epanner/MNLP_M3_mcqa_dataset · Datasets at Hugging Face

question stringlengths 1 6.54k	choices listlengths 4 4	answer class label 4 classes
Which processes change magma into igneous rock?	[ "cooling and crystallization", "compaction and cementation", "heat and pressure", "weathering and erosion" ]	0A
Sophie investigates the water supply at her school and the things that affect it. Which action is a direct observation?	[ "tasting water from a water fountain", "reading water test results", "studying the rules for purifying water", "investigating causes of water pollution" ]	0A
Two identical books are on opposite ends of a table. Which of these would increase the gravitational force exerted between the two books?	[ "decrease the distance between the books", "decrease the mass of the books", "decrease the mass of the table", "decrease the temperature in the room" ]	0A
When a guitar string is plucked, sound is produced by	[ "the size of the guitar.", "the metal on the guitar.", "the wood on the guitar.", "the vibrations of the string." ]	3D
What is the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?	[ "absorbing oxygen", "reflecting green light", "absorbing light energy", "blocking carbon dioxide" ]	2C
Which tool should a student use to compare the masses of two small rocks?	[ "balance", "hand lens", "ruler", "measuring cup" ]	0A
Which is an example of a chemical reaction?	[ "Vinegar added to baking soda forms a gas.", "Water evaporates into air.", "Sugar dissolves in water.", "Corn kernels are crushed to form flour." ]	0A
Which type of evidence would a geologist need to support plate tectonic theory?	[ "plant fossils that are similar in size", "the weathering and erosion of coastlines", "new crust formed by the sea floor spreading", "rocks with different physical appearances" ]	2C
An example of a learned trait is	[ "being able to read", "being able to breathe", "having a scar", "having brown eyes" ]	0A
Angelo wants to know if the volume of water changes when it freezes. He measures the volume of water in its liquid state and then freezes it. Which tool did Angelo most likely use to measure the volume of the water?	[ "a microscope", "a thermometer", "a balance scale", "a graduated cylinder" ]	3D
In order for a glider to fly, its weight must be opposed by	[ "lift.", "drag.", "gravity.", "friction." ]	0A
Why does the leaf of a plant look green?	[ "Because it absorbs green light", "Because it reflects green light", "Because it absorbs only yellow and blue light", "Because it reflects a mixture of yellow and blue light" ]	1B
Which statement best describes the nature of sound?	[ "Sound travels fastest in air.", "Sound travels faster than light.", "Sound travels as longitudinal waves.", "Sound travels as transverse waves." ]	2C
Which of these provides most of the oxygen in Earth's atmosphere?	[ "coral reefs", "rainforest plants", "ocean phytoplankton", "continental grasslands" ]	2C
A solution of lead (II) nitrate reacts with a solution of sodium iodide to produce a yellow solid of lead (II) iodide and aqueous sodium nitrate. Which of these illustrates the reaction?	[ "Pb(NO_{3})_{2}(aq) + 2NaI(aq) -> PbI_{2}(s) + 2NaNO_{3}(aq)", "L_{2}N(aq) + SI(aq) -> L_{2}I(s) + SN(aq)", "Pb_{2}N(aq) + NaI(aq) -> Pb_{2}I(s) NaN(aq)", "Fe(NO_{3})_{2}(aq) + 2NaI(aq) -> FeI_{2} + 2NaNO_{3}(aq)" ]	0A
A meteoroid becomes a meteorite when it	[ "impacts the surface of a planet.", "encounters the atmosphere of a planet.", "makes a complete orbit around a planet.", "starts to burn up in the atmosphere of a planet." ]	0A
Which force causes rocks to roll downhill?	[ "gravity", "friction", "erosion", "magnetism" ]	0A
Infectious diseases are caused by	[ "allergies", "vitamin deficiencies", "chemical spills", "microorganisms" ]	3D
A water wave that occurs in an ocean is an example of which type of wave?	[ "electromagnetic", "gravitational", "transverse", "seismic" ]	2C
Which of the following is an example of how insects are beneficial to humans?	[ "Insects can spread diseases.", "Insects have short life spans.", "Insects pollinate flowering plants.", "Insects sometimes eat poisonous plants." ]	2C
In a closed system, what happens to the total energy of the system as energy conversions take place?	[ "It increases.", "It decreases.", "It remains constant.", "It is transferred out of the system." ]	2C
Which of these organisms is a producer in a marine ecosystem?	[ "fish", "gull", "algae", "worm" ]	2C
Which of the following describes a reason why companies irradiate some fruits and vegetables before they are sold to the public?	[ "to improve the flavors by increasing the sugar content", "to speed up the ripening of produce picked too early", "to partially cook the produce before canning or freezing", "to extend the shelf life by killing existing microorganisms" ]	3D
A glacier is a slow moving river of ice. How does a glacier help create soil?	[ "It scrapes small particles off large rocks.", "It carries plants down mountains and to oceans.", "It melts and becomes part of streams and rivers.", "It freezes small particles of dirt to form large rocks." ]	0A
During winter months, Amina sometimes notices ice covering the hoods of parked cars. Once the engine of the car runs for a while, the ice on the hood begins to melt. What form of energy is released from the car engine to melt the ice?	[ "chemical", "electrical", "heat", "light" ]	2C
