Grade 8: Science Test
Grade 8: Science Test
Grade 8: Science Test
GRADE 8
INTERMEDIATE-LEVEL
SCIENCE TEST
WRITTEN TEST
JUNE 4, 2018
The possession or use of any communications device is strictly prohibited when taking this
examination. If you have or use any communications device, no matter how briefly, your
examination will be invalidated and no score will be calculated for you.
Print your name and the name of your school on the lines above.
The questions on this test measure your knowledge and understanding of science.
The test has two parts. Both parts are contained in this test booklet.
Part I consists of 45 multiple-choice questions. Record your answers to these questions on the
separate answer sheet. Use only a No. 2 pencil on your answer sheet.
Part II consists of 40 open-ended questions. Write your answers to these questions in the
You may use a calculator to answer the questions on the test if needed.
You will have two hours to answer the questions on this test.
Part I
DIRECTIONS
There are 45 questions on Part I of the test. Each question is followed by three or four
choices, numbered 1 through 4. Read each question carefully. Decide which choice is the
best answer. On the separate answer sheet, mark your answer in the row of circles for each
question by filling in the circle that has the same number as the answer you have chosen.
Sample Question
Earth gets most of its light from
(1) the stars
(2) the Sun
(3) the Moon
(4) other planets
The correct answer is the Sun, which is choice number 2. On your answer sheet, look at
the box showing the row of answer circles for the sample question. Since choice number 2
is the correct answer for the sample question, the circle with the number 2 has been filled
in.
Answer all of the questions in Part I in the same way. Mark only one answer for each
question. If you want to change an answer, be sure to erase your first mark completely.
Then mark the answer you want.
You will not need scrap paper. You may use the pages of this test booklet to work out your
answers to the questions.
When you are told to start working, turn the page and begin with question 1. Work carefully
and answer all of the questions in Part I.
When you have finished Part I, go right on to Part II. Answer all of the questions in Part II.
1 The diagrams below represent two types of cells, an animal cell and a plant cell.
Heart Heart
Fish Frog
A student compared these diagrams. The student found that each of these organisms had a heart to pump
blood. Which statement is supported by the student’s findings?
(1) Some organisms are composed of one cell, while others are multicellular.
(2) Many multicellular animals have similar organs and specialized systems.
(3) The circulatory system in most organisms removes solid wastes from their bodies.
(4) All animals have identical circulatory systems.
Larva
Egg
Pupa
Adult
(Not drawn to scale)
6 The primary function of a plant’s roots is to 11 Which set of terms describes natural fertilization
(1) absorb water and development in humans before birth?
(2) perform photosynthesis (1) external fertilization, external development
(3) produce seeds (2) external fertilization, internal development
(4) exchange gases (3) internal fertilization, external development
(4) internal fertilization, internal development
Vitamin A 0% 4%
Vitamin C 0% 0% 21 The sign below was posted near a lake.
Calcium 0% 15%
Iron 90% 90%
Thiamin 25% 30%
Riboflavin
Niacin
Vitamin B6
25%
25%
25%
35%
25%
25%
WARNING
Folic Acid
Vitamin B12
25%
25%
25%
35%
Eating fish caught in this lake
Phosphorus 15% 25% may be dangerous to your
Magnesium 10% 15%
Zinc 10% 15% health.
COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
16 How much total energy is contained in a single
serving of this cereal with a 1 cup of fat-free
2
milk? Which environmental problem is most likely
(1) 10 Calories (3) 190 Calories indicated by the sign?
(2) 40 Calories (4) 230 Calories (1) toxic waste (3) ozone depletion
(2) global warming (4) species extinction
17 One nutrient that is obtained only when milk is
added to the cereal is 22 Which human activity would help reduce the
(1) niacin (3) sodium amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?
(2) cholesterol (4) phosphorus (1) decrease the burning of fossil fuels
(2) decrease the number of recycling programs
(3) increase the human population
(4) increase the number of cars being driven
Data Table
Distance from Sun Period of Revolution Period of Rotation
Planet
(millions of km) (in Earth time) (in Earth time)
Mercury 57.9 88 days 59 days
Venus 108.2 225 days 243 days
Earth 149.6 365 days 24 hours
Mars 227.9 687 days 25 hours
For which planet is the length of the planet’s day longer than the planet’s year?
