STEMscopes Soil Formation Scope Assessment Review (3rd Grade)

How is soil formed?

• 1. Rocks are moved down a hill by wind and land on a flat piece of land, dead plants and animals remain the same, and water and air reach the soil but do not go through it. 

• 1. Rocks are broken down into minerals, dead plants and animals remain the same, and water and air get into the soil’s surface. 

• 1. Rocks are moved across the land by wind, dead plants and animals break down, and water and air soak into the soil. 

• 1. Rocks are broken down into sediment, dead plants and animals break down, and water and air mix together in the soil. 

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which of the following is the best model of the decomposition of plants and animal remains that could help in soil formation?

• 1. A piece of cereal 

• 1. A plastic fork 

• A rotting apple

• A dirty paper plate

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

An elementary school science class collects soil samples from outside. The teacher reminds the class to try to find different types of soil. What step should the class follow to get the best results?

Responses

• 
  

• 1. The class should dig for soil samples in the same locations to look for any similarities in the soil. 

• 1. The class should dig up different sizes of soil samples to compare the pieces of soil in each cup. 

• 1. The class should dig for soil samples in different locations outside to look for any differences in the soil. 

• Each student in the class should dig up three samples in the same location.

The breaking down of rock, plant, and animal remains helps which types of soil form?

• 1. Clay 

• 1. Mud 

• 1. Sand 

• Clay and Sand

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Which of the following is the best explanation of how the ocean changes rocks into sand?

• 1. The force of the waves breaks down rocks at the bottom of the ocean over a long time, and the small rocks help form sand. 

• 1. The force of the waves moves the sand out from the water and then back into the water.  

• 1. The force of the waves makes a new layer of sand on the beach, pushing the sand that is already on the beach farther into the ground. 

• 1. The force of the waves does not have any effect on the rocks or sand in the ocean and beach environment. 

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

A group of students conducts an experiment on soil in the science lab by placing one tomato seed each in three pots that contain different types of soil. Each tomato plant receives the same amounts of water and sunlight for three months. Which of the following is the best conclusion about the soil samples’ effect on the tomato plants?

Choose 2 answers.

• 1. Tomato plant 1 had the smallest increase in height from one month to three months. This was the worst soil for tomato growth. 

• 1. Tomato plant 2 grew 10 in. total at the end of three months. This was the worst soil for tomato growth. 

• 1. Tomato plant 2 had the smallest increase in height from one month to three months. This was the worst soil for tomato growth. 

• 1. Tomato plant 3 had the greatest increase in height from one month to three months. This was the best soil for tomato growth. 

• Tomato plant 3 grew 3 in. total at the end of three months. This was the best soil for tomato growth.

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NGSS.MS-LS1-5

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The image provided shows soil. In which of the numbered locations is a part of the soil formation process shown?

Choose 3 answers.

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

• 5

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

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NGSS.MS-LS2-3

The diagram provided shows the process of rocks being weathered over time. In HOW MANY locations do the rocks help form soil?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

• 5

How does a lettuce plant help the soil form in its environment?

• The young lettuce plant provides water for the soil. 

• 1. The adult lettuce plant provides insects for the soil. 

• 1. The adult lettuce plant provides shade for the soil. 

• 1. The decaying lettuce plant helps more soil form. 

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which statement correctly explains how a lettuce plant helps the soil form in its environment?

• 1. The young lettuce plant uses a lot of water to grow. 

• 1. The adult lettuce plant is a food source for insects. 

• 1. The adult lettuce plant is wide and keeps the soil out of sunlight. 

• 1. When the lettuce plant dies, it provides nutrients for the soil. 

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3