A student notices dogs have more fleas in the summer than in the winter. Based on these observations, which is the most logical question for the student to investigate?	[ "How does wind affect the amount of fleas on dogs?", "How does diet affect the amount of fleas on dogs?", "How does rain affect the amount of fleas on dogs?", "How does temperature affect the amount of fleas on dogs?" ]	3D
According to the periodic table, all of the following are metals except	[ "sodium", "zinc", "fluorine", "calcium" ]	2C
A squid is an animal that lives in the ocean. It pumps a stream of water out of its body, causing it to move rapidly. Which of the following mechanical systems moves in a way most similar to the squid?	[ "a bus", "a helicopter", "a rocket", "a train" ]	2C
When the wax from a candle drips, the wax has reached	[ "its boiling point.", "its melting point.", "a chemical change.", "a physical change." ]	1B
In the morning, students observed puddles of water all over the playground. What would best explain why the playground was dry in the afternoon?	[ "Animals drank the water.", "The wind stopped blowing.", "Someone dried the puddles.", "The water evaporated during the day." ]	3D
Many areas of Massachusetts have small deep ponds called kettle ponds. Which of the following best explains the formation of these ponds?	[ "avalanche", "wind erosion", "glacial depression", "sediment deposition" ]	2C
What relationship exists between a dog and its fleas?	[ "commensalism", "gradualism", "mutualism", "parasitism" ]	3D
Which of the following could limit the supply of a renewable resource?	[ "recycling aluminum cans", "cutting down trees in forests", "mining minerals such as gold", "conserving freshwater resources" ]	1B
Which statement best describes the energy transformations that occur when a candle burns?	[ "Heat energy from the wax is converted into chemical and light energy.", "Heat energy from the air is converted into mechanical and light energy.", "Chemical energy from the wax is converted into light and heat energy.", "Chemical energy from the air is converted into mechanical and light energy." ]	2C
Pesticides and fertilizers can help farmers to produce more crops. However, overuse of these chemicals can result in	[ "ecological succession", "material recycling", "environmental pollution", "selective breeding" ]	2C
What type of energy travels through the body of a microscope that allows the specimen to be seen by a student?	[ "heat", "solar", "light", "electrical" ]	2C
A powder made up of both white specks and black specks is likely to be	[ "a solution", "a pure compound", "a mixture", "an element" ]	2C
In the past, wild hogs called "javelinas" were seen only in the southern part of New Mexico. Now, javelinas are seen in areas 100 miles further north. What is the most likely cause of this expansion?	[ "Javelinas are reproducing less frequently.", "Environmental conditions have changed.", "The javelina's genetic traits have mutated.", "Nutritional requirements of javelinas have changed." ]	1B
Which is the best example of a pure substance?	[ "peanuts", "milk", "gold", "air" ]	2C
Which tool would best help a person observe the parts of a plant cell?	[ "hand lens", "telescope", "binoculars", "microscope" ]	3D
The energy stored in the bonds of a glucose molecule during photosynthesis is in what form?	[ "chemical", "electrical", "kinetic", "light" ]	0A
What happens to water molecules during the boiling process?	[ "They move faster and move farther apart as they absorb heat.", "They move faster and remain close together as they absorb heat.", "They move more slowly but move farther apart as they lose heat.", "They move faster and move farther apart as they lose heat." ]	0A
Evidence suggests that there is a relationship between ancient dinosaurs and modern birds. Through time, each occurrence of a new trait most likely resulted from which of the following?	[ "mutation of genes", "hybridization of species", "extinction of populations", "alteration of the environment" ]	0A
Which of the following can cause erosion?	[ "falling leaves", "flowing water", "growing grass", "rising temperatures" ]	1B
Living things are classified as producers or consumers according to	[ "their speed of movement", "the size of their communities", "how they obtain food", "how they reproduce" ]	2C
A hydrologist studies the location, movement, and quality of water. A hydrologist recognizes the importance that water exists as ___.	[ "a solid, a liquid, and a gas (vapor)", "a solid and a liquid", "a solid and a gas (vapor)", "a solid only" ]	0A
Which of these can be recycled in an attempt to conserve resources?	[ "gasoline", "sunlight", "aluminum", "natural gas" ]	2C
This in turn causes the average temperature on Earth to rise. Which of the following observations supports that theory?	[ "The summer of 1998 was one of the hottest summer seasons on record.", "Carbon dioxide gas from cars and industry is a product of burning that produces heat.", "Carbon dioxide in the upper atmosphere absorbs and re-emits heat radiated from Earth's surface.", "Radiation on Earth's surface is increasing because of a hole in the ozone layers." ]	2C
Which of these can be mined from Earth and used as an energy source?	[ "Coal", "Gravel", "Granite", "Limestone" ]	0A
Which tool is used to determine how long it takes warm water to melt an ice cube?	[ "a scale", "a stopwatch", "a calculator", "a thermometer" ]	1B
Two scientists doing the same experiment got different results. Which would be the best way to figure out which result might be correct?	[ "A group of scientists should argue about the results.", "The two scientists should do different experiments.", "More scientists should do the experiment.", "A group of scientists should vote." ]	2C