(1) Mercury (3) Earth
(2) Venus (4) Mars
Base your answers to questions 25 and 26 on the diagram below and on your knowledge of science.
The diagram represents the Moon at positions A, B, C, and D, in its orbit around Earth.
D
Moon’s orbit
Moon
Sun’s North
A Pole C
rays
Earth
Key
Lighted side
Dark side
B
(Not drawn to scale)
100 100
Percentage of
Percentage of
50
50
0 0
A B C D A A B C D A
Moon Positions Moon Positions
(1) (3)
100 100
Lighted Side Visible
Percentage of
50
50
0 0
A B C D A
A B C D A
26 Approximately how long does it take for an observer on Earth to view a complete cycle of Moon phases?
(1) 12 hours (3) 1 month
(2) 24 hours (4) 1 year
25 25
Altitude (km)
(4)
methane and carbon dioxide
20 20
29 The diagram below represents a flashlight that
has been turned on.
15 15
10 10
5 5
Which form of energy is being converted
to electrical energy by the batteries in the
Sea level 0 0
flashlight?
Ozone Concentration
The plunge pool at the bottom of the waterfall 37 Low-pressure systems generally move across the
was formed mainly by United States from
(1) deposition (3) precipitation (1) north to south (3) west to east
(2) evaporation (4) erosion (2) east to west (4) south to north
33 What is the main source of energy for the water 38 The block diagram below represents a displaced
cycle? rock structure.
(1) the Moon (3) winds
(2) the Sun (4) oceans
Based on its position in the Periodic Table, at room temperature, cadmium is most likely a
(1) noble gas (3) metal
(2) nonmetal
Key
Nitrogen
atom
Hydrogen
atom
43 The chart below shows the wind-chill temperatures caused by wind speeds at different surface air
temperatures.
20 30 24 17 11 4 –2 – 9 – 15 – 22 – 29 – 35 – 42 – 48 – 55 – 61 – 68 – 74 – 81
25 29 23 16 9 3 –4 – 11 – 17 – 24 – 31 – 37 – 44 – 51 – 58 – 64 – 71 – 78 – 84
30 28 22 15 8 1 – 5 – 12 – 19 – 26 – 33 – 39 – 46 – 53 – 60 – 67 – 73 – 80 – 87
35 28 21 14 7 0 – 7 – 14 – 21 – 27 – 34 – 41 – 48 – 55 – 62 – 69 – 76 – 82 – 89
40 27 20 13 6 –1 – 8 – 15 – 22 – 29 – 36 – 43 – 50 – 57 – 64 – 71 – 78 – 84 – 91
45 26 19 12 5 –2 – 9 – 16 – 23 – 30 – 37 – 44 – 51 –58 – 65 – 72 – 79 – 86 – 93
50 26 19 12 4 – 3 – 10 – 17 – 24 – 31 – 38 – 45 – 52 – 60 – 67 – 74 – 81 – 88 – 95
55 25 18 11 4 –3 – 11 – 18 – 25 – 32 – 39 – 46 – 54 – 61 – 68 – 75 – 82 – 89 – 97
60 25 17 10 3 –4 – 11 – 19 – 26 – 33 – 40 – 48 – 55 – 62 – 69 – 76 – 84 – 91 – 98
What is the wind-chill temperature when the surface air temperature is 10°F and the wind speed is
20 mph?
(1) -41°F (3) 9°F
(2) -9°F (4) 4°F
Sediments
Sedimentary
rock
Igneous
rock
Metamorphic
rock
Magma
Directions (46–85): Record your answers in the spaces provided below each question.
46 The diagram below represents a graduated cylinder containing 20 mL of water. Four identical marbles are
next to the cylinder.
mL Graduated
cylinder
50
40
30
20
Water
10
Marbles
After two of the marbles are added to the cylinder, the water level reads 24 mL.
