Grade 8 Standards Practice
the amount of sunscreen that shows
the least bead color change
the time that each sunscreen-coated
bag was in sunlight
27
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-1.4
Generate questions for further study on the basis of prior investigations.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
Use the table below to answer question 1.
3
Field Data
Month
pH Level
Number of
Number of
Fish Counted Lily Pads
May
5.9
50
200
June
5.5
30
165
July
4.9
20
100
August
4.2
5
33
1
Based on recent findings, some scientists
now believe that life may have once
existed on Mars. To continue this
research, which question should be
studied next?
A Does human life exist on Mars at the
present time?
B Could dinosaurs have survived on
Mars?
C How have the conditions on Mars
Which piece of information not found in
the table above could best help scientists
further study what is causing the
changes in the pond?
changed over time?
D Could we send humans to colonize
Mars?
pond
B the type of fish that was counted
C the species of lily pad in the pond
D the number of other animals living
near the pond
2
You designed three different glider
planes and released them from the same
height to see how each flew. What new
question can you investigate about your
glider designs?
4
A biologist is reviewing data on an
epidemic of a disease that could lead
to the extinction of a certain species.
He notices that organisms from the
same family group within a habitat all
tend to have the disease. Which is the
most likely question to study next?
F
G Can people die from the disease?
H What can prevent researchers from
catching the disease?
I
F
How are the wings of the gliders
different?
How is the disease spread?
Do members of the same family
group also travel to other habitats?
G How does the wing design affect how
long the glider stays in flight?
H How far can a glider fly?
I
28
How have glider designs changed over
the years?
Grade 8 Standards Practice
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
A analysis of samples of rainfall near the
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-1.5
Explain the importance of and requirements for replication of scientific investigations.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
A
B
2
Scientists not only communicate results
of investigations but also their methods.
Why is this important?
F
Other scientists doing the
investigation should be able to
get similar results.
B Other scientists need to read the
report.
C Investigation should be published.
D Scientists need to know if data was
accurate.
C
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
1
D
The illustrations above show simple
smog-collecting disks hanging in four
different locations. Why did scientists
choose to place the disks at four different
locations instead of placing all four at
the same location?
A They wanted to see which disk
collected the most smog.
B They wanted to collect smog under
many different conditions.
C They wanted to get consistent results
from each location.
D They wanted to prove that the most
smog is collected in a city.
3
A well-known drug company is
advertising a new drug. The
spokesperson in the advertisement is a
well-known TV personality. The
commercial mentions that the drug has
undergone several rounds of testing and
has been found to be safe and effective.
Which is the best reason the drug is safe
to take?
A Your friend takes it and doesn’t
experience any side effects.
B The drug company is well known and
would not promote an unsafe product
C The drug has been tested many times.
D A well-known TV personality would
not promote an unsafe product.
Grade 8 Standards Practice
29
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-1.6
Use appropriate tools and instruments (including convex lenses, plane mirrors, color
filters, prisms, and slinky springs) safely and accurately when conducting a controlled
scientific investigation.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
Red
Orange
Yellow
Green
A
1
B
C
Blue
Indigo
D
Convex lenses are used in many scientific
instruments. Which two lenses in the
figure above are examples of convex
lenses?
White
light
3
A A and B
Violet
A prism can be used to study visible
light. What is the function of a prism?
A It absorbs certain wavelengths and
B A and C
transmits others.
C B and C
B It reflects each wavelength in a
D B and D
different direction.
Color filters allow only certain colors to
transmit through them. Which color
would not be blocked from coming
through a green filter?
F
D It refracts each wavelength a different
amount.
green
G red
H blue
I
different amount.
purple
4
A science class is getting ready to
conduct an investigation of wave
characteristics. Which tool would the
students most likely use to demonstrate
properties of types of waves?
F
convex lens
G spectroscope
H spring toy
I
30
plane mirror
Grade 8 Standards Practice
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
C It reflects each wavelength in a
2
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-1.7
Use appropriate safety procedures when conducting investigations.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
1
Which is the correct procedure to follow
if you accidentally spill a chemical
solution on your skin during a lab?
4
A Ask your lab partner what you
should do.
She could eat it, because it is food.
G She should return the food item to its
original container.
H She should dispose of it in a container
set aside by her teacher.
I She should mix it with the other
materials used in the lab activity.
F
B Wash it off with water while calling
for your teacher.
C Call for your teacher and wait for
instructions on what to do.
D Dry your skin with a paper towel and
continue working on your lab.
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
2
Your investigation calls for you to test
for mineral hardness using various sharp
objects. You should _______.
F
Carrie is trying to simulate the
formation of metamorphic rock. She is
using some food items in with the
simulated material. What should Carrie
do with any leftover food in the lab area?
5
If your clothes catch on fire in the lab,
you should _______.
A run to your teacher
hold the sharp object using safety
gloves
B call your teacher
C run outside the building, then drop
G never play around in the lab area with
and roll on the ground
D smother it with a fire blanket, or get
under a safety shower
sharp objects
H have your lab partner hold the object
while you are scratching the surface
I
3
substitute another sharp object if you
are uncomfortable with the one in the
procedure
As a safety measure, aprons and
__________ should be used during most
investigations.
A goggles
B tongs
C masks
D gloves
Grade 8 Standards Practice
6
Your investigation requires a
thermometer under a strong light
source. What safety precaution should
you follow when working with
incandescent light bulbs?
Leave the light on during the entire
activity.
G Cool the light bulb with water.
H Do not touch the lamp without safety
gloves.
I Remove the light bulb immediately if
it burns out during the experiment.
F
31
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-2.1
Explain how biological adaptations of populations enhance their survival in a particular
environment.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
1
Natural selection favors populations
with traits that help them survive and
reproduce, such as each of the following
EXCEPT _______.
A camouflage
B sterility
4
D food gathering adaptations
2
Almost 600 years ago, European rabbits
were introduced to the Canary Islands.
Now, Canary Island rabbits are so
different in size, eye color, ear shape, etc.
that they are considered separate species.
What does this illustrate?
F
Tortoises on the Galápagos Islands are
generally similar, but those on each
island are unique. The differences among
the tortoises on different islands
occurred because of _______.
F
camoflage
G geographic isolation
H climatic changes
I
change is uncommon in most species
tectonic activity
G species remain generally unaffected
by the environment
H species only change through millions
of years
I
natural selection can change a species
over time
5
_______ is an adaptation that allows an
organism to blend into its environment.
A Camouflage
B Variation
C Mimicry
3
If over time, a species develops a thick,
hard shell, which would be a likely
characteristic that the species’ predator
might develop?
D Isolation
A better eyesight
B thick, hard shell
C strong, sharp teeth
D long, powerful back legs
32
Grade 8 Standards Practice
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
C sensory abilities
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-2.2
Summarize how scientists study Earth’s past environment and diverse life-forms by
examining different types of fossils (including molds, casts, petrified fossils, preserved
and carbonized remains of plants and animals, and trace fossils).
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
2
Which would be the most likely
statement about the origins of trilobites
and horseshoe crabs?
F
Trilobite
Trilobites and horseshoe crabs are not
related.
G Trilobites and horseshoe crabs share a
common ancestor.
H Trilobites and horseshoe crabs
evolved from a land organism.
I
Trilobites and horseshoe crabs both
came from a cold climate.
Horseshoe Crab
3
Which is most likely to become a fossil?
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
A a skeleton in a large lake
1
By studying fossils of extinct trilobites
like the one shown above, scientists
have determined that they share
characteristics with organisms that
live today, such as the horseshoe crab
also shown above. Which characteristic
do both organisms above appear to
share?
B a jellyfish in the ocean
C an earthworm in a damp forest
D a skeleton in a riverbed that is drying up
4
A segmented spinal column
If a fossil dissolves away, it can leave
behind a cavity in the rock called
a _______.
B hinged jaw
F
C same number of legs
G cast
D segmented exoskeleton
H carbon film
I
Grade 8 Standards Practice
mold
sediment
33
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-2.3
Explain how Earth’s history has been influenced by catastrophes (including the impact of
an asteroid or comet, climatic changes, and volcanic activity) that have affected the
conditions on Earth and the diversity of its life-forms.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
Sun Rays
Sun Rays
3
During the last _______, so much water
was frozen that the sea level may have
been 100 m lower than it is today.
A volcanic eruption
B continental shift
C meteor shower
2
Today, many scientists talk about the
greenhouse effect and its impact on
Earth’s climate and ecosystems. The
diagram above shows how a greenhouse
traps energy from the Sun. If Earth’s
atmosphere acts in the same way, what
could happen to our climate?
D ice age
4
Which two eras of Earth’s history ended
with major extinctions of species due to
a catastrophic event such as an asteroid
or comet impact?
A many more plants would grow
F
B an ice age would occur
G Paleozoic and Mesozoic
C it might get warmer
H Paleozoic and Cenozoic
D nothing would change
I
Precambrian and Paleozoic
Mesozoic and Cenozoic
At the end of two eras in Earth’s history,
many species of life forms became
extinct. Evidence appears to indicate
________.
F
major climate changes on Earth
G major landmass changes on Earth
H a decrease in volcanic activity
I
34
the passing of a large comet
Grade 8 Standards Practice
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
1
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-2.4
Recognize the relationship among the units—era, epoch, and period—into which the
geologic time scale is divided.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
1
3
Eras of the geologic time scale are
divided into ______.
According to the time scale, which is the
longest of the four geologic eras?
A periods
A Precambrian time
B ages
B Paleozoic Era
C units
C Mesozoic Era
D epochs
D Cenozoic Era
Use the diagram below to answer questions
2–4.
4
225
mya
A
B C
According to the diagram, how long did
the Paleozoic Era last?
