CAASPP Grade 8 Science

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A chemist draws two molecular models. One model is drawn for formaldehyde (CH2O) and one model is drawn for formic acid (CH2O2). The chemist forgets to write the chemical name above each model. The models are labeled as Model 1 and Model 2, as shown in the figure.

Select terms from the lists the complete the sentences.

Formic acid is represented by Model __________. This model has a different number of __________ atoms than the other model.

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Some of these small fish are light colored, and some are dark colored. A new predator is added to the pond, and one of its primary food sources is the small fish. The table shows the percent of each color of fish in this population before and after the predator was added.

Based on the data in the table, select the best phrase from the menus to complete each sentence.

After the new predator is added to the pond, the __________ have a better chance of surviving than fish of the other color. This is because the predator __________.

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A water bottle is often designed with a vacuum layer to provide insulation as shown. A foam insulating cover can be added.

Several water bottles with a vacuum layer design are described in the table. Each bottle is the same size and has a steel outer lining. The inner lining can be made of different materials.

Students are asked to make a claim about which design will meet two criteria. The bottle must be break-resistant and must keep the water hot for the longest time. They are also asked to provide a supporting statement for their claim.

Which student claim and supporting statement are about the design that best meets the two criteria?

Students used a computer simulation to determine the variables that affect the gravitational force between two objects. They collected the data shown in the table.

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Part B
Select the correct words from the menus to complete the following statement to support the claim.

As the masses of both objects increased, the gravitational force between them__________, and as the distance between the two objects increased, the gravitational force between them __________. 

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This graph shows almond production in the United States since 2012. Almost all of the almonds grown in the United States come from California, and about 70% of California's almonds are sold overseas. About 4% of California's freshwater supply is used to grow almonds.

Globally, the quantity of almonds eaten per person has increased in recent years. Scientists claim that this increased demand for almonds will directly cause a decrease in California's limited freshwater supply. Based on the data, select the words or phrases that best complete the statement.

The data __________ the scientists' claim because, as the demand for almonds increases, almond production in California will most likely __________.

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A paramecium is a single-celled freshwater organism that can be observed using a microscope. A typical paramecium is shown.

A scientist started a paramecium culture in the laboratory to study population growth. A model of population growth for the paramecium culture is shown in the graph. The carrying capacity is the number of individuals that the environment has enough resources to support.

Explain why the paramecium population growth is rapid at the part labeled A and why the population growth rate is slower at the part labeled B, where the population is at carrying capacity. Enter your answer in the space provided.

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A tsunami is a series of waves, and it is usually caused by an earthquake. A tsunami can only be predicted after an earthquake has already occurred. Most tsunamis are caused by earthquakes with magnitudes over 7.0 that occur under the ocean or near coastlines. These earthquakes are also less than 100 kilometers (km) below Earth's surface. This table summarizes the magnitude, location, and depth of four earthquakes.

Based on this information, which earthquake has the greatest likelihood of causing a tsunami to develop?

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A student wants to show a friend that a magnetic field exists in the region around a permanent magnet.

For each demonstration listed in the table, select a circle to indicate whether the student can use the demonstration to show that a field exists in a region around a magnet.

	Does show a field exists	Does not show a field exists
A magnet touched to a paper clip picks it up from a table.
A magnet held near a small metal ball makes the ball roll across a table.
The north pole of a magnet sticks to the south pole of a second magnet when they touch.
A small magnet held under a piece of paper with iron fillings on top makes the filings move into a pattern that covers the whole piece of paper.

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Scientists have discovered Mesosaurus fossils on the eastern coast of South America. The fossils are identical to ones found in southern Africa. These fossils are not found anywhere else on Earth.

Using this information, select the best options from the lists to complete the sentences.

Though the two continents were once joined, __________ caused movement of the continents to their current positions. The evidence supporting the claim that the continents were once joined includes the __________.

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A student learning about heat transfer makes the claim shown.

The student proposes to test the claim in the laboratory by using metal rods of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and aluminum (Al). In addition to the metal rods, which pieces of equipment would be useful for investigating the claim?

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DNA contains a code for synthesizing proteins. Three nucleotides in a row code for a particular amino acid. There are four nucleotides in DNA, which are abbreviated as A, T, C, G. The amino acids are joined to form a protein.

Genetic mutations can occur in the DNA of individuals. Some mutations are harmful, some have no effect, and some might be beneficial to the organism. The table shows the nucleotide sequence of DNA that codes for a protein in one individual and the nucleotide sequence of the same segment of DNA in an individual with a mutation.