Shade in the graduated cylinder below to show what the water level would be after the other two marbles
are added. [1]
mL
50
40
30
20
10
Clamp
Spring
Ring stand
Known mass
Table
Data Table
Mass (g) Extension of Spring (cm)
0 0
100 0.5
200 0.6
300 0.8
400 1.5
500 2.5
1.5
0.5
0
0 100 200 300 400 500
Mass Applied (g)
48 Describe the general relationship between the mass applied and the extension on the spring. [1]
Hooke's law states that the extension of a spring is directly proportional to the applied force,
until it exceeds its limit of proportionality.
49 Based on the data, estimate the extension of the spring when a 250-gram mass is applied. [1]
0.7 cm
50 Identify the force acting on the mass that causes the spring to extend. [1]
Gravity
51 Based on the pattern in the data table, predict the number of bacteria B at 6 hours. [1]
64
52 Describe how the reproductive rates for bacteria A and bacteria B differ. [1]
High
clouds Cirrus
Cumulonimbus
Cirrocumulus
Cirrostratus
Altitude
Altocumulus Altostratus
Medium
clouds
Nimbostratus
Stratocumulus Stratus
Low
clouds Cumulus
Earth’s
surface
53 Identify one factor represented in the diagram that is used to classify the ten types of clouds. [1]
Altitude
54 Identify the water cycle process that forms clouds when moist air cools as it rises. [1]
condestion
55 Explain why less sunlight reaches Earth’s surface when cumulonimbus clouds are over a location than
when cirrus clouds are over the same location. [1]
Cumulonimbus are much larger and therefore block out a lot of light
Electromagnetic Energy
X rays Microwaves
List the following three types of electromagnetic energy in order from shortest wavelength to longest
wavelength: infrared, x rays, red visible light. [1]
Shortest x Ray
Longest
Infrared
57 The diagram below shows a beaker of ice placed over an open flame.
Ice
Flame
Describe what happens to the molecules in the ice as the temperature of the ice increases. [1]
Ultraviolet Radiation
The Sun’s radiation comes to Earth as many different wavelengths of electromagnetic
energy. One form of energy is ultraviolet radiation. A person’s overexposure to the Sun’s
ultraviolet radiation (UV rays) is the biggest risk factor for skin cancer. Some ultraviolet
radiation is absorbed by the ozone layer, which is located in Earth’s atmosphere. This ozone
layer provides a natural protection for living organisms.
58 State one reason why all of the ultraviolet radiation coming toward Earth does not reach Earth’s
surface. [1]
59 Describe one action a person can take to avoid overexposure to UV radiation. [1]
use sunscreen
Base your answers to questions 60 and 61 on the diagram below and on your knowledge of science.
The diagram represents a cart with a mass of 10 kilograms (kg) being pulled to the right with a force of
20 newtons (N).
Mass 10 kg Force
20 N
60 Using the equation below, calculate the acceleration of the cart in meters per second squared (m/s2). [1]
20/10 = 2 m/s2
61 Identify the force between the wheels of the cart and the ground surface that opposes forward motion of
the cart. [1]
Friction
62 Based on the data table, describe the effect of exercising for 10 minutes on the heart rates of the four
students. [1]
each of the four students hearts rates increase after doing 10 minutes of exercise
R r
R RR Rr
Key
r Rr rr R = red kernels
r = yellow kernels
64 The diagram below represents an ear of corn with both red and yellow kernels.
Key
Red kernel
Yellow kernel
Explain why the number of red and yellow kernels on this ear of corn represents the results of the cross
that is observed in the Punnett square. [1]
From the punnett square the results are: red: 3/4 yellow: 1/4
65 Identify the two genes of each parent that would always produce an ear of corn which has all yellow
kernels. [1]
r r r
______ ______ X ______ ______ r
(parent 1) (parent 2)
66 Explain why the trilobite fossils found in rock layer A are considered to be younger than the trilobite fossils
in rock layer D. [1]
sediments sometimes include once-living organisms, sedimentary rock often contains a lot
of fossils. Fossils are once-living organisms that have been turned into rock, in which the shape
67 Circle the class (type) of rock below that most likely includes rock layers A, B, C, and D, and give evidence
Evidence:
sediments sometimes include organisms that once lived, sedimentary rock often
Fossil remains have been found in rocks of all ages. Fossils of the simplest organisms are found
in older rocks and fossils of more complex organisms are found in newer rocks. This supports
Darwin's theory of evolution, which states that simple life forms gradually evolved into more
complex forms.