F
600 million years
G 375 million years
D
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
H 160 million years
4.6
bya
2
600
mya
65
mya
The diagram above shows the geologic
time scale. Which is the Mesozoic Era?
F
A
I
5
65 million years
Present day Earth is in the Cenozoic Era,
the Quaternary period, and the ______
epoch.
G B
A Mesozoic
H C
B Jurassic
I
D
C Holocene
D Cambrian
Grade 8 Standards Practice
35
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-2.5
Illustrate the vast diversity of life that has been present on Earth over time by using the
geologic time scale.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
The appearance of the most complex and
the greatest diversity of organisms
occurred during _______.
4
A the Paleozoic Era
Invertebrates, such as the trilobite and
brachiopods, were very evident during
the Paleozoic Era. In which era did
vertebrates appear?
F
B the Cenozoic Era
G Mesozoic
C Precambrian time
H Paleozoic
D the Mesozoic Era
I
2
Precambrian time began with the
_______.
F
5
formation of Earth
Precambrian
The dominant life form during the
Mesozoic Era was ______.
A insects
G rise of the dinosaurs
B amphibians
H appearance of human beings
I
Cenozoic
C humans
development of vertebrates
D reptiles
3
Paleontologists have divided Earth’s
history into time units based on ______
present only during certain periods.
A fossil evidence
B land forms
C rock structures
D life forms
6
At the beginning of the Mesozoic Era, all
continents on Earth existed as a single
landmass called _______.
F
G Precambria
H Pangaea
I
36
Laurasia
Gondwanaland
Grade 8 Standards Practice
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
1
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-2.6
Infer the relative age of rocks and fossils from index fossils and the ordering of the rock
layers.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
1
2
Which type of rock do scientists usually
study to determine the relative age of a
rock layer?
F
B metamorphic
G an index fossil
C sedimentary
H a trace fossil
D igneous and metamorphic
I
In order for a fossil to be used as an
index fossil, the organism must have
been found over a wide area of Earth and
must have ______.
lived on land
G lived in shallow water
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
If a fossil is found in many rock layers,
living over long periods of Earth history,
it does not qualify as ______.
A igneous
F
H existed for a geologically short period
of time
I
3
4
been preserved in volcanic ash
Fossil A is found in one layer of rock.
Paleontologists continue digging and find
Fossil B three meters below Fossil A.
Which is most likely true?
5
a mold fossil
a relative fossil
What conclusions may be drawn when
comparing fossils found in previously
undisturbed strata of sedimentary rock?
A Fossils in the upper strata are younger
than those in the lower strata.
B Fossils in the upper strata are older
than those in the lower strata.
C Fossils in the upper strata generally
are less complex than those in the
lower strata.
D There are no fossils in the upper
strata that resemble those in the lower
strata.
A Fossil A lived before Fossil B.
B Fossil B lived before Fossil A.
C Fossils A and B lived at the same time.
D The two fossils are unrelated.
Grade 8 Standards Practice
37
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-2.7
Summarize the factors, both natural and man-made, that can contribute to the extinction
of a species.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
1
The results of natural factors causing
extinction of organisms may not always
be negative because ______.
A too many organisms are always bad
for the environment
B the way has been cleared for new
kinds of life forms
C the Earth does not have resources for
so many life forms
3
D the extinct life forms were no longer
useful
Which is the most likely explanation of
why trilobites, like the one shown above,
became extinct?
A Human activity increased in the area
where the trilobites lived.
In some parts of the world, there is
strong demand for traditional medicines
made from animal parts. For example,
rhino horns are used for this purpose in
some parts of Asia. Rhinos could become
endangered if they are allowed to be
hunted without restrictions. This type
of endangerment is an example of
__________ .
F
B Predators of the trilobite grew more
numerous and flourished.
C Continents moved closer together and
sea levels dropped, destroying the
trilobite’s habitat.
D Acid rain lowered the pH of the water
where the trilobites lived to a level
where they couldn’t survive.
pollution
G habitat destruction
H natural selection
I
over harvesting
4
_______ are organisms that may become
extinct within a short time.
F
Mutations
G Cyanobacteria
H Endangered species
I
38
Pioneer species
Grade 8 Standards Practice
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
2
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-3.1
Summarize the three layers of Earth—crust, mantle, and core—on the basis of relative
position, density, and composition.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
Use the diagram below to answer questions 1
and 2.
3
A
Earth’s _______ is made mostly of iron
and nickel.
A mantle
B core
C crust
D atmosphere
C
4
D
The crust and the top of the mantle are
called the ______.
F
1
Which layer in the diagram above
represents Earth’s crust?
G lithosphere
H outer core
A A
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
epicenter
I
B B
asthenosphere
C C
D D
5
The _______ is made of the least dense
materials.
A inner core
2
Which layer has the asthenosphere
within its top portion?
F
A
G B
B outer core
C continental crust
D oceanic crust
H C
I
D
Grade 8 Standards Practice
39
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-3.2
Explain how scientists use seismic waves—primary, secondary, and surface waves—and
Earth’s magnetic fields to determine the internal structure of Earth.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
The more rigid a material, the faster
seismic waves can travel through it. The
speed of seismic waves increases
suddenly as they pass from the crust into
the mantle. This increase in speed tells
scientists that _______.
3
How can scientists determine the
location of Earth’s magnetic poles by
studying certain rocks?
A Certain rocks that contain iron will
gather at the site of Earth’s magnetic
fields.
A The crust is more rigid than the
B When molten rocks that contain iron
mantle.
cool, the rocks line up with the
position of Earth’s magnetic field.
B The mantle is more rigid than the
crust.
C Certain rocks that contain iron will
C The crust and mantle are both very
attract Earth’s magnetic field and
change its location over the years.
rigid.
D The crust and mantle are both liquid.
2
S waves cannot travel through liquids
and P waves slow down in less rigid
materials. In Earth’s outer core, S waves
cannot be detected and P waves slow
down. These results suggest that
_______.
F
the outer core may be liquid
G the outer core may be solid
H there are no earthquakes in the outer
core
I
40
D When molten rocks that contain iron
cool, the magnetic domains in the
iron particles line up with Earth’s
magnetic field.
4
Scientists have inferred that Earth’s
magnetic field is caused by _______.
F
movement in the outer core
G Earth’s solid inner core
H the angle of Earth’s tilt
I
the rotation of the Earth
the outer core is the thickest layer of
Earth
Grade 8 Standards Practice
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
1
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-3.3
Infer an earthquake’s epicenter from seismographic data.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
1
A
The point on Earth’s surface located
directly above the _______ is the
epicenter.
B
C
A seismic waves
B earthquake focus
C mantle
D
D fault
2
A seismograph records the arrival times
of seismic waves at the seismograph
station. The farther apart the arrival
times for the different waves are, the
_______ the earthquake epicenter is.
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
F
4
According to the map above, at which
point is the epicenter of the earthquake
located?
A
G B
H C
I D
F
closer
G stronger
H weaker
I
3
farther away
To locate the epicenter of an earthquake,
you will need a seismogram from at least
_______ different seismic stations.
A 2
B 3
C 4
D 5
P
0
1
5
S
2
3
4
5 6 7 8
Time in minutes
9
10
According to the seismogram above,
what is the difference in the arrival times
of the P-wave and the S-wave?
A about 1.5 minutes
B about 2 minutes
C about 3 minutes
D about 5.5 minutes
Grade 8 Standards Practice
41
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-3.4
Explain how igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks are interrelated in the rock
cycle.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
Use the diagram below to answer questions 1–4.
H weathering and erosion and
deposition
Igneous
rock
Weathering and
erosion
I
Solidification
3
Deposition
Melting
Sediments
Metamorphic
rock
Which two processes form sedimentary
rocks?
A weathering and erosion
B heat and pressure
Metamorphism
Burial
and
cementing
heat and/or pressure and
metamorphism
C burial and cementing
Heat
and/or
pressure
D melting and solidification
Sedimentary
rock
Which statement is best supported by
the information shown in the diagram
above?
4
According to the rock cycle, a
sedimentary rock can change into
_______.
F
A Igneous rocks form by the
metamorphic rocks only
G igneous rocks only
solidification of magma.
H metamorphic and igneous rocks only
B Metamorphic rocks form by burial
and cementing of sediments.
I
C Sedimentary rocks form as heat and
metamorphic, igneous, and other
sedimentary rocks
pressure are applied to other rocks.
D Igneous rocks form by weathering
and erosion of other rocks.
2
Which steps in the diagram explain the
formation of the sand dunes on South
Carolina’s Atlantic coast?
F
melting and solidification
G sediments and burial and cementing
42
5
Some metamorphic rocks are foliated.
This means that heat and pressure cause
minerals to ______.
A chemically change
B form layered bands
C melt and recrystallize
D compact and cement together
Grade 8 Standards Practice
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
1
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-3.5
Summarize the importance of minerals, ores, and fossil fuels as Earth resources on the
basis of their physical and chemical properties.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
1
Coal is an important natural resource.
Which process contributes most to the
formation of coal?
4
A mineral is classified as an ore as long
as _______.
F
A the layering of sediments and
it is rare and valuable
G it can be used as jewelry
partially decayed plant matter
H it is profitable and useful
B the decay of algae and microscopic
I
organisms on the seafloor
it is solid and natural
C the burning of large forested regions
D the forcing of water through openings
in Earth’s crust
5
Fossil fuels are useful because when they
burn they produce _______.
A ores
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
2
Debbie is trying to identify a sample of a
mineral. Which property would NOT
help her identify it?