A lipid bilayer allows certain molecules to pass through and blocks other molecules. Which structure is most often protected by a lipid bilayer?	[ "cell", "organ", "tissue", "system" ]	0A
Traits are transferred from generation to generation through the	[ "sperm only", "egg only", "sperm and the egg", "testes" ]	2C
Many scientists theorize that global warming will melt the polar ice caps. What would most likely happen if the polar ice caps melted?	[ "Ocean levels would increase.", "Human population would increase.", "Vegetation in water would decrease.", "Global precipitation would decrease." ]	0A
Which of the following groups of organisms uses sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugar and oxygen?	[ "carnivores", "decomposers", "herbivores", "producers" ]	3D
What is the first step in designing a product?	[ "model a solution", "communicate the solution", "identify the need or want", "build a prototype" ]	2C
Solids that are combined together and maintain their physical properties are best labeled as a	[ "solute.", "mixture.", "solvent.", "compound." ]	1B
A group of vertebrates has lungs, a body covered with scales, internal fertilization, and amniotic eggs. Which group of vertebrates does this describe?	[ "amphibians", "birds", "mammals", "reptiles" ]	3D
The brain, spinal cord, and nerves are organs that perform which primary function?	[ "supporting the body and enabling it to move", "transporting oxygen, wastes, and nutrients throughout the body", "producing male and female gametes", "conducting messages to coordinate body functions" ]	3D
Mammals must eliminate waste products that their bodies produce. Which organ helps mammals eliminate bodily waste?	[ "appendix", "kidney", "pancreas", "stomach" ]	1B
A pot is heated on a stove. Which process causes the metal handle of the pot to also become hot?	[ "combustion", "convection", "radiation", "conduction" ]	3D
In making a pizza, which process involves a chemical change?	[ "mixing spices for the sauce", "slicing pepperoni for the topping", "spreading cheese on the pizza", "baking the dough to form the crust" ]	3D
Base your answers on the information below. One hot, summer day it rained very heavily. After the rain, a plastic pan on a picnic table had 2 cm of rainwater in it. Four hours later, all the rainwater in the pan was gone. Which process caused the rainwater in the pan to disappear as it sat outside in the hot air?	[ "condensation", "evaporation", "precipitation", "erosion" ]	1B
Which process must occur for clouds to form?	[ "erosion", "conduction", "condensation", "precipitation" ]	2C
In 1918, an outbreak of influenza infected 500,000 people all over the world. Tens of millions of those infected died. In 1994, an outbreak of pneumonic plague spread quickly through the city of Surat in India, killing 52 people. Which statement best describes the two events?	[ "Both outbreaks were pandemics.", "Both outbreaks were epidemics.", "The influenza outbreak was a pandemic. The plague outbreak was an epidemic.", "The influenza outbreak was an epidemic. The plague outbreak was a pandemic." ]	2C
On the periodic table, the elements in group 18 (8A) (helium, neon, argon, etc.) are grouped together because	[ "they are lighter than air.", "they have full outer electron shells.", "they have excess electrons to share.", "they easily react with other elements." ]	1B
Which of the following is a consumer?	[ "grain", "rabbit", "vegetable", "tree" ]	1B
Which statement explains why light from the Sun can warm up water in a glass?	[ "Light travels very fast.", "Light travels in straight lines.", "Water reflects light energy.", "Water absorbs light energy." ]	3D
Which characteristic is an example of learned behavior?	[ "a bear hibernating in the winter", "a spider spinning a web in a tree", "a butterfly migrating to the south", "a dog scratching at a door to go out" ]	3D
Which of these is a negative effect associated with some types of new technology?	[ "increased worker productivity", "faster diagnosis of medical problems", "less time required to find information", "decreased physical activity" ]	3D
What is the main source of energy for the water cycle?	[ "electricity", "erosion", "gravity", "sunlight" ]	3D
Sharpening a pencil and tearing paper are examples of physical changes. Which statement describes why these are physical changes?	[ "There is a change in how the objects are used.", "There is a change in the appearance of the objects.", "There is a change in the materials from which the objects are made.", "There is a change in both the appearance of the objects and the materials from which they are made." ]	1B
Air in the atmosphere is heated unevenly by the sun, causing	[ "wind patterns.", "cloud formation.", "volcanic activity.", "water condensation." ]	0A
Which sense is used to determine an object's texture?	[ "hearing", "smell", "taste", "touch" ]	3D
Which statement describes a method of sexual reproduction that occurs in plants?	[ "Stem cuttings are placed in water and grow roots.", "Seeds are produced from the flower of the plant.", "Underground stems from a plant grow into new plants.", "A leaf falls to the soil, develops roots, and grows." ]	1B
Campers shouted toward a canyon wall. What characteristic of sound best explains why the campers heard an echo?	[ "Sound waves traveled slowly down the canyon.", "Sound waves were absorbed by the canyon wall.", "Sound waves reflected off the canyon wall.", "Sound waves were refracted around the canyon." ]	2C
