STAAR Category 3

Consider the diagram. Which of the following is demonstrated by their model?

• formation of a rift valley

• mountain building

• a major earthquake

• a volcanic eruption

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Which statement is true about convection currents in the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans?

• The ocean currents in the atmosphere are created by the radiant energy from the Sun, and the currents in the oceans are created by volcanoes.

• Most of the convection currents in the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans are a direct result of the radiant energy from the Sun.

• Currents in the atmosphere and in the ocean are caused by the gravity of the Moon.

• The ocean currents in the atmosphere are created by volcanoes, and the currents in the oceans are created by the radiant energy from the Sun.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Consider the diagram. This demonstration models which of the following?

• Surface water runoff from a recent storm

• Percolation of polluted water into the groundwater supply

• The purification of water through the water cycle

• The positive impact human activity has on local watershed.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Fossils of Mesosaurus, a freshwater animal that lived approximately 250 million years ago, have been found on continents separated by saltwater oceans. The discovery of the fossils in these locations suggests which of the following?

• Mesosaurus likely swam great distances between continents.

• Weathering, erosion, and deposition moved the fossils.

• The fossils must have been transported by humans or other animals.

• The fossils must have been separated as the continents slowly drifted apart over time.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Consider the diagram. Which two areas on the topographic map have gradual slopes?

• 1 and 2

• 2 and 3

• 1 and 4

• 3 and 4

Which of the following changes would be most likely to occur if the rate of Earth’s rotation on its axis decreased?

• The length of day would be longer.

• The length of day would be shorter.

• The length of seasons would be longer.

• The length of seasons would be shorter.

Consider the model. Which of the following statements best describes the conditions at Location 1 and Location 2?

• There are more daylight hours at Location 1 than at Location 2.

• It is day at Location 1 and night at Location 2.

• It is summer at Location 1 and winter at Location 2.

• It is winter at Location 1 and summer at Location 2.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Consider the diagram. Which image best represents the moon phase viewed from Earth when it is in the location shown on the diagram?

• 
• 
• 
• 

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Consider the diagram. If there is a first quarter moon on September 4, what is the approximate date of the next new moon?

• September 11

• September 18

• September 25

• September 30

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Consider the diagram. Which statement correctly describes the model?

• The model represents a neap tide and will have the greatest effect on ocean tides.

• The model represents a neap tide and will have the least effect on ocean tides.

• The model represents a spring tide and will have the greatest effect on ocean tides.

• The model represents a spring tide and will have the least effect on ocean tides.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4