F
B oil
C minerals
D energy
hardness
G mass
H luster
I
streak
6
Mineral resources may be metals or
_______.
F
3
nonmetals
G acids
Each mineral has a set of properties and
______.
A its own color
H rocks
I
fuels
B a specific chemical makeup
C an ability to burn
D belongs to a specific rock type
Grade 8 Standards Practice
43
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-3.6
Explain how the theory of plate tectonics accounts for the motion of the lithospheric
plates, the geologic activities at the plate boundaries, and the changes in landform areas
over geologic time.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
3
North American
Plate
Eurasian Plate
When tectonic plates slide past each
other, they place a great deal of stress on
rocks, sometimes causing them to break.
Why are earthquakes caused by rocks
breaking?
A the tectonic plates keep moving
B the ground sinks between the tectonic
Iceland
ge
C the tectonic plates create strong
Transform Fault
1
surface waves
D the breaking rocks produce vibrations
Atlantic
Ocean
4
Based on the diagram above, the most
likely cause of volcanic activity on the
island of Iceland is _______.
In the process of sea-floor spreading, the
plates below an ocean basin pull apart
and _______.
F
G pressure inside Earth creates geysers
of water on the surface
A the strength of the Atlantic Ocean’s
currents
H a new floor is created by magma that
B the pulling apart of tectonic plates
I
C the colliding of tectonic plates
D tectonic plates sliding past each other
2
The layer over which the tectonic plates
move is the _______.
F
lithosphere
G asthenosphere
H core
I
crust
cause tides to develop
5
fills the rift
the continental plates move closer
The Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific
Ocean were formed by volcanic action
not a plate boundary. Which statement is
most likely the cause?
A There is a rift zone near the Hawaiian
Islands.
B The tectonic plate has a hot spot that
allows magma to break through.
C The Hawaiian Islands are their own
tectonic plate.
D There is very little coral growth
around the Hawaiian Islands.
44
Grade 8 Standards Practice
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Mi
d -A
tl
Rid
tic
n
a
plates
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-3.7
Illustrate the creation and changing of landforms that have occurred through geologic
processes (including volcanic eruptions and mountain-building forces).
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
1
Where converging continental plates
meet, stress is placed on the rocks along
the boundary causing folding of the
land. What type of stress causes folding?
EXTERNAL
FORCES
(outside)
VOLCANO
WEATHERING
A normal
C tension
MAGMA
D compression
2
The mid-ocean ridge is a series of
underwater mountain ranges that crosses
the deep ocean floor. These mountains
were created by _______.
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
F
3
INTERNAL
FORCES
(inside)
SEA LEVEL
Which statement is the best description
of what is happening in the diagram
above?
A Earth’s surface changes very little over
time.
volcanic activity
B Earth’s surface will become nearly flat
G accumulation of sedimentary rock
over time.
H erosion of surrounding areas
I
SION
ING
FOLDING
FAU
LT
B shearing
ERO
C Earth’s surface is worn away by
external forces and built up by
internal forces.
water pressure collapsing surrounding
areas
D Earth’s surface is worn away by
internal forces and built up by
external forces.
4
The pressure that causes a volcanic
eruption is generated by ______.
F
the rock cycle
G heat trapped deep within Earth
H chemical changes beneath Earth’s
crust
I
Grade 8 Standards Practice
the weight of Earth’s crust
45
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-3.8
Explain how earthquakes result from forces inside Earth.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
1
If stress along ______ in Earth’s crust
builds up and the rock breaks, an
earthquake occurs.
A an epicenter
B mountains
C the mantle
D faults
4
Which is the most likely place for an
earthquake to occur?
F
2
The point on Earth’s surface where the
greatest energy from the earthquake is
released is ______.
F
A
G B
H C
I
the epicenter
D
H the asthenosphere
I
the fault
5
Where do seismic waves travel?
A along Earth’s surface only
B throughout Earth’s interior only
3
Movement along a fault releases energy
that moves outward in the form of
seismic waves. The point inside Earth
where this movement first occurs is
called the _______.
C within Earth’s core only
D along Earth’s surface and throughout
Earth’s interior
A epicenter
B focus
C earthquake
D P wave
46
Grade 8 Standards Practice
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
G the focus
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-3.9
Identify and illustrate geologic features of South Carolina and other regions of the world
through the use of imagery (including aerial photography and satellite imagery) and
topographic maps.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
Use the map below to answer questions 3 and 4.
160
140
120
160
140
120
100
D
80
60
A
C
B
River
40
N
W
20
E
S
1
From the satellite image, which letter
identifies the location of a lake?
Ocean
1 km
Scale
Contour Interval = 20 m
A A
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
B B
3
C C
D D
If the contour lines on a topographic
map form a circular pattern, the
landform is most likely a ______.
A depression or sinkhole
B mountain or hill
2
C river or streambed
Aerial photography and satellite imagery
use ______ in order to collect data about
Earth’s features.
F
wavelengths of light
G road maps
H geologic cross-sections
I
contour lines
Grade 8 Standards Practice
D cliff or high bluff
4
The contour lines along a stream or river
form V-shapes that always point ______.
F
north
H downstream
G cross-sectional I upstream
47
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-4.1
Summarize the characteristics and movements of objects in the solar system (including
planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and meteors).
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
1
A scientist is attempting to classify a
large object in space. The scientist has
determined that the object is in orbit
around Jupiter. The object is most likely
a _______.
4
Which diagram below shows the three
planets in the correct order?
F
A planet
Earth
Mercury
Venus
B star
G
C moon
Earth
Venus
D meteor
Mercury
Which statement best compares planets
and comets?
F
H
Mercury
Planets and comets travel in circles
around the Sun.
Earth
Venus
G Comets have large orbits that
I
periodically pass near planets.
Earth
Mercury
H Planets travel in ellipses, while comets
travel in circles.
I
Venus
Planets and comets are both made of
rocky material.
5
3
The objects people refer to as shooting
stars are often meteors burning up in
Earth’s atmosphere. If a meteor does not
burn up but strikes Earth, it is called
_______.
A an asteroid
Rocky bodies that orbit between the
inner and outer planets are ______.
A meteors
B comets
C moons
D asteroids
B a meteorite
C a meteoroid
D a satellite
48
Grade 8 Standards Practice
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
2
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-4.2
Summarize the characteristics of the surface features of the Sun: photosphere, corona,
sunspots, prominences, and solar flares.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
Use the diagram below to answer questions 1,
2, and 3.
D
3
A
4
C
Which layer of the Sun emits the
sunlight we see on Earth?
A A
C C
B B
D D
The outer region of the Sun’s _______
stretches far into space.
F
mantle
G photosphere
H corona
B
I
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
1
In the diagram of the Sun above, which
is the layer that can only be seen during
an eclipse?
5
core
Which is the hottest layer of the Sun?
A corona
A A
B prominence
B B
C photosphere
C C
D lithosphere
D D
2
Which features of the Sun are generally
less violent than solar flares?
F
A
G B
H C
I
D
Grade 8 Standards Practice
49
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-4.3
Explain how the surface features of the Sun may affect Earth.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
1
Which describes one way that solar wind
affects Earth?
3
A It changes Earth’s magnetic field.
Some solar flares send out high-energy
particles. Why are these particles not
usually harmful to humans on Earth?
A the Moon protects Earth
B It changes Earth’s orbit around the
B the oceans protect Earth
Sun.
C It increases the temperature of Earth’s
C the atmosphere and magnetic field
atmosphere.
protect Earth
D It increases the temperature of Earth’s
D the auroras protect Earth
surface.
2
Solar flares can produce geomagnetic
storms that reach Earth’s atmosphere.
How can these storms affect satellites
orbiting Earth?
F
Large geomagnetic storms can cause
surges of electric current here on Earth.
What is the most likely result of a large
surge in electric current?
F
power outages
G better TV reception
They can increase the transmission
range of some satellites.
H cheaper electric power
G They can cause disruption of satellite
I
Local Group galaxy
signals to Earth.
H They can cause some satellites to
overheat and burn up in space.
I
They can increase the speed of some
satellites and cause them to move
deeper into space.
5
The Sun’s photosphere gives off
radiation that reaches Earth as ______.
A solar storms
B heat and light
C magnetic storms
D the auroras
50
Grade 8 Standards Practice
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
4
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-4.4
Explain the motions of Earth and the Moon and the effects of these motions as they orbit
the Sun (including day, year, phases of the Moon, eclipses, and tides).
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
1
Which diagram depicts the relative
positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon
during a lunar eclipse?
3
A _______ occurs when the Moon moves
directly between the Sun and Earth and
throws a shadow on Earth.
A solar eclipse
A
B lunar eclipse
C waning gibbous
B
D waxing gibbous
C
4
Earth rotates once on its axis ______.
F
G from west to east each day
D
H from east to west each year
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
I
2
Half the Moon is lit up and visible from
Earth during which phases?
F
first quarter and last quarter
G new moon and full moon
H last quarter and new moon
I
from west to east each year
first quarter and full moon
5
from east to west each day
It takes about 2 weeks for the Moon to
wax from new moon to full moon. Given
this information, about how long does
the Moon phase cycle last?
A 7.5 days
B 14.5 days
C 29.5 days
D 34.5 days
Grade 8 Standards Practice
51
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-4.5
Explain how the tilt of Earth’s axis affects the length of the day and the amount of
heating on Earth’s surface, thus causing the seasons of the year.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
3
Position 1
Position 2
Which statement best explains what
causes the seasons?
A Earth rotates on an axis, which causes
Position 4
winds to circle around the planet.
June
B The Moon revolves around Earth in
orbit, which causes the oceans to
periodically rise and fall.
C Earth revolves around the Sun in an
Position 3
At which position on the diagram of
Earth’s orbit above are daylight and
nighttime hours equal?
D Earth rotates on an axis that is tilted
with respect to the Sun. This causes
some parts of the planet to receive
sunlight at a higher angle than other
parts of the planet for periods of time.
A Position 1
B Position 2
C Position 3
D Position 4
4
2
Twice during the year, Earth’s axis is not
tilted toward or away from the Sun.