A recent scientific study funded by a medical corporation concluded that its product is not as harmful as consumers have reported. Identify a possible problem with this study.	[ "Corporate scientists have less training than other scientists.", "The results of the study may be influenced by bias.", "Privately funded science is not verified by other scientists.", "The study cannot be repeated with the same results." ]	1B
Nerve cells transmitting messages to the body best demonstrate which primary function?	[ "the transfer of energy", "the exchange of gases", "the elimination of waste", "the absorption of nutrients" ]	0A
A drinking water reservoir for a small town develops a blue-green algae bloom. The town hires a company to eliminate the problem. Which of the following should the company investigate first as a likely source of the problem?	[ "a pit where granite is ground up into gravel", "a neighborhood where lawn chemicals are used", "a junkyard where old cars are salvaged for parts", "a grain elevator where corn and soybeans are stored" ]	1B
What travels through the stem of a plant?	[ "water and food", "food and nectar", "nectar and soil", "soil and water" ]	0A
Which of these is an inherited behavior?	[ "a seal balancing a ball", "a dog getting the newspaper", "a spider spinning a web", "an ape using sign language" ]	2C
In 1987, a supernova was detected in the Large Magellanic Cloud galaxy, which is approximately 169,000 light years from Earth. Which event produces a supernova?	[ "the explosion of a massive star", "the birth of a main-sequence star", "the collapse of a medium-sized star", "the collision of one star with another" ]	0A
Extinction of a species is most likely to occur as a result of	[ "evolution", "migration", "selective breeding", "environmental changes" ]	3D
When water vapor rises and cools, the liquid water in the air comes together forming	[ "wind.", "clouds.", "lightning.", "tornadoes." ]	1B
Which of the following allows materials to enter and leave a cell?	[ "cell wall", "mitochondria", "vacuole", "cell membrane" ]	3D
Sandy and Keith plan to move a 6-kilogram block. If they wanted to calculate the mechanical energy required to move the block, what units would they use to report their answer?	[ "joules", "kilowatts", "kilometers", "volts" ]	0A
DNA stores the genetic instructions transferred from one generation to the next. What is DNA?	[ "a molecule", "a membrane", "a cell nucleus", "a spiral-shaped cell" ]	0A
Which list is correctly ordered from smallest to largest?	[ "Biosphere, organism, ecosystem, population", "Community, organism, ecosystem, biosphere", "Organism, population, community, ecosystem", "Population, ecosystem, community, biosphere" ]	2C
Which of the following has the greatest effect on the ability of soil to hold water?	[ "the age of the soil particles", "the size of the soil particles", "the color of the soil particles", "the luster of the soil particles" ]	1B
The Water Quality Act of 1987 required the development of standards that would prevent toxic pollutants from reaching dangerous levels in bodies of water. This act affected the amounts of toxic chemicals that could be discharged into bodies of water. Which of the following would have been most regulated by this act?	[ "feed lots", "private homes", "paper mills", "grocery stores" ]	2C
Which element is necessary for the formation of coal?	[ "crushed rocks", "flowing water", "dead animals", "decaying vegetation" ]	3D
Some ancient Greeks tried to discover the laws of the universe through thought and logic. Which part of the scientific process were these scientists missing?	[ "analysis", "experiment", "conclusion", "observation" ]	1B
Which best describes a characteristic of the jet stream?	[ "It forms a boundary between a cold air mass and a warm air mass.", "It creates the high winds around the eye of a hurricane.", "It forces the hot air along the equator to rise to areas in North America.", "It causes high pressure air masses to rotate clockwise." ]	0A
Single-celled organisms can reproduce and create cells exactly like themselves without combining genes from two different parent cells. When they do this, they use a type of	[ "asexual reproduction.", "gamete formation.", "natural selection.", "sexual reproduction." ]	0A
Most stars are similar to each other in	[ "brightness.", "composition.", "diameter.", "temperature." ]	1B
Which BEST explains why green marine algae are most often restricted to the top 100 meters of the ocean?	[ "They have no roots to anchor them to the ocean floor.", "They can live only where there is light.", "The pressure is too great for them to survive below 100 meters.", "If the algae lived below 100 meters they would be eaten by animals." ]	1B
Which of these locations in the solar system contains the most asteroids?	[ "the surface of the Sun", "the ring system of Saturn", "between Mars and Jupiter", "between Mercury and Venus" ]	2C
The body is able to detect pressure on its surface by which direct means?	[ "releasing of hormones in skin", "changing in volume of fat and muscle cells", "signaling by sensory neurons", "changing of voltage in interneurons" ]	2C
Which of these is an organism that is unicellular?	[ "virus", "amoeba", "mushroom", "ant" ]	1B
Mark wants to make lemonade for his friends. He uses water, lemon juice, and sugar. Which of these best describes the lemonade?	[ "a mixture", "a metal", "an element", "a compound" ]	0A

