Grade 8 Science Benchmark Assessment

The drawings show two waves. Which statement best compares these two waves?

• Wave 1 has a higher frequency because it has a longer wavelength than wave 2.

• Wave 1 has a higher frequency because it has a higher amplitude than wave 2.

• Wave 2 has more energy because it has a higher amplitude than wave 1.

• Wave 2 has more energy because it has a higher frequency than wave 1.

The human body is composed of systems with interacting parts. Organ systems are made of ​ (a)   , which are composed of specialized cells that work together to form ​ (b)   . Each cell of the human body contains ​ (c)   with a specific function.

• organs
• tissues
• organelles

During an experiment, a teacher uses a flashlight and shines the light toward a pane of clear glass with a black iron backing. A diagram of the experiment is shown.

Which of the following best describes the path of the light as it travels from the flashlight to the air?

• The light passes through the glass, reflects off the black iron backing, and then travels back through the glass into the air.

• The light is completely absorbed by the glass and does not reach the air.

• The light passes through the glass and continues straight into the air without any reflection.

• The light is reflected by the glass and does not enter the air.

During an experiment, a teacher uses a flashlight and shines the light toward a pane of clear glass with a black iron backing. A diagram of the experiment is shown.

Part B: The path of the light as it travels from the air to the pane of clear glass is:

• It passes straight through without changing direction.

• It bends as it enters the glass due to refraction.

• It is completely absorbed by the glass.

• It reflects back into the air.

A scientist hiking in a desert observes a cliff. The scientist makes a drawing of the layers of rock in the cliff and the types of fossils observed in the layers. Based on observations, the scientist determines layers 3 and 5 were formed from cooled lava. The scientist’s drawing is shown.

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Identify the oldest layer in the rock cliff based on the scientist’s drawing and explain your reasoning for the layer chosen.

• Layer 7, because it is at the bottom and the oldest layers are usually found at the bottom.

• Layer 3, because it is formed from cooled lava.

• Layer 5, because it contains the most fossils.

• Layer 4, because it is above layer 1.

Explain how the environment has changed over time at this location. Include evidence in your explanation.

• The environment has changed over time at this location, as shown by evidence such as changes in plant and animal life, soil layers, and rock formations.

• The environment has remained exactly the same over time at this location, with no evidence of change.

• There is no evidence available to determine how the environment has changed at this location.

• The environment has only changed due to human activity, with no natural changes observed.

A student makes a model of the solar system on a poster board. The student uses foam balls to represent objects in the solar system. The student’s model is shown.

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Which of the following is an error concerning the size of the foam balls in the model?

• The foam balls are too close in size as compared to other planets.

• The foam balls are arranged in a straight line, but planets orbit in ellipses.

• The foam balls are colored incorrectly.

• The foam balls are too far apart.

The graphs show the average global air temperatures and global fossil fuel consumption from about 1860 to 2000.

Part A: The overall pattern of change in average global air temperatures from 1860 to 2000 is:

• A steady decrease

• No significant change

• A steady increase

• A sharp decrease followed by a sharp increase

What is the ball's speed after 2 seconds?

• 4 meters per second

• 2 meters per second

• 6 meters per second

• 8 meters per second

Based on the data collected for Setup 2, a student made the following claim about the energy of the ball. Student Claim: As the ball travels down the ramp the kinetic energy increases and the potential energy stays the same. Which statement best evaluates the student’s claim?

• The claim is incorrect because the potential energy increases when the speed of the ball increases.

• The claim is incorrect because the potential energy of the ball is being transferred to kinetic energy as it travels down the ramp.

• The claim is correct because the speed of the ball increases, causing the ball to remain in motion as it travels beyond the ramp.

• The claim is correct because the speed of the ball is the same as its kinetic energy, and the speed of the ball increases as it travels down the ramp.