Which statement best describes the
length of a day at every point on Earth
during these two times?
F
F
turned away from the Sun
G tilted toward the Sun
H tilted away from the Sun
I
turned toward the Sun
There are 24 hours of daylight.
G There is no daylight, only 24 hours of
darkness.
H The length of a day varies greatly
depending on latitude.
I
Summer occurs on the hemisphere of
Earth that is _______.
The length of a day and night are
about equal.
5
The number of daylight hours changes
during the year because ______.
A Earth moves farther from the Sun
B Earth moves closer to the Sun
1
C Earth’s axis is tilted 23 2 degrees
D Earth’s axis is tilted 45 degrees
52
Grade 8 Standards Practice
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
1
orbit that is slightly elliptical. This
causes some parts of the planet to be
closer to the Sun and other parts to
be farther away from the Sun for
periods of time.
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-4.6
Explain how gravitational forces are influenced by mass and distance.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
1
Which object has greater gravitational
effect on Earth’s tides?
4
A the Moon
B the Sun
The more massive the object, the
stronger the gravitational force. Where
would an elephant experience the
greatest gravitational force?
F
C Venus
G on Jupiter
D the space station
H on the Sun
I
2
The size of the gravitational force
between two objects depends on their
_______.
F
5
frictional forces
G inertia
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
H speed and direction
I
on Earth
on the Moon
A planet is discovered that is the same
size as Earth, but the planet has twice the
mass of Earth. How would that affect the
gravitational pull that planet would have
on you?
A It would be the same.
masses and the distance between
them
B It would be less.
C It would be more.
3
D It would be half.
What kind of force has the most
influence in causing iron and nickel to
form the core of Earth
A friction
B volume
C gravity
D inertia
6
The acceleration due to gravity on Earth
is 9.8 m/s2. If an object on the Moon
weighs one-sixth of what it weighs on
Earth, what is the acceleration due to
gravity on the Moon?
F
0 m/s2
G 1.6 m/s2
H 9.8 m/s2
I
Grade 8 Standards Practice
58.8 m/s2
53
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-4.7
Explain the effects of gravity on tides and planetary orbits.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
1
The gravitational pull of the Moon has a
greater effect than the gravitational pull
of the Sun on Earth’s tides. This is
because_______.
Earth
A the Sun is closer to Earth
Sun
B the Moon is closer to Earth
moon
mo
C the Sun is larger than the Moon
D Earth is larger than the Moon
3
Most of the planets in our solar system
have fairly regular, elliptical orbits about
the Sun, but their orbital speeds differ.
Which best explains why this difference
occurs?
F
A High tides are higher, low tides are
lower than normal.
B No change in normal tidal levels is
expected.
C Expect tidal waves due to the angle of
The planets farthest from the Sun
have the least mass and therefore
orbit slower.
the pull.
D High tides are lower, low tides are
higher than normal.
G The planets farthest from the Sun
experience a weaker gravitational
attraction from it and therefore orbit
slower.
H The planets farthest from the Sun
have little or no atmosphere to
interfere with how they travel through
space, which allows them to orbit
faster.
I
54
The planets farthest from the Sun are
surrounded by air that is much less
dense than the other planets, which
allows them to orbit faster.
4
The elliptical orbit of the planets in the
solar system about the Sun is a result of
the Sun’s gravitational attraction and the
planet’s ______.
F
gravity
G tilted axis
H inertia
I
distance from the Sun
Grade 8 Standards Practice
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
2
Based on the above diagram, how would
the tides be affected on Earth?
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-4.8
Explain the difference between mass and weight by using the concept of gravitational
force.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
1
If an astronaut could land on Jupiter, her
_______ would increase.
4
When you stand on a scale, the scale is
measuring _______.
A mass
F
B speed
G your mass compared to Earth’s mass
C weight
H the force of attraction between you
and Earth
D matter
I
2
whether the forces between your body
and Earth are balanced
Which has the greatest mass?
F
pillow
5
G orange
H beach ball
I
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
the amount of matter in your body
Kyle has a mass of 54 kg. If he were on a
spaceship traveling far out into space,
how much would his mass be?
A 54 kg
bowling ball
B 5.4 kg
C 0.54 kg
3
The mass of an object is the measure of
how much _______ it contains.
D 0 kg
A force
B matter
C gravity
D motion
6
An object’s weight depends on the force
of gravity acting on the object. The
stronger the gravitational force, the more
an object will weigh. Where on Earth
would you weigh the least?
F
at Death Valley below sea level
G on a ship on the ocean
H at the beach
I
Grade 8 Standards Practice
on a very high mountain
55
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-4.9
Recall the Sun’s position in the universe, the shapes and composition of galaxies, and the
distance measurement unit (light year) needed to identify star and galaxy locations.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
1
The Sun and Alpha Centauri, the closest
star to our solar system, shine with the
same brightness. Yet the Sun appears to
us to be much brighter than Alpha
Centauri. Which is the most likely
explanation for this?
4
In which galaxy do we live?
F
Great Spiral galaxy
G Andromeda galaxy
H Milky Way galaxy
I
A Alpha Centauri is a larger star than
Local Group galaxy
the Sun.
B Alpha Centauri is in another spiral
arm of the galaxy.
C The Sun is much closer to Earth than
Alpha Centauri.
D The Sun is part of the central nucleus
of the galaxy.
5
The galaxy shown above is a(n) _______
galaxy.
2
Galaxies are different from solar systems
because they are made up of _____.
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
A elliptical
B irregular
C spiral
F
billions of stars
D cluster
G billions of planets
H gas giant planets
I
3
mostly gas clouds
A(n) _______ year is the distance light
travels in one year.
A lunar
B light
C new
D astronomical
56
Grade 8 Standards Practice
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-4.10
Compare the purposes of the tools and the technology that scientists use to study space
(including various types of telescopes, satellites, space probes, and spectroscopes).
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
3
One advantage that _______ telescopes
have is that sunlight, clouds, and rain do
not affect observations.
A infrared
H H
1
H
An astronomer is analyzing light from a
distant star. With the instrument he is
using, he sees something similar to the
illustration above. What type of
instrument is he using?
B radio
C reflector
D refractor
4
B refracting telescope
Which kind of technology has allowed
collection of information by traveling
outside of Earth’s orbit?
C reflecting telescope
F
D spectroscope
G radio telescopes
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
A radio telescope
spectroscopes
H satellites
2
I
space probes
At which location would a telescope
receive the best information?
F
on a satellite orbiting Earth
G at an observatory at the seacoast
H at an observatory on a high mountain
I
on a ship sailing near Antarctica
5
Application satellites survey Earth and
help with communications, while space
science satellites carry instruments to
measure such things as magnetic fields
and _______.
A television signals
B weather information
C space radiation
D surface images of planets
Grade 8 Standards Practice
57
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-5.1
Use measurement and time-distance graphs to represent the motion of an object in terms
of its position, direction, or speed.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
Use the graph below to answer questions 1
and 2.
Walkathon
3.0
2.5
Line 4
1
2
3
4
5
Time (s)
1
The graph above shows the distance
traveled by four objects over a period of
5 seconds. Which line on the graph
represents the object with the greatest
average speed?
C 3
D 4
1.5
hn
Jo
1.0
0.5
0
A 1
B 2
2.0
20
40
60
80
100 120
Time (min)
3
The graph above shows the distance
traveled by two different walkers during
a two-hour walkathon. According to the
graph, _______.
A John had walked farther than Michael
2
Which line on the graph represents an
object that is not moving?
F
1
G 2
H 3
I
58
4
at the 40-minute mark
B Michael and John walked an equal
distance
C Michael had walked half his total
distance after 60 minutes
D only Michael finished the walkathon
Grade 8 Standards Practice
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
0
Mic
Line 2
Line 3
ha
el
Line 1
Distance Walked (km)
Distance (m)
Distance Traveled v. Time
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-5.2
Use the formula for average speed, v = d/t, to solve real-world problems.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
2
A bird flies for 2 h at a constant speed of
34.2 km/h. How far does it fly?
4
A 3.5 km
F
B 17.1 km
G a unit of mass
C 41.1 km
H a unit of force
D 68.4 km
I
a unit of time
a unit of position
Andrew determines that his dog can run
124 m in 6.2 s. Determine his dog’s
speed.
F
Speed of Various Objects
40
19 m/s
G 20 m/s
H 19.8 m/s
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Speed measurements contain a distance
unit and ______.
Distance (m)
1
I
20.8 m/s
A
B
C
D
30
20
10
3
A jet plane travels for 5 h at 600 km/h.
Which equation should be used to find
the distance the jet travels?
0
10
20
30
40
Time (s)
A distance speed / time
B distance force / time
C distance speed time
D distance force time
5
According to the graph above, which
object is traveling the fastest speed?
A A
B B
C C
D D
Grade 8 Standards Practice
59
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-5.3
Analyze the effects of forces (including gravity and friction) on the speed and direction of
an object.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
3
If the girl in the figure were to drop the
ball she is holding, which force(s) would
act on it?
A friction only
B gravity only
A ball is dropped from a place above the
girl in the figure. She is watching the
path of the ball. Why does the ball
continue moving in the same direction?
A A balanced force is acting on the ball.
B Gravity is the unbalanced force
pulling it down.
C Friction cannot change the ball’s
direction.
C friction and magnetism
D gravity and friction
4
There are over 2,000 human-made
satellites orbiting Earth. After a satellite
is launched, the force of _______ keeps it
in orbit by pulling it back towards Earth
and keeping it from continuing to travel
out into space.
D Gravity is balanced by air resistance.
F
friction
G magnetism
2
What force is used to slow down and
stop a moving car?
F
H gravity
I
planetary motion
friction
G gravity
H balanced
I
60
air resistance
Grade 8 Standards Practice
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
1
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-5.4
Predict how varying the amount of force or mass will affect the motion of an object.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
1
Which would NOT be a way to cause a
moving object to move faster?