Which processes change magma into igneous rock?

[ "cooling and crystallization", "compaction and cementation", "heat and pressure", "weathering and erosion" ]

0A

Sophie investigates the water supply at her school and the things that affect it. Which action is a direct observation?

[ "tasting water from a water fountain", "reading water test results", "studying the rules for purifying water", "investigating causes of water pollution" ]

0A

Two identical books are on opposite ends of a table. Which of these would increase the gravitational force exerted between the two books?

[ "decrease the distance between the books", "decrease the mass of the books", "decrease the mass of the table", "decrease the temperature in the room" ]

0A

When a guitar string is plucked, sound is produced by

[ "the size of the guitar.", "the metal on the guitar.", "the wood on the guitar.", "the vibrations of the string." ]

3D

What is the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?

[ "absorbing oxygen", "reflecting green light", "absorbing light energy", "blocking carbon dioxide" ]

2C

Which tool should a student use to compare the masses of two small rocks?

[ "balance", "hand lens", "ruler", "measuring cup" ]

0A

Which is an example of a chemical reaction?

[ "Vinegar added to baking soda forms a gas.", "Water evaporates into air.", "Sugar dissolves in water.", "Corn kernels are crushed to form flour." ]

0A

Which type of evidence would a geologist need to support plate tectonic theory?

[ "plant fossils that are similar in size", "the weathering and erosion of coastlines", "new crust formed by the sea floor spreading", "rocks with different physical appearances" ]

2C

An example of a learned trait is

[ "being able to read", "being able to breathe", "having a scar", "having brown eyes" ]

0A

Angelo wants to know if the volume of water changes when it freezes. He measures the volume of water in its liquid state and then freezes it. Which tool did Angelo most likely use to measure the volume of the water?

[ "a microscope", "a thermometer", "a balance scale", "a graduated cylinder" ]

3D

In order for a glider to fly, its weight must be opposed by

[ "lift.", "drag.", "gravity.", "friction." ]

0A

Why does the leaf of a plant look green?

[ "Because it absorbs green light", "Because it reflects green light", "Because it absorbs only yellow and blue light", "Because it reflects a mixture of yellow and blue light" ]

1B

Which statement best describes the nature of sound?

[ "Sound travels fastest in air.", "Sound travels faster than light.", "Sound travels as longitudinal waves.", "Sound travels as transverse waves." ]

2C

Which of these provides most of the oxygen in Earth's atmosphere?

[ "coral reefs", "rainforest plants", "ocean phytoplankton", "continental grasslands" ]

2C

A solution of lead (II) nitrate reacts with a solution of sodium iodide to produce a yellow solid of lead (II) iodide and aqueous sodium nitrate. Which of these illustrates the reaction?

[ "Pb(NO_{3})_{2}(aq) + 2NaI(aq) -> PbI_{2}(s) + 2NaNO_{3}(aq)", "L_{2}N(aq) + SI(aq) -> L_{2}I(s) + SN(aq)", "Pb_{2}N(aq) + NaI(aq) -> Pb_{2}I(s) NaN(aq)", "Fe(NO_{3})_{2}(aq) + 2NaI(aq) -> FeI_{2} + 2NaNO_{3}(aq)" ]

0A

A meteoroid becomes a meteorite when it

[ "impacts the surface of a planet.", "encounters the atmosphere of a planet.", "makes a complete orbit around a planet.", "starts to burn up in the atmosphere of a planet." ]

0A

Which force causes rocks to roll downhill?

[ "gravity", "friction", "erosion", "magnetism" ]

0A

Infectious diseases are caused by

[ "allergies", "vitamin deficiencies", "chemical spills", "microorganisms" ]

3D

A water wave that occurs in an ocean is an example of which type of wave?

[ "electromagnetic", "gravitational", "transverse", "seismic" ]

2C

Which of the following is an example of how insects are beneficial to humans?

[ "Insects can spread diseases.", "Insects have short life spans.", "Insects pollinate flowering plants.", "Insects sometimes eat poisonous plants." ]

2C

In a closed system, what happens to the total energy of the system as energy conversions take place?

[ "It increases.", "It decreases.", "It remains constant.", "It is transferred out of the system." ]

2C

Which of these organisms is a producer in a marine ecosystem?

[ "fish", "gull", "algae", "worm" ]

2C

Which of the following describes a reason why companies irradiate some fruits and vegetables before they are sold to the public?

[ "to improve the flavors by increasing the sugar content", "to speed up the ripening of produce picked too early", "to partially cook the produce before canning or freezing", "to extend the shelf life by killing existing microorganisms" ]

3D

A glacier is a slow moving river of ice. How does a glacier help create soil?

[ "It scrapes small particles off large rocks.", "It carries plants down mountains and to oceans.", "It melts and becomes part of streams and rivers.", "It freezes small particles of dirt to form large rocks." ]

0A

During winter months, Amina sometimes notices ice covering the hoods of parked cars. Once the engine of the car runs for a while, the ice on the hood begins to melt. What form of energy is released from the car engine to melt the ice?