Which statement describes the most likely impact of the mutation in the mutated sequence?

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In June 1991, Mount Pinatubo in the Phillipines erupted. The eruption released large amounts of gases, such as sulfur dioxide, water vapor, and carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere. Sulfur dioxide reacted with water to form aerosol particles, and an aerosol cloud formed that covered a a large portion of Earth.

Students want to determine what effect the eruption had on global climate. Which question should the students investigate to best determine the effect?

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During a La Niña event, the temperature of the Pacific Ocean near Central America becomes cooler than normal. As a result, more clouds form, and this can block sunlight from reaching plants in Central American forests. A researcher studying the effects of La Niña measured the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) uptake by tropical plants under different light intensities. The data are shown in the graph.

Predict how a La Niña event affects the rate of photosynthesis by plants in the tropical forests of Central America. Provide evidence from the graph to support your prediction. Enter your answer in the space provided.

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A biologist wanted to study how certain plant structures, such as colored flowers, might affect how often the plants are pollinated during the day. For one hour on a sunny summer day, the biologist observed bee, butterfly, hummingbird, and beetle pollinators of a population of plants with equal numbers of purple, white, and pink flowers. Based on the data collected and shown in the table, the biologist made the claim that plants with purple flowers in this population attract more pollinators than do plants with flowers of other colors.

Which evidence could be used to challenge the biologist's claim that purple flowers in the population of plants attract more pollinators than other flower colors do?

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A scientist measures the amplitude and wavelength of waves in the ocean. The scientist also calculates the amount of energy contained in one square meter of water for each wave. The data and calculations for four different waves are shown in the table.

Which wave characteristics, if any, does the energy in the wave depend on?

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Six stones of different shapes and masses are lifted to various heights above Earth's surface, as shown in the table. The table also shows the gravitational potential energy of each stone-Earth system, which is defined as zero when a stone is resting on the ground.

Select the circles to indicate what happens to the gravitational potential energy of a stone-Earth system when each indicated change to the system is made.

	Increases	Decreases	Remains the same
A round stone is replaced with a rectangular stone.
The stone is replaced with another stone of half the mass.
The stone is lifted to a height that is 2.0 meters higher.

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The diagram shows a cross section of layers of sedimentary rocks. The types of fossils in each layer are shown.

Based on the information in the cross section, select the three statements that are most likely correct.

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The embryos of two vertebrate animals at the same stage of development are shown in the figure.

Which best explains why the embryos are similar in appearance, yet the adults look different.

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Plastic A is commonly used to make disposable water bottles. Plastic B can also be used to make these bottles. Information about Plastic A and Plastic B is given in the table.

Based on the information in the table, explain two ways how using Plastic B instead of Plastic A to make disposable water bottles can help conserve natural resources. Enter your answer in the box provided.

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A certain species of flowering plant has populations that grow near sea level and populations that grow at high elevations. Scientists collected seeds from the plants growing at different elevations and plated the seeds at a high elevation and near sea level. The heights of the plants grown from the seeds are shown in the table.

Based on the data, which two statements about the height of this species of plant are most likely correct?

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A student skateboards back-and-forth on a curved ramp, as illustrated in the figure. The student comes to a complete stop whenever the top of the ramp is reached.

Motion sensors at various positions on the ramp collect speed and kinetic energy data. The data are shown in the graph.

What happens when the student moves from Position A to Position B? Drag the best descriptions of what happens to the students's speed and kinetic energy into the appropriate locations in the table.

A student creates the model shown of the water cycle for a class presentation. The student's main goal is to help the class understand how living organisms assist in the movement of water through the system.

Based on the model, what should the student say about the role of living organisms in the water cycle?

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Baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is a fungus that has been used as a model organism for research on reproduction, because it can reproduce both sexually and asexually.

This table helps explain the differences in genetic variation that results from sexual and asexual reproduction in organisms such as baker's yeast. Select one circle in each row to indicate whether each statement describes a feature of sexual reproduction, asexual reproduction, or both.

Hikers on long trips use water from lakes and streams to fill their water bottles. The water may contain pathogens (protozoa, bacteria, and/or viruses) that cause serious illnesses. This table describes several methods for treating the water.