3
A Increasing the force applied to the
object
If the same force is applied to each of the
balls shown below, which one will move
the slowest?
A
B
B Removing some of the mass of the
object
m = 1.0 kg
C Applying a force in the opposite
m = 7.3 kg
direction of motion
C
D Adding another force to the object in
the same direction
2
m = 0.75 kg
m = 0.5 kg
A large truck needs to have a large
engine in order to ______.
F
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
D
balance the force of gravity
4
G produce enough force to move the
truck
F
H slow down the forward motion
I
If an object is being pushed in the same
direction that it is already moving, the
object will ______.
change direction
G slow down
make the truck heavier to move
H move faster
I
5
stop
An 800-kg car requires a force of 2400 N
in order to accelerate at a certain rate. If
the car’s mass were doubled, how much
force would be needed to achieve the
same increase in speed
A 1200 N
B 2400 N
C 4800 N
D 9600 N
Grade 8 Standards Practice
61
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-5.5
Analyze the resulting effect of balanced and unbalanced forces on an object’s motion in
terms of magnitude and direction.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
1
Which picture shows an unbalanced
force that would tip the seesaw to the
right?
3
A
During a game of tug-of-war, a scarf tied
in the center of the rope moves to the
right. Because of this, we know that
_______.
A the net force is zero
B the forces are balanced
C the team on the left is exerting a
B
greater force
D the team on the right is exerting a
4
D
2
A bumper car traveling at 5 km/h going
south collides head-on with another
bumper car traveling at 8 km/h going
north. If all other factors are equal,
which direction will the first car travel
after the collision?
You are pushing on the left side of a box
with a force of 18 N. Your friend is
pushing on the right side of the box with
a force of 16 N. Which statement is true?
F
The net force is pushing up with a
strength of 2 N.
I
F
north
G south
H east
west
G The net force is pushing to the right
with a strength of 2 N.
H The net force is pushing down with a
strength of 2 N.
I
The net force is pushing to the left
with a strength of 2 N.
5
A book is sliding along a desktop.
Because the book is in motion, you know
that the forces acting on the book are
_______.
A balanced
B unbalanced
C in one direction only
D pushing upward and downward only
62
Grade 8 Standards Practice
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
greater force
C
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-5.6
Summarize and illustrate the concept of inertia.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
1
A student has a set of masses to use in an
experiment about force. Which mass has
the largest inertia?
4
According to inertia, a moving object, if
no forces act on it, will _______.
F
A 1-g mass
eventually come to rest
G eventually change direction
B 5-g mass
H slow down but never completely stop
C 25-g mass
I
remain in motion
D 100-g mass
2
You are ice skating on a rink in a friend’s
backyard. You hit a stick that has frozen
in the ice, and your skates stop suddenly.
Your body continues to move forward
because of _______.
G friction
In the diagram above, car B is about to
hit car A. When the collision occurs,
which best describes the motion of the
driver in each car?
H gravity
A Both drivers will move forward.
F
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
5
I
inertia
speed
B Both drivers will move backward.
C The driver in car A will move
3
A book sliding across a floor eventually
comes to rest because _______.
A there are no forces acting on it
backward and the driver in car B will
move forward.
D The driver in car A will move forward
and the driver in car B will move
backward.
B there are outside forces acting on it
C of balanced forces
D of the mass of the book
Grade 8 Standards Practice
63
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-6.1
Recall that waves transmit energy but not matter.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
1
Light waves transmit energy and have
direction. Light wave energy can travel
______.
3
Which is the best description of the
cause of sound waves?
A a decrease in pressure
A through liquids only
B one object bumping into another
B as vibrations
C molecules becoming electrically
C through liquids and gases only
charged
D through empty space
D a vibration in material causing a
vibration in an adjacent area
2
Earthquakes release seismic waves, which
are waves of _______.
F
soil
G energy
I
soil, energy, and motion
4
The waves shown in the figure
above _______.
F
transfer energy from water molecule
to nearby water molecule
G move water molecules continuously
outward
H move matter from the center of the
wave in an up-and-down motion
I
64
move both energy and water from
one place to another
Grade 8 Standards Practice
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
H soil and energy
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-6.2
Distinguish between mechanical and electromagnetic waves.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
1
Direction of wave
Radio waves, infrared waves, visible light,
and X-rays are all forms of energy that
travel as ______.
A mechanical waves
B round waves
Direction of particles
C electromagnetic waves
D seismic waves
4
Which type of wave is shown in the
diagram above?
F
2
Which are mechanical waves?
F
compressional wave
G transverse wave
H longitudinal wave
light waves
I
G microwaves
surface wave
H sound waves
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
I
3
radio waves
5
A _______ wave can travel in the absence
of matter.
Sound waves are waves that require
particles to vibrate. Sound waves cannot
______.
A light
A travel around corners
D water
B sound
C seismic
B move through solids
C be heard underwater
D transmit through empty space
Grade 8 Standards Practice
65
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-6.3
Summarize factors that influence the basic properties of waves (including frequency,
amplitude, wavelength, and speed).
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
Use the graph below to answer questions 1 and 2.
20
Wave B
Amplitude (m)
15
10
5
0
5
Wave A
10
15
20
1
2
4
6
8
10
Wavelength (m)
If both waves travel at the same speed,
Wave B has the greater _______.
4
12
14
16
For a given wave, if the frequency
doubles, the wavelength _______.
A refraction
C frequency
F
doubles
B transmission
D wavelength
G stays the same
H is halved
2
Wave A has the greater _______.
F
frequency
G energy
3
quadruples
H amplitude
I
wavelength
You are creating a wave on a spring. If
you start shaking the spring more slowly,
the wavelength of the resulting wave
will _______.
A increase
B decrease
C remain the same
D depend on the amplitude
66
I
5
Given that sound waves are formed by
vibrating molecules, which statement is
true?
A Sound travels fastest through space.
B Sound travels faster through water
than through air.
C Sound travels at the same rate
through all mediums.
D Sound travels faster through air than
through water.
Grade 8 Standards Practice
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
0
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-6.4
Summarize the behaviors of waves (including refraction, reflection, transmission, and
absorption).
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
Use the diagram below to answer questions 1
through 3.
3
Which does not change when the speed
of a light wave changes?
A direction
B wavelength
C frequency
D amplitude
D
A
B
C
4
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
1
In which position would the fish appear
to someone looking at it from above the
surface of the water?
To improve sound quality, concert halls
and theaters use curtains and other soft
materials to _______ sound waves.
F
absorb
A A
G reflect
B B
H refract
C C
I
transmit
D D
5
2
Which property of light waves is
illustrated in the diagram?
F
echo
G reflection
H refraction
I
absorption
How does a prism separate sunlight into
the colors of the spectrum?
A The prism absorbs certain
wavelengths and transmits others.
B The prism reflects each wavelength in
a different direction.
C The prism reflects each wavelength a
different amount.
D The prism refracts each wavelength a
different amount.
Grade 8 Standards Practice
67
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-6.5
Explain hearing in terms of the relationship between sound waves and the ear.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
Use the diagram below to answer questions 1 through 4.
Outer ear
Middle ear
2
Which part of the ear is the sound
amplifier?
3
Which part of the ear acts as the sound
collector?
A outer ear
A outer ear
B ear canal
B ear canal
C middle ear
C middle ear
D inner ear
D inner ear
Through which medium inside the ear
do sound waves travel most slowly?
F
air
G bone
H fluid
I
hair cells
4
When sound waves cause the eardrum to
vibrate, these vibrations are immediately
passed on to the _______.
F
G cochlea
H ear hairs
I
68
outer ear and ear canal
hammer, anvil, and stirrup
Grade 8 Standards Practice
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
1
Inner ear
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-6.6
Explain sight in terms of the relationship between the eye and the light waves emitted
or reflected by an object.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
1
Inside the eye, the rod and cone
photoreceptors in the _______ respond
to different kinds of light.
3
A retina
Evan looks out his window and sees a
tree. Which describes the correct path
that light takes in order for Evan to see
the tree?
A First, the tree absorbs light and then
B pupil
transmits it to the eye. The eye then
diffracts the light into the brain.
C iris
D cornea
2
B First, the tree emits light that travels
to the eye. Once in the eye, the light is
reflected off the retina and absorbed
by the brain.
The first part of the eye to receive,
transmit, and refract light entering the
eye is the ______.
F
C First, light travels to the tree, then the
light is reflected from the tree. Finally,
the reflected light travels to the eye
through the lens and then to the
brain.
cornea
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
G iris
D First, light travels to the eye, then the
H lens
I
light is reflected onto the tree. Next,
the reflected light travels back to the
eye and then to the brain.
retina
4
Why must light be refracted by the lens
of the eye?
F
So that the light can scatter to all
parts of the retina.
G So that the image can be formed in
the center of the eye.
H So that the iris can close the pupil if
there is too much light.
I
Grade 8 Standards Practice
So that the image focuses at the back
of the eye.
69
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-6.7
Explain how the absorption and reflection of light waves by various materials result in the
human perception of color.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
Red
3
Orange
Yellow
Green
A You see white.
Blue
Indigo
White
light
What happens when all the light waves
of the visible spectrum are reflected
together?
B You see black.
C You see a rainbow of colors.
Violet
D You get no colors at all.
2
Which behavior of light must happen if
the color of an opaque object is going to
be seen?
4
Why does a stop sign appear red?
It absorbs red light.
A refraction
F
B absorption
G It reflects red light.
C transmission
H It refracts red light.
D reflection
I
If a material absorbs all the light waves
that reach it, which color will the human
eye see?
F
white
G black
H red
I
violet
5
It reflects all colors except red.