[ "chemical", "electrical", "heat", "light" ]

2C

A student notices dogs have more fleas in the summer than in the winter. Based on these observations, which is the most logical question for the student to investigate?

[ "How does wind affect the amount of fleas on dogs?", "How does diet affect the amount of fleas on dogs?", "How does rain affect the amount of fleas on dogs?", "How does temperature affect the amount of fleas on dogs?" ]

3D

According to the periodic table, all of the following are metals except

[ "sodium", "zinc", "fluorine", "calcium" ]

2C

A squid is an animal that lives in the ocean. It pumps a stream of water out of its body, causing it to move rapidly. Which of the following mechanical systems moves in a way most similar to the squid?

[ "a bus", "a helicopter", "a rocket", "a train" ]

2C

When the wax from a candle drips, the wax has reached

[ "its boiling point.", "its melting point.", "a chemical change.", "a physical change." ]

1B

In the morning, students observed puddles of water all over the playground. What would best explain why the playground was dry in the afternoon?

[ "Animals drank the water.", "The wind stopped blowing.", "Someone dried the puddles.", "The water evaporated during the day." ]

3D

Many areas of Massachusetts have small deep ponds called kettle ponds. Which of the following best explains the formation of these ponds?

[ "avalanche", "wind erosion", "glacial depression", "sediment deposition" ]

2C

What relationship exists between a dog and its fleas?

[ "commensalism", "gradualism", "mutualism", "parasitism" ]

3D

Which of the following could limit the supply of a renewable resource?

[ "recycling aluminum cans", "cutting down trees in forests", "mining minerals such as gold", "conserving freshwater resources" ]

1B

Which statement best describes the energy transformations that occur when a candle burns?

[ "Heat energy from the wax is converted into chemical and light energy.", "Heat energy from the air is converted into mechanical and light energy.", "Chemical energy from the wax is converted into light and heat energy.", "Chemical energy from the air is converted into mechanical and light energy." ]

2C

Pesticides and fertilizers can help farmers to produce more crops. However, overuse of these chemicals can result in

[ "ecological succession", "material recycling", "environmental pollution", "selective breeding" ]

2C

What type of energy travels through the body of a microscope that allows the specimen to be seen by a student?

[ "heat", "solar", "light", "electrical" ]

2C

A powder made up of both white specks and black specks is likely to be

[ "a solution", "a pure compound", "a mixture", "an element" ]

2C

In the past, wild hogs called "javelinas" were seen only in the southern part of New Mexico. Now, javelinas are seen in areas 100 miles further north. What is the most likely cause of this expansion?

[ "Javelinas are reproducing less frequently.", "Environmental conditions have changed.", "The javelina's genetic traits have mutated.", "Nutritional requirements of javelinas have changed." ]

1B

Which is the best example of a pure substance?

[ "peanuts", "milk", "gold", "air" ]

2C

Which tool would best help a person observe the parts of a plant cell?

[ "hand lens", "telescope", "binoculars", "microscope" ]

3D

The energy stored in the bonds of a glucose molecule during photosynthesis is in what form?

[ "chemical", "electrical", "kinetic", "light" ]

0A

What happens to water molecules during the boiling process?

[ "They move faster and move farther apart as they absorb heat.", "They move faster and remain close together as they absorb heat.", "They move more slowly but move farther apart as they lose heat.", "They move faster and move farther apart as they lose heat." ]

0A

Evidence suggests that there is a relationship between ancient dinosaurs and modern birds. Through time, each occurrence of a new trait most likely resulted from which of the following?

[ "mutation of genes", "hybridization of species", "extinction of populations", "alteration of the environment" ]

0A

Which of the following can cause erosion?

[ "falling leaves", "flowing water", "growing grass", "rising temperatures" ]

1B

Living things are classified as producers or consumers according to

[ "their speed of movement", "the size of their communities", "how they obtain food", "how they reproduce" ]

2C

A hydrologist studies the location, movement, and quality of water. A hydrologist recognizes the importance that water exists as ___.

[ "a solid, a liquid, and a gas (vapor)", "a solid and a liquid", "a solid and a gas (vapor)", "a solid only" ]

0A

Which of these can be recycled in an attempt to conserve resources?

[ "gasoline", "sunlight", "aluminum", "natural gas" ]

2C

This in turn causes the average temperature on Earth to rise. Which of the following observations supports that theory?

[ "The summer of 1998 was one of the hottest summer seasons on record.", "Carbon dioxide gas from cars and industry is a product of burning that produces heat.", "Carbon dioxide in the upper atmosphere absorbs and re-emits heat radiated from Earth's surface.", "Radiation on Earth's surface is increasing because of a hole in the ozone layers." ]

2C

Which of these can be mined from Earth and used as an energy source?

[ "Coal", "Gravel", "Granite", "Limestone" ]

0A

Which tool is used to determine how long it takes warm water to melt an ice cube?