Base your answers to questions 69 through 71 on the information below and on your knowledge of science.
The list below describes some characteristics of the Canada lynx, an animal that is a member of the cat family.
Canada Lynx
• Found in the colder climates of Canada and Alaska
• Thick, dense fur
• Preys on small animals, such as the snowshoe hare
• Large spaces between teeth so that bite enters prey as deeply as possible
70 Choose one characteristic from the list that helps the Canada lynx carry out the life process of
locomotion. [1]
71 Explain why the population of the Canada lynx in one area may decrease if the population of snowshoe
hares decreased in that same area. [1]
The Canada Lynx will run out of food or not have enough, so they will starve to death
Keeping Goldfish
Goldfish are one of the most common fish kept in a home aquarium. One thing these
fish need is an appropriately sized environment. Goldfish produce a hormone, known as
somatostatin, that can limit their growth and can keep them from outgrowing their tank.
Somatostatin allows the fish to grow to an appropriate size so that the concentration of
wastes produced by the fish do not reach harmful levels in the aquarium.
72 Identify the body system in the fish that is most likely producing the hormone somatostatin. [1]
endocrine system
system
73 Explain how limiting growth is advantageous for the goldfish’s survival in a home aquarium. [1]
They allows the fish to grow to an appropriate size so that the concentration of wastes produced by
the fish do not reach harmful levels in the aquarium.
74 The diagrams below represent human body cells that have divided normally and human body cells that
have divided abnormally.
cancer
Coyote
Hawk
Snake
Deer
Mouse
Grasshopper Butterfly
75 Identify two organisms in the food web that compete for food. [1]
snake hawk
and ______________________________
76 Fungi and bacteria are not shown in this food web but play a role in this ecosystem. Describe the role of
fungi and bacteria in this food web. [1]
V
rg
i
in ia
Length of Daylight (hours:minutes)
B eac
9:40 h , Virg
inia
9:30 NYC
Virginia
Beach
ew
N
Yo
9:20 rk Atlantic
C ity, Ocean
New
York
9:10
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31
December
77 Determine the number of hours and minutes of daylight for Virginia Beach and New York City on
December 13. [1]
78 Describe the general relationship between the latitude of a location in the United States and the length of
daylight in December for that location. [1]
The latitude is much small in December than the latitude of the Untied states
Earthquake Waves
An earthquake occurs when pieces of Earth’s crust move, producing waves of energy
called seismic waves. Two types of seismic waves that travel through Earth’s interior are
called P-waves and S-waves. P-waves can travel through solids and liquids, but S-waves can
only travel through solids.
Earth’s crust
80 Explain how the properties of P-waves and S-waves have been used to determine that Earth’s outer core is
liquid. [1]
P waves slow down at the boundary of the mantle core, so we know that the outer core is less
rigid than the mantle. S waves disappear at the boundary of the mantle core, so we know that the
81 Other than moving to a new area, describe two actions people should take in order to prepare for
the possibility of strong earthquakes. [1]
(2)
Stay away from hazards
A sugar cube was placed into a beaker containing 100 mL of water at room temperature
and completely dissolved into the water. This process is represented by the series of diagrams
labeled A, B, and C below.
A B C
Sugar
Sugar cube
cube
dissolved in
100 mL water
100 mL water
82 Describe one way to make the sugar cube dissolve faster in the 100 mL of water. [1]
83 Describe one way that the dissolved sugar at C could be separated from the water. [1]
It can collect steam to capture water, effectively separating sugar and water
Electromagnet Strength
Number of Wire Wraps Number of Paperclips Picked Up
10 4
15 7
20 9
25 13
84 Predict how many paperclips the electromagnet would have picked up if the students had wrapped the
wire around the nail only five times. [1]
2 paperclips
85 When the wires were disconnected from the battery, all of the paper clips fell off the nail. Explain why
the battery is needed to pick up the paperclips. [1]
If the electromagnet is not strong enough, the nail will not remain magnetized after