When sunlight shines on a leaf, the leaf
looks green. Why does the leaf look
green?
A It absorbs all the white light and turns
most of it into green light.
B It absorbs only the green part of the
light.
C It reflects the green light waves and
absorbs most of the rest.
D It gives off its own green light.
70
Grade 8 Standards Practice
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
1
Name:
Date:
Class:
Indicator 8-6.8
Compare the wavelength and energy of waves in various parts of the electromagnetic
spectrum (including visible light, infrared, and ultraviolet radiation).
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
Use the diagram below to answer questions 1
and 2.
3
Which wavelengths of the
electromagnetic spectrum are shorter
than visible light and carry more energy?
A violet
A
B
C
D
B ultraviolet
C red
D infrared
1
Which portion of the electromagnetic
spectrum shown above has the shortest
wavelength?
4
A A
B B
F
C C
D D
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Which lists the colors of the visible
spectrum in order from shortest to
longest wavelength?
red, orange, yellow, green, blue,
indigo, violet
G yellow, orange, red, blue, green, violet,
indigo
H violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow,
2
Which portion of the electromagnetic
spectrum shown above has the lowest
frequency?
F
orange, red
I
indigo, violet, green, blue, red, orange,
yellow
A
G B
H C
I
D
5
The human eye can see only a very small
portion of the electromagnetic
spectrum. The wavelengths of visible
light _______.
A are shorter than ultraviolet
B are longer than infrared
C contain the visible color spectrum
D are the only wavelengths
emitted by the Sun
Grade 8 Standards Practice
71
Name:
Date:
Class:
Sample Test
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
Choose the best answer for each question. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided by
your teacher.
1
You are conducting an experiment to
determine which of three ramp heights is
most effective in causing a ball to roll the
farthest. Which of the following does
NOT represent a controlled variable?
3
Below is a list of steps in a scientific
method. Which sequence shows a likely
order used to conduct an investigation?
A
Form a hypothesis
A the angle of the ramp
B
Gather information
B the type of ball
C
Perform an experiment
C the starting position of the ball
D
State the problem
D the surface of the ramp
E
Analyze the data
A A, B, C, D, E
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
2
Tabitha was conducting an investigation.
She placed four buttons of the same size
on a large piece of ice. She used a red
button, a black button, a green button,
and a white button. She placed the ice in
direct sunlight for 10 minutes, then
checked to see which button had sunk
deepest into the ice. In order for this to
be a controlled investigation, what else
should Tabitha do?
F
She should place four buttons of
other colors on another piece of ice.
G She should repeat the same setup,
but put the ice in a dark place for
10 minutes.
B D, A, C, E, B
C D, B, A, C, E
D C, B, A, D, E
4
Conservation biologists want to save a
type of salamander whose population is
rapidly shrinking. Which question
should the biologists answer first?
F
G What is causing the salamanders to
die?
H How can the habitat be better
protected?
H She should use only two different
colored buttons.
I
She should place the ice in direct
sunlight for a longer period of time.
Grade 8 Sample Test
Can salamanders be reintroduced?
I
What do the salamanders eat at
different times of the year?
73
Name:
Date:
5
(continued)
Three years ago, the temperature of the
water in a large river varied during the
year from 12°C to 24°C. At that time,
researchers studied the population of
different fish in the river. Their results
are shown in the table below.
Type of
Fish
Percent of
Population
Preferred
Temp.
Lethal
Temp.
Carp
15%
26°–29°C
44°C
Perch
35%
13°–16°C
35°C
Skipjack
35%
22°–26°C
38°C
Whitefish
15%
10°–14°C
25°C
6
The graph below shows the speed of a
walker. Which statement best describes
what happened during the walk?
F
The following year, a nuclear power
plant opened and began discharging
heated water into the river. The average
water temperature rose 8°C. Which
statement predicts the most likely
distribution of fish in the river two years
after the nuclear plant opened?
The speed of the walker continued to
increase.
G The distance the walker traveled was
the same.
H The speed of the walker changed each
minute of travel.
I
A The carp and skipjack populations
decreased.
The speed of the walker was always
the same.
B The perch and skipjack populations
increased.
C The skipjack and whitefish
populations increased.
D The perch and whitefish populations
decreased.
7
After studying the effects of acid rain on
the ecosystem of a lake, scientists found
that certain organisms died off while
others did not. Which would be the most
likely question the scientists will study
next?
A What will happen to all the organisms
in the lake if the water were to
become more basic?
B Why did some organisms thrive in the
acidic lake water?
C How many species were killed by the
acidic lake water?
D What did the surviving organisms
eat?
74
Grade 8 Sample Test
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Sample Test
Class:
Name:
Date:
Class:
Sample Test
8
A group of students viewing white light
as it travels through a prism are trying to
determine the _____.
F
order of refracted colors
11 If a scientist needs to replicate another
scientist’s investigation, what
information is needed?
A the name of the scientist who did the
investigation
G order of reflected colors
H order of transmitted colors
I
order of absorbed colors
(continued)
B the method and results of the first
investigation
C the materials needed to set up the
investigation
9
While William is conducting an
investigation, he and a friend hold a
coiled spring at opposite ends and
stretch it out horizontally. Then, William
pushes the spring away from him and
rapidly pulls it back. The coiled spring
was being used to study ______.
A echoes
B light
C waves
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
D refraction
D the question being studied by the first
investigation
12 Jason wants to determine the average
length of a trilobite fossil. To do this, he
will measure and record the lengths of a
large number of trilobites from many
locations of the same species and average
the results. Which statement best
explains how Jason is using sound
investigative techniques to know that his
results are reliable?
F
10 A student wanted to enlarge the view of
the crystals in a rock sample she was
observing. Which tool should she select
to use?
F
flat mirror
G prism
He is using many trilobite samples
from many different locations.
G He is studying trilobites that lived
near his school.
H He is calculating an average length of
the trilobite.
I
He is writing down his observations.
H convex lens
I
color filter
Grade 8 Sample Test
75
Name:
Date:
Sample Test
Class:
(continued)
13 Which is the most important piece of
safety equipment you should use when
working with chemicals, heat and
glassware?
A lab apron
B goggles
C eye wash
16 Carl is using a beaker and hot plate
during an investigation of convection
currents. He notices that the top of the
beaker has a slight crack in it. What
should Carl do?
F
Turn down the heat from the hot
plate.
G Be sure the cracked side is facing away
D rubber gloves
from him.
H Tell the teacher and get a new beaker.
14 An adaptation improves an organism’s
chances of ______.
F
Hold the beaker with tongs above the
hot plate.
surviving and reproducing
G becoming a fossil
H learning new behaviors
I
I
behaving instinctively
17 Which would be an adaptation that would
help an animal that feeds at night?
A light-colored fur
B sharp claws
C powerful leg muscles
can live in a desert climate. What is one
adaptation these plants have that enables
them to survive?
D large eyes
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
15 Cactuses are one of the few plants that
A waxy skin
B small leaves
C small flowers
D short root structures
76
Grade 8 Sample Test
Name:
Date:
Class:
Sample Test
(continued)
18 A biologist is studying a modern animal
species and wants to get information
about species like it in Earth’s history.
Which would be the most helpful to
him?
F
Gelatine
Dessert
studying the animal’s habitat
G studying the animal’s diet
H examining the wear on the animal’s
teeth
I
examining fossils of related species
21 The diagram above resembles which type
of fossil formation?
A cast
19 Carbon films of plant stems and leaves
B mold
can be seen in _______.
C carbonized remains
A coal
D petrified remains
B river beds
C petroleum
D petrified wood
22 Which would be the most likely effect of
a meteor hitting Earth?
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
F
20 Which might have had the greatest
impact on living conditions at the end
of the Mesozoic Era?
F
solar flares
G volcanic eruptions
H lunar eclipses
I
Earth would begin rotating faster due
to the collision.
G Dust from the impact would fill the
air and lower temperatures.
H It would take longer time for Earth to
orbit the Sun.
I
The meteor would add more
nutrients to the soil.
climate changes
Grade 8 Sample Test
77
Name:
Date:
Sample Test
(continued)
Layers of Sediment
Early human skull
Layer 3
Early dinosaur leg bone
C Holocene
D Cambrian
Layer 6
Layer 7
A Precambrian
B Paleozoic
Layer 4
Layer 5
25 Which division is first in the geologic
time scale?
Layer 1
Layer 2
Class:
Early fish skeleton
Layer 8
26 Warm, shallow seas covered much of
Layer 9
Layer 10
Trilobite fossil
23 The diagram above illustrates fossils
contained in layers of sediment at a
paleontological site. In which layer might
you expect to find a fossil of an early
amphibian?
Earth during _______, allowing an
abundance of marine life to flourish.
F
the Paleozoic Era
G the Cenozoic Era
H the Mesozoic Era
I
Precambrian time
A Layer 3
B Layer 4
C Layer 6
27 The first evidence of which organism
occurred during the Mesozoic Era?
A Algae
B Flowering plants
24 Which lists the divisions of geologic time
in order from the longest division to the
shortest?
F
C Early man
D Vertebrates
era, epoch, period, eon
G eon, era, period, epoch
H period, eon, epoch, era
I
78
epoch, era, eon, period
Grade 8 Sample Test
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
D Layer 8
Name:
Date:
Class:
Sample Test
(continued)
28 Human activities, such as _______ are
reducing the habitats of many animals
and may cause a species to become
extinct.
F
conservation
G farming
H hiking
I
climbing
29 Many scientists believe that _______
occurred at about the same time that a
comet or asteroid hit Earth.
A mass extinction
B a period of El Niño
31 A paleontologist draws the diagram
above to illustrate the fossils he recently
found. He now wants to order their
relative ages. Using the diagram, which
is the best way to organize the ages of the
fossils from oldest to youngest?