[ "a scale", "a stopwatch", "a calculator", "a thermometer" ]

1B

Two scientists doing the same experiment got different results. Which would be the best way to figure out which result might be correct?

[ "A group of scientists should argue about the results.", "The two scientists should do different experiments.", "More scientists should do the experiment.", "A group of scientists should vote." ]

2C

A lipid bilayer allows certain molecules to pass through and blocks other molecules. Which structure is most often protected by a lipid bilayer?

[ "cell", "organ", "tissue", "system" ]

0A

Traits are transferred from generation to generation through the

[ "sperm only", "egg only", "sperm and the egg", "testes" ]

2C

Many scientists theorize that global warming will melt the polar ice caps. What would most likely happen if the polar ice caps melted?

[ "Ocean levels would increase.", "Human population would increase.", "Vegetation in water would decrease.", "Global precipitation would decrease." ]

0A

Which of the following groups of organisms uses sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugar and oxygen?

[ "carnivores", "decomposers", "herbivores", "producers" ]

3D

What is the first step in designing a product?

[ "model a solution", "communicate the solution", "identify the need or want", "build a prototype" ]

2C

Solids that are combined together and maintain their physical properties are best labeled as a

[ "solute.", "mixture.", "solvent.", "compound." ]

1B

A group of vertebrates has lungs, a body covered with scales, internal fertilization, and amniotic eggs. Which group of vertebrates does this describe?

[ "amphibians", "birds", "mammals", "reptiles" ]

3D

The brain, spinal cord, and nerves are organs that perform which primary function?

[ "supporting the body and enabling it to move", "transporting oxygen, wastes, and nutrients throughout the body", "producing male and female gametes", "conducting messages to coordinate body functions" ]

3D

Mammals must eliminate waste products that their bodies produce. Which organ helps mammals eliminate bodily waste?

[ "appendix", "kidney", "pancreas", "stomach" ]

1B

A pot is heated on a stove. Which process causes the metal handle of the pot to also become hot?

[ "combustion", "convection", "radiation", "conduction" ]

3D

In making a pizza, which process involves a chemical change?

[ "mixing spices for the sauce", "slicing pepperoni for the topping", "spreading cheese on the pizza", "baking the dough to form the crust" ]

3D

Base your answers on the information below. One hot, summer day it rained very heavily. After the rain, a plastic pan on a picnic table had 2 cm of rainwater in it. Four hours later, all the rainwater in the pan was gone. Which process caused the rainwater in the pan to disappear as it sat outside in the hot air?

[ "condensation", "evaporation", "precipitation", "erosion" ]

1B

Which process must occur for clouds to form?

[ "erosion", "conduction", "condensation", "precipitation" ]

2C

In 1918, an outbreak of influenza infected 500,000 people all over the world. Tens of millions of those infected died. In 1994, an outbreak of pneumonic plague spread quickly through the city of Surat in India, killing 52 people. Which statement best describes the two events?

[ "Both outbreaks were pandemics.", "Both outbreaks were epidemics.", "The influenza outbreak was a pandemic. The plague outbreak was an epidemic.", "The influenza outbreak was an epidemic. The plague outbreak was a pandemic." ]

2C

On the periodic table, the elements in group 18 (8A) (helium, neon, argon, etc.) are grouped together because

[ "they are lighter than air.", "they have full outer electron shells.", "they have excess electrons to share.", "they easily react with other elements." ]

1B

Which of the following is a consumer?

[ "grain", "rabbit", "vegetable", "tree" ]

1B

Which statement explains why light from the Sun can warm up water in a glass?

[ "Light travels very fast.", "Light travels in straight lines.", "Water reflects light energy.", "Water absorbs light energy." ]

3D

Which characteristic is an example of learned behavior?

[ "a bear hibernating in the winter", "a spider spinning a web in a tree", "a butterfly migrating to the south", "a dog scratching at a door to go out" ]

3D

Which of these is a negative effect associated with some types of new technology?

[ "increased worker productivity", "faster diagnosis of medical problems", "less time required to find information", "decreased physical activity" ]

3D

What is the main source of energy for the water cycle?

[ "electricity", "erosion", "gravity", "sunlight" ]

3D

Sharpening a pencil and tearing paper are examples of physical changes. Which statement describes why these are physical changes?

[ "There is a change in how the objects are used.", "There is a change in the appearance of the objects.", "There is a change in the materials from which the objects are made.", "There is a change in both the appearance of the objects and the materials from which they are made." ]

1B

Air in the atmosphere is heated unevenly by the sun, causing

[ "wind patterns.", "cloud formation.", "volcanic activity.", "water condensation." ]

0A

Which sense is used to determine an object's texture?

[ "hearing", "smell", "taste", "touch" ]

3D

Which statement describes a method of sexual reproduction that occurs in plants?

[ "Stem cuttings are placed in water and grow roots.", "Seeds are produced from the flower of the plant.", "Underground stems from a plant grow into new plants.", "A leaf falls to the soil, develops roots, and grows." ]

1B

Campers shouted toward a canyon wall. What characteristic of sound best explains why the campers heard an echo?

