STAAR Category 1 and 2

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-ESS2-2

Consider the image. Which statement best describes this type of galaxy?

• The image is a spiral galaxy and our solar system can be found in the bright center of the galaxy.

• The image is an irregular galaxy because each of the arms has a different length.

• The image is an elliptical galaxy and is where our solar system can be found.

• The image is a spiral galaxy and is made up of billions of stars, gas, and dust held together by gravity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

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-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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

Which of the following is a chemical change?

• Dissolving salt in water

• Boiling water

• Burning wood

• Melting ice

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS1-5

What is the term for the amount of matter in an object?

• Weight

• Density

• Mass

• Volume

What is the primary function of the chloroplasts in plant cells?

• To break down sugar molecules to release energy

• To store water and nutrients

• To capture light energy and convert it into chemical energy

• To control the entry and exit of substances in and out of the cell

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What is the term for the movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration?

• Osmosis

• Diffusion

• Active transport

• Endocytosis

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.