C global warming
A C, E, A, D, B
D a major earthquake
B E, D, C, B, A
C B, D, A, E, C
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
30 Which statement correctly explains the
D E, B, C, D, A
relative age of a rock?
F
The relative age of a rock is the age in
thousands of years.
G The relative age of a rock is the age in
years.
32 If a certain type of fossil were found in
rock layers estimated to be 6 million years
old, but not in layers estimated to be
1 million years old, which statement is
most likely to be true?
H The relative age of a rock is its age in
I
The fossil species exists today.
comparison to the age of other things.
F
The relative age of a rock is
determined by how thick the rock
layer is.
G The fossil species died out about
6 million years ago.
H The fossil species died out less than 1
million years ago.
I
Grade 8 Sample Test
The layers tell us nothing about the
fossil’s age.
79
Name:
Date:
Sample Test
Class:
(continued)
33 Which is the plastic-like part of the
Focus of earthquake
Surface waves – arrive last
mantle?
A asthenosphere
P-waves – arrive first
B lithosphere
C magma
Scientific
instrument
D core
S-waves – arrive second
34 If you were to compare the layered
structure of Earth to that of a hard
boiled egg, which layer would represent
the shell?
mantle
G crust
H inner core
I
outer core
36 The diagram above shows how seismic
waves behave inside Earth. Which best
explains why the paths of the waves
curve?
F
35 As a result of studying Earth’s structure,
scientists now believe Earth’s magnetic
poles _______.
A change direction every 100 years
G The magnetic fields inside Earth
attract or repel the waves as they
travel.
H The waves are reflected or refracted as
B are located deep within Earth’s core
C are fixed points located at the
geographic poles
D drift around to various places near
Seismic waves do not travel in straight
lines, but rather in elliptical paths.
they hit water trapped inside Earth.
I
The different rock types found at
different depths change the speed at
which the waves travel.
the geographic poles
37 Which is the densest layer of Earth?
A inner core
B outer core
C crust
D mantle
80
Grade 8 Sample Test
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
F
Name:
Date:
Class:
Sample Test
38 Within the rock cycle, how are
sedimentary rocks changed into
sediment?
F
compaction
41 The epicenter of an earthquake is located
by using the differences in _______
between P-waves and S-waves.
A magnitude
G weathering and erosion
B amplitude
H cementation
C speed
I
heat and pressure
39 Sedimentary rocks are _______.
A formed from melted rock material
called magma
B a type of foliated igneous rock
C formed because of changes in
temperature and pressure, or contact
with hot fluids
(continued)
D depth
42 The diagrams below represent
seismograms of P-wave arrival of four
different earthquakes recorded at the
same station. The epicenter of which
earthquake is located closest to the
station?
F
D formed when loose materials become
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
pressed or cemented together or when
minerals form from solutions
G
40 Which can occur in the rock cycle?
F
Sedimentary rock is heated and
squeezed to form metamorphic rock.
H
G Igneous rock is eroded to form
metamorphic rock.
H Metamorphic rock melts to form
sedimentary rock.
I
I
Igneous rock is cooled and solidified
to form magma.
Grade 8 Sample Test
81
Name:
Date:
Sample Test
Class:
(continued)
43 If the cost of separating a mineral from
waste rock becomes too great, the
mineral may no longer be classified as an
ore. This happens because _______.
A the mineral has lost its usefulness
Oceanic crust
B the supply of the mineral has
Mantle
increased
Basaltic magma
Continental crust
decreased
D the mineral can no longer be mined
at a profit
44 Calcite will scratch gypsum. This is an
example of the physical property called
_______.
F
H fracture
I
46 The volcano in the diagram above
formed when plates of oceanic crust and
plates of continental crust collided.
Which statement correctly describes the
movement of the plates that formed the
volcano?
F
hardness
G streak
stopped moving.
H The denser plate moved over the less
dense plate.
I
movement changing continental
landforms?
The denser plate moved under the
less dense plate.
G After they collided, both plates
luster
45 Which statement is evidence of plate
Plate boundary
After they collided, plates of the
oceanic crust and plates of the
continental crust moved away from
each other.
A Today, the continents are separated
and the life forms on each one are
very different.
B The outlines of the continents seem
to fit together like pieces of a jigsaw
puzzle.
C At places where the continents may
have been connected, the minerals,
rocks, and fossils are very different in
age and origin.
47 Muscovite mica will peel off in flat
sheets. This is an example of the physical
property called _______.
A hardness
B streak
C density
D cleavage
D The magnetic orientation of rocks
formed during different periods and
found on different continents does
not vary.
82
Grade 8 Sample Test
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
C the demand for the mineral has
Name:
Date:
Class:
Sample Test
48 Which diagram represents folded
mountains?
F
(continued)
49 The Hawaiian Islands are mountains that
formed over a hot spot. Based on their
method of formation, what kind of
mountains are the Hawaiian Islands?
A fault-block mountains
B folded mountains
C upwarped mountains
G
D volcanic mountains
50 How is the energy of an earthquake
transmitted?
F
H
as an epicenter
G as seismic waves
H as fault lines
I
I
as sound waves
51 When rocks suddenly slip along both
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
sides of a(n) _______, they cause
vibrations within Earth called an
earthquake.
A fault
B epicenter
C secondary wave
D surface wave
Grade 8 Sample Test
83
Name:
Date:
Sample Test
Class:
(continued)
55 Evidence suggests that which objects
originate in the region of space beyond
the orbit of the planets?
A comets
B asteroids
C meteoroids
D meteorites
56 The planets of the solar system are
52 The satellite image above shows which
coastal features of South Carolina?
F
hills and mountains
G forests and farmland
grouped into two types, the inner and
outer planets. The inner planets differ
from the outer planets in which of the
following ways?
F
G The inner planets have a rocky
surface.
H bays and inlets
I
waves and currents
H The inner planets have moons.
I
53 If you were to study a topographic map
The inner planets have rings.
The inner planets have a gaseous
surface.
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
of South Carolina, the northwest portion
of the state would have contour intervals
that are generally ______.
A evenly spaced
B close together
C far apart
D in straight lines
54 What does Earth have in common with
some of the other planets in our solar
system?
F
a moon
G organisms
H liquid, solid, and vapor water
I
84
an atmosphere composed of mostly
nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and oxygen
Grade 8 Sample Test
Name:
Date:
Class:
Sample Test
57 Which of the following make up the
atmosphere of the Sun?
A sunspots and solar flares
B lithosphere and asthenosphere
C photosphere and corona
D prominences
(continued)
60 _______ from solar flares enter the
upper levels of Earth’s atmosphere and
interrupt shortwave radio transmission.
F
Heated particles
G Charged particles
H Magnetic storms
I
Gases
58 What is the composition of the Sun?
F
gases
61 Shortly after a new group of sunspots
G liquids and gases
develops, what are people in the
northern United States likely to see?
H solids and liquids
A a solar eclipse
I
solids, liquids, and gases
B auroras
C shooting stars
59 How do sunspots differ from
D the Sun’s corona
prominences, and solar flares?
A Sunspots are hotter areas than
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
prominences and solar flares.
B Sunspots are greater explosions than
prominences and solar flares.
C Sunspots are areas that are cooler
than prominences and solar flares.
D Sunspots shoot from the Sun’s surface
and prominences and solar flares do
not.
Grade 8 Sample Test
62 Magnetic storms caused by _______ can
cause compass needles to move back and
forth, making compasses hard to read.
F
a solar eclipse
G a lunar eclipse
H the Sun’s corona
I
solar flares
85
Name:
Date:
Sample Test
Class:
(continued)
N
E
W
S
Q
R
63 Refer to the figures above. Which is the
correct order of the stages, from the
earliest in the day to the end of the day,
of the position of the Sun in the sky?
A Q, R, S, T
S
65 Which statement is true about winter in
the northern hemisphere?
F
Sunlight strikes at a lower angle than
during summer.
G The Sun is farther away from Earth
B Q, T, S, R
than it is during the summer.
C S, R, T, Q
H Sunlight strikes at a higher angle than
during summer.
D T, S, R, Q
I
Earth’s axis is straight up and down
and not tilted.
D
A
Sun's Rays
T
B
66 When the northern hemisphere of Earth
C
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
is tilted toward from the Sun, the season
will be _______.
A spring
B fall
C summer
64 In the diagram above, which of these
D winter
locations would enter the nighttime side
of Earth next?
F
A
G B
H C
I
86
D
Grade 8 Sample Test
Name:
Date:
Class:
Sample Test
67 During spring tides, high tides are higher
than normal and low tides are lower than
normal. Which is the most likely cause of
spring tides?
F
an increase in Earth’s rotation
G the alignment of the Sun and Earth
H the alignment of the Sun, Earth, and
the Moon
I
(continued)
70 A planet’s inertia, which keeps it moving,
and what other factor keep a planet
moving in an elliptical orbit?
A the Sun’s solar radiation
B the Sun’s gravitational attraction
C the planet’s rotation
D the planet’s speed
the tilt of the Earth’s axis
71 Gravity is a pull between all objects in
68 The Sun’s gravitational pull affects Earth
the universe. The force of gravity
becomes greater as ______.
in all the following ways EXCEPT
______.
F
A the shape of Earth’s orbit
H the distance between the objects
G the masses of the two objects decrease
increases
B the speed of Earth within its orbit
C the size of Earth’s surface
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
D the height of the tides
the masses of the two objects increase
I
one object moves slower than the
other
69 As the distance from Earth increases,
_______.
F
the force of Earth’s gravity decreases
G the force of Earth’s gravity increases
H the force of the Moon’s gravity
decreases
I
the force of the Sun’s gravity
decreases
Grade 8 Sample Test
87
Name:
Date:
Sample Test
Class:
(continued)
72 Which is the reason that objects have
75 If an object is moved from sea level to
weight on Earth?
the top of Mt. Everest, _______.
