2024 8th Grade Science PSSA Practie

Use the graph below to answer the question. Scientists measured the sizes of a predator population and a prey population in an area over time. Which prediction describes events that are most likely to occur based on the evidence?

• The predator population will stay the same in year 6 because the prey population will be extinct.

• The predator population will increase in year 6 because the prey population is increasing.

• The prey population will decrease in year 6 because the predator population is decreasing.

• The prey population will increase in year 6 because the predator population will be extinct.

Use the diagram to answer the question. Based on evidence in the diagram, which statement best describes the practice of using wool to make clothing?

• Using wool is unsustainable because sheep require a lot of land.

• Using wool is sustainable because wool clothing can be thrown away.

• Using wool is unsustainable because recycling is not always possible for every item.

• Using wool is sustainable because wool clothing can benefit the land the sheep use.

The western tarnished plant bug and the whitefly are two types of garden and crop pests. Instead of using chemical pesticides, some gardeners and farmers plant marigold flowers as a natural pest repellent. How could this strategy improve outdoor environments?

• Planting marigolds costs less than using chemicals.

• Planting marigolds removes pollinators as well as other pests.

• Planting marigolds is a safe and attractive way to eliminate pests.

• Planting marigolds attracts different pests that are easier to eliminate.

The seat belts in a car are made from nylon. Nylon is a material that humans make from petroleum. Which statement is best supported by this information?

• Nylon is made from renewable natural resources.

• Nylon is made from renewable synthetic resources.

• Nylon is made from nonrenewable natural resources.

• Nylon is made from nonrenewable synthetic resources.

Use the information in the table to answer the question. The table describes liquid X and liquid Y. A researcher pours 20.0 mL of each liquid into a test tube. As the two liquids mix, the test tube gets warmer and a yellow solid forms inside. The mass of the yellow solid is 40.0 g. Which statement best explains what happened in the test tube?

• A chemical reaction occurred because a new substance was made.

• A chemical reaction occurred because the two liquids had different densities.

• A chemical reaction did not occur, because a change in state is evidence of only a physical change and not a chemical change.

• A chemical reaction did not occur, because the mass of the liquids before mixing was equal to the mass of the yellow solid.

A student wants to investigate how the mass of a toy car affects its motion. The student will use a ramp, a block, and four toy cars. Each toy car has a different mass. Which data should the student measure during this investigation?

• the length of each toy car

• the color and shape of each toy car

• the amount of force used to hold each toy car at the top of the ramp

• the distance each toy car pushes a small block placed at the end of the ramp

Use the model to answer the question. The model shows an event that causes part of Earth to be in a shadow. Which statement best describes the event shown in this model?

• It shows a full moon, which happens when the Moon rotates so its dark side faces Earth.

• It shows a new moon, which happens when the Moon rotates so its bright side faces Earth.

• It shows a solar eclipse, which happens when the Moon is directly between Earth and the Sun.

• It shows a lunar eclipse, which happens when the Moon is directly between Earth and the Sun.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Use the diagram to answer the question. A student made a model to show a moon in orbit around a planet. Which statement describes an error in the model?

• The moon is traveling too slowly relative to its size.

• The force of gravity is shown acting in the wrong direction.

• The orbital path should be shown as straight instead of curved.

• The labels for “speed” and “orbital path” should switch positions.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

Use the model to answer the question. The model shows how a cave can form in areas with limestone rock layers. Which statement best explains the speed of this type of cave formation?

• The cave forms slowly because water must flow through rock layers many times for the rock to dissolve.

• The cave forms slowly because solid rock layers at the surface prevent water from seeping into the layers underground.

• The cave forms quickly because large amounts of water enter the opening when a sinkhole forms at the surface.

• The cave forms quickly because fast-moving water erodes rock rapidly and causes rock fractures to increase in size.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Use the model below to answer the question. The model shows a process used by engineers. How would the process for designing a new computer best compare to the process for designing a new bridge?

• The “identify the problem” step would be different because it is not possible to identify problems within computers.

• The “generate possible solutions” step would be different because this step is not needed for a bridge.

• The “create a model of the solution” step would be different because it is not possible to build a model of a bridge.

• The “test the model” step would be different because bridges and computers do not work the same way.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-1

NGSS.MS-ETS1-2

NGSS.MS-ETS1-4