[ "Sound waves traveled slowly down the canyon.", "Sound waves were absorbed by the canyon wall.", "Sound waves reflected off the canyon wall.", "Sound waves were refracted around the canyon." ]

2C

A recent scientific study funded by a medical corporation concluded that its product is not as harmful as consumers have reported. Identify a possible problem with this study.

[ "Corporate scientists have less training than other scientists.", "The results of the study may be influenced by bias.", "Privately funded science is not verified by other scientists.", "The study cannot be repeated with the same results." ]

1B

Nerve cells transmitting messages to the body best demonstrate which primary function?

[ "the transfer of energy", "the exchange of gases", "the elimination of waste", "the absorption of nutrients" ]

0A

A drinking water reservoir for a small town develops a blue-green algae bloom. The town hires a company to eliminate the problem. Which of the following should the company investigate first as a likely source of the problem?

[ "a pit where granite is ground up into gravel", "a neighborhood where lawn chemicals are used", "a junkyard where old cars are salvaged for parts", "a grain elevator where corn and soybeans are stored" ]

1B

What travels through the stem of a plant?

[ "water and food", "food and nectar", "nectar and soil", "soil and water" ]

0A

Which of these is an inherited behavior?

[ "a seal balancing a ball", "a dog getting the newspaper", "a spider spinning a web", "an ape using sign language" ]

2C

In 1987, a supernova was detected in the Large Magellanic Cloud galaxy, which is approximately 169,000 light years from Earth. Which event produces a supernova?

[ "the explosion of a massive star", "the birth of a main-sequence star", "the collapse of a medium-sized star", "the collision of one star with another" ]

0A

Extinction of a species is most likely to occur as a result of

[ "evolution", "migration", "selective breeding", "environmental changes" ]

3D

When water vapor rises and cools, the liquid water in the air comes together forming

[ "wind.", "clouds.", "lightning.", "tornadoes." ]

1B

Which of the following allows materials to enter and leave a cell?

[ "cell wall", "mitochondria", "vacuole", "cell membrane" ]

3D

Sandy and Keith plan to move a 6-kilogram block. If they wanted to calculate the mechanical energy required to move the block, what units would they use to report their answer?

[ "joules", "kilowatts", "kilometers", "volts" ]

0A

DNA stores the genetic instructions transferred from one generation to the next. What is DNA?

[ "a molecule", "a membrane", "a cell nucleus", "a spiral-shaped cell" ]

0A

Which list is correctly ordered from smallest to largest?

[ "Biosphere, organism, ecosystem, population", "Community, organism, ecosystem, biosphere", "Organism, population, community, ecosystem", "Population, ecosystem, community, biosphere" ]

2C

Which of the following has the greatest effect on the ability of soil to hold water?

[ "the age of the soil particles", "the size of the soil particles", "the color of the soil particles", "the luster of the soil particles" ]

1B

The Water Quality Act of 1987 required the development of standards that would prevent toxic pollutants from reaching dangerous levels in bodies of water. This act affected the amounts of toxic chemicals that could be discharged into bodies of water. Which of the following would have been most regulated by this act?

[ "feed lots", "private homes", "paper mills", "grocery stores" ]

2C

Which element is necessary for the formation of coal?

[ "crushed rocks", "flowing water", "dead animals", "decaying vegetation" ]

3D

Some ancient Greeks tried to discover the laws of the universe through thought and logic. Which part of the scientific process were these scientists missing?

[ "analysis", "experiment", "conclusion", "observation" ]

1B

Which best describes a characteristic of the jet stream?

[ "It forms a boundary between a cold air mass and a warm air mass.", "It creates the high winds around the eye of a hurricane.", "It forces the hot air along the equator to rise to areas in North America.", "It causes high pressure air masses to rotate clockwise." ]

0A

Single-celled organisms can reproduce and create cells exactly like themselves without combining genes from two different parent cells. When they do this, they use a type of

[ "asexual reproduction.", "gamete formation.", "natural selection.", "sexual reproduction." ]

0A

Most stars are similar to each other in

[ "brightness.", "composition.", "diameter.", "temperature." ]

1B

Which BEST explains why green marine algae are most often restricted to the top 100 meters of the ocean?

[ "They have no roots to anchor them to the ocean floor.", "They can live only where there is light.", "The pressure is too great for them to survive below 100 meters.", "If the algae lived below 100 meters they would be eaten by animals." ]

1B

Which of these locations in the solar system contains the most asteroids?

[ "the surface of the Sun", "the ring system of Saturn", "between Mars and Jupiter", "between Mercury and Venus" ]

2C

The body is able to detect pressure on its surface by which direct means?

[ "releasing of hormones in skin", "changing in volume of fat and muscle cells", "signaling by sensory neurons", "changing of voltage in interneurons" ]

2C

Which of these is an organism that is unicellular?

[ "virus", "amoeba", "mushroom", "ant" ]

1B

Mark wants to make lemonade for his friends. He uses water, lemon juice, and sugar. Which of these best describes the lemonade?

[ "a mixture", "a metal", "an element", "a compound" ]

0A