A gravitational force of the Moon and
F
Earth combined
B gravitational force of the Sun
G the object’s weight increases but its
mass remains the same
C gravitational force of the Moon
D gravitational force of Earth
H the object’s mass decreases but its
weight remains the same
I
73 The unit of measurement used to
the object’s mass increases but its
weight remains the same
the object’s weight decreases but its
mass remains the same
determine distance to stars and galaxies
is called a _____.
F
light-year
G star unit
H kilometer
mile
74 Which statement accurately relates the
Milky Way galaxy and our solar system?
A The Milky Way galaxy is the center of
the solar system.
B The Milky Way galaxy is the only
galaxy in the universe.
C Our solar system is part of the Milky
Way galaxy.
D Most of the stars in the Milky Way
galaxy are in our solar system.
88
76 Every few weeks, Cal stands on a scale
like the one shown above. What is the
scale measuring?
A Cal’s weight
B Cal’s mass
C the force of Cal’s body pushing
downward on Earth
D the force of Earth pushing upward
against Cal’s body
Grade 8 Sample Test
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
I
Name:
Date:
Class:
Sample Test
77 Satellites orbit Earth with instruments
79 Reflecting telescopes use mirrors to
and telescopes that collect information
from space. What advantage does a
satellite have in that location?
F
(continued)
direct the light to the eyepiece; refracting
telescopes use ______.
X-rays
F
It is not hampered by gases in the
atmosphere.
G concave lenses
H radio waves
G It is closer to the objects in space.
convex lenses
I
H It can travel farther into the solar
system to collect data.
I
It can receive information through
any type of weather.
Data for Two Sprinters
400
Sprinter 2
350
Sprinter 1
Some Space Probe Missions
Date
Mission
1977
Voyager 1
1977
Voyager 2
1989
Galileo
Purpose
To fly past Jupiter and Saturn
To fly past Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus,
and Neptune
To transmit information about Jupiter
and its moons back to Earth
Distance (m)
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
5
10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
1992 Mars Observer To collect information about Mars
(mission failed)
78 According to the table, the space probe
most likely to have collected pictures of
Uranus would be _______.
A Voyager 1
B Voyager 2
Time (s)
80 The graph above shows the distance-time
data of two sprinters. From this graph,
you can find the distance covered by
each sprinter during a 60-second
interval. The slope is useful to find the
_______ of the two sprinters.
C Galileo
A time
D Mars Observer
B distance
C speed
D inertia
Grade 8 Sample Test
89
Name:
Date:
Sample Test
Class:
(continued)
83 Jenny runs 10 km in 40 minutes. What is
her average speed?
F
12 km/h
G 15 km/h
H 16 km/h
I
20 km/h
A
B
81 When subjected to the same initial force,
why does a ball on a tile floor travel
farther than a ball on a surface such as
grass?
F
The tile has more friction.
G The grass is smoother than the tile.
H A smooth surface has less friction.
I
A rough surface has less friction.
C
D
84 The illustration above shows identical
toy cars at the top of four ramps of
different heights. If all cars are released
with no additional force, which car will
travel farthest?
A car A
Charleston is about 180 km. If a car
traveling at an average speed of 80 km/h
leaves Columbia at 9:00 A.M., at what
time will it arrive in Charleston?
A 11:00 A.M.
B 11:15 A.M.
C 11:30 A.M.
D 12:00 P.M..
B car B
C car C
D car D
85 A trucker drives at an average speed of
96 km/h. He travels for 3 hours before
stopping for lunch. How far has he
traveled?
F
288 km
G 270 km
H 96 km
I
90
32 km
Grade 8 Sample Test
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
82 The distance between Columbia and
Name:
Date:
Class:
Sample Test
86 Adam is standing still on the ground.
The force of gravity exerts a downward
force on him. What other force acting on
Adam balances the force of gravity?
(continued)
89 Which illustration shows balanced
forces?
F
BOOK
EIGHTH EDIT
ION
A the force of the ground pushing
upward
B the force of Adam’s body pushing
downward
C the force of atmospheric pressure
G
pushing downward
A
A
A
D the force of Adam’s feet pushing
upward
H
87 A force of 75 N was used to push an
object with a mass of 15 kg. How will
the object’s motion be affected if the
force is increased?
F
I
the object will slow down
G the object will move faster
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
H the object will change direction
I
the object will stop
88 Which object will require the greatest
force to increase its speed?
A an object with a mass of 2 kg
B an object with a mass of 4 kg
C an object with a mass of 8 kg
D an object with a mass of 16 kg
90 A box is sliding along a level floor.
Friction is an unbalanced force acting on
the box to slow it down. In which
direction is the friction force acting?
A downward
B upward
C in the same direction as the
movement of the box
D in the opposite direction as the
movement of the box
Grade 8 Sample Test
91
Name:
Date:
Sample Test
(continued)
91 Amy wanted to pull out a particular
issue from a pile of magazines. First, she
tried pulling slowly, and the whole pile
began to move. Then, she tried pulling
quickly, and the issue she wanted came
out without the pile moving. The pile of
magazines did not move when Amy
pulled quickly because of the _______.
F
Class:
smooth surface of the magazines
G inertia of the pile and friction
94 Waves need a medium to transmit their
energy. Suppose you throw a stone into a
pond. The stone causes a disturbance in
the water that creates waves. What is the
medium in this example?
A the stone
B the water
C the waves
D the air
H larger force Amy applied
I
friction between the magazines
95 In a sound wave traveling through the
air, each air molecule in the wave always
_______.
moves forward through the air along
with the wave
an object at rest has, the harder it is to
move. Which object at rest would be
hardest to move if they were all on the
Moon?
F
A a baseball
H absorbs the energy of the wave and
G carries a small portion of the wave
with it as it moves through the air
does not transfer it to other molecules
B a beach ball
C a bowling ball
I
returns to its original position
D a basketball
96 All waves transport energy from one
location to another _______.
93 Which is an example of inertia?
F
passengers continuing to move
forward when a car comes to a
sudden stop
G a balloon sticks to a wall after being
A without transporting matter
B in a straight line
C in the form of electricity
D at the speed of light
rubbed across a piece of fabric
H a person feeling weightless in an
elevator that is falling
I
92
two students pushing on a large box
with an equal force but in opposite
directions
Grade 8 Sample Test
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
92 You know that on Earth, the more mass
Name:
Date:
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Sample Test
X-ray waves
Radio waves
Light waves
Water waves
Sound waves
Earthquake waves
Table A
Table B
97 The waves in Table A are different from
the waves in Table B because only the
waves in Table A are able to _______.
(continued)
Speed of Light
Speed of light
(million m/s)
294
225
200
Medium
air
water
glass
100 The speed of light through empty space
G travel through Earth’s crust
is 300 million meters per second.
According to the information in the
table above, how does the speed of light
change as it travels through different
media?
H transfer energy through empty space
A Light travels slower through a gas
F
I
pass wavelengths
than through a liquid.
make particles of matter move
B Light travels fastest through a liquid.
C Light travels slowest through a solid.
98 Which type of wave has wavelength,
amplitude, frequency, and must travel
through matter?
D Light speeds up as it moves from a
gas to a solid.
A infrared wave
B ultraviolet ray
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
C sound wave
D microwave
99 On which type of day would you expect
101 If the frequency of sound increases in a
given medium, what happens to the
wavelength and loudness?
F
G The wavelength decreases and the
loudness remains the same.
sound waves to travel most quickly?
F
warm day
G cold day
H wet and cold day
I
The wavelength and loudness remain
the same.
H The wavelength increases and the
loudness remains the same.
I
The wavelength remains the same
and the loudness increases.
Sound waves travel at the same speed
on all the days described above.
Grade 8 Sample Test
93
Name:
Date:
Sample Test
Class:
(continued)
102 Which would absorb the most sunlight?
A a white T-shirt
B a yellow T-shirt
C a black T-shirt
D an orange T-shirt
103 Lenses are used in cameras, projectors,
telescopes, microscopes, and eyeglasses
to bend light rays. Which behavior of
light causes this bending?
F
reflection
G refraction
105 Which of these processes allows the boy
to see over the wall?
F
reflection
G transmission
H frequency
I
refraction
H absorption
I
transmission
106 What is the first place in the ear where
passes through a prism?
A the ear bones
A the original light appears unchanged
B the eardrum
B dark and light bands appear
C the ear liquid
C the light refracts into its component
D the ear hairs
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
104 How does white light behave when it
sound vibrations traveling in air are
transferred?
colors
D all the light is absorbed and none
passes through
94
Grade 8 Sample Test
Name:
Date:
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Sample Test
107 White light consists of different colors.
The color of an object that we see, like a
yellow banana, depends on the
wavelengths of light ______.
F
Use the diagram below to answer questions
110 and 111.
absorbed by the object
B A
G refracted through a prism
H reflected by the object
I
(continued)
C
D
absorbed then emitted by the object
108 The spectrum of colors corresponds to
different frequencies of light. Violet has
a higher frequency than red. From
violet to red, the frequencies of colors
continuously decrease. Therefore, the
frequency of yellow light is greater than
the frequency of _______ light.
A blue
Light
Waves
110 In the diagram of a normal eye above,
at what point do the light waves focus?
A A
B B
C C
D D
B green
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
C violet
D orange
109 Which electromagnetic wave when
absorbed causes an object to become
warmer?
F
radio waves
111 As light waves enter the eye, which
sequence shows the path light travels to
allow sight to occur?
F
cornea, lens, retina, optic nerve
G lens, cornea, optic nerve, retina
H cornea, retina, lens, optic nerve
I
optic nerve, retina, cornea, lens
G visible waves
H ultraviolet waves
I
infrared waves
Grade 8 Sample Test
95