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A student conducted an investigation using three soils that were identical except for their level of pH. The student planted hydrangea plants of similar size in pots containing one of the three soils. When the hydrangeas bloomed, the student recorded the color of the flowers each plant produced and the level of pH in the soil.

Adding garden lime reduces the acidity of soil. Based on the data, what color flowers will a hydrangea plant produce when it grows in neutral soil that is then treated with garden lime over time?

The flower color will be __________ because the acidity of the soil becomes __________.

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California has experienced many significant periods of drought as a result of both environmental factors and human activities. Conservation of groundwater has therefore become very important, even when California receives a lot of rain. Proposed ways of conserving groundwater include reducing water use, reusing water, and finding other sources of water.

For each conservation practice listed in the table, select how the practice most directly conserves groundwater. Select one circle per row.

Students are designing a solar oven that can be made from materials found around their homes. Solar ovens take more time to heat food than regular ovens. The students would like to build a solar oven that heats food as quickly as possible.

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Students are asked to develop models of the solar system. One student suggests that a ball circling a pole may be used to model the Sun, Earth, and the force of gravity. the model is shown in the diagram.

Which statement best describes how the model represents the Sun and Earth?

In this performance task, you will answer six questions.

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In this performance task you will answer six questions. 

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In this performance task, you will answer five questions.

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	Asexual reproduction	Sexual reproduction	Both
Increases genetic variation
Requires two sex cells
Produces nearly identical offspring
Transfers genetic information from one generation to the next

	Reduces water use	Reuses water	Provides other source of water
Irrigating crops with treated wastewater
Using indoor faucet nozzles that limit water flow
Using water from a rainwater collection system

	Asexual reproduction	Sexual reproduction	Both
Increases genetic variation
Requires two sex cells
Produces nearly identical offspring
Transfers genetic information from one generation to the next

	Requires carrying an external source of energy	Does not require carrying an external source of energy
Filtration system
Chemical disinfectant tablets
Ultraviolet light
Boiling (for 3 minutes)

	Reduces water use	Reuses water	Provides other source of water
Irrigating crops with treated wastewater
Using indoor faucet nozzles that limit water flow
Using water from a rainwater collection system

CAASPP Grade 8 Science

A student wants to show a friend that a magnetic field exists in the region around a permanent magnet.

For each demonstration listed in the table, select a circle to indicate whether the student can use the demonstration to show that a field exists in a region around a magnet.

A student learning about heat transfer makes the claim shown.

The student proposes to test the claim in the laboratory by using metal rods of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and aluminum (Al). In addition to the metal rods, which pieces of equipment would be useful for investigating the claim?

The diagram shows a cross section of layers of sedimentary rocks. The types of fossils in each layer are shown.

Based on the information in the cross section, select the three statements that are most likely correct.

The embryos of two vertebrate animals at the same stage of development are shown in the figure.

Which best explains why the embryos are similar in appearance, yet the adults look different.

Students are asked to develop models of the solar system. One student suggests that a ball circling a pole may be used to model the Sun, Earth, and the force of gravity. the model is shown in the diagram.

Which statement best describes how the model represents the Sun and Earth?

Part A
Choose the claim statement that best agrees with the data.

A student wants to show a friend that a magnetic field exists in the region around a permanent magnet.

For each demonstration listed in the table, select a circle to indicate whether the student can use the demonstration to show that a field exists in a region around a magnet.

A student learning about heat transfer makes the claim shown.

The student proposes to test the claim in the laboratory by using metal rods of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and aluminum (Al). In addition to the metal rods, which pieces of equipment would be useful for investigating the claim?

The diagram shows a cross section of layers of sedimentary rocks. The types of fossils in each layer are shown.

Based on the information in the cross section, select the three statements that are most likely correct.

The embryos of two vertebrate animals at the same stage of development are shown in the figure.

Which best explains why the embryos are similar in appearance, yet the adults look different.

Part A
Based on the information, select the circles to indicate which methods do and do not require the hiker to carry an external source of energy.

Part B
Water in lakes and streams may contain particles of soil and decaying plants that cloud the water. Which method will most likely be effective at making the water clear when removing pathogens?

Part A
Which two characteristics should the students consider when addressing the time the oven takes to heat food?

Part B
For each design criterion listed in the table, select a circle to indicate whether use of the criterion will improve or reduce the rate at which the solar oven heats food.

Students are asked to develop models of the solar system. One student suggests that a ball circling a pole may be used to model the Sun, Earth, and the force of gravity. the model is shown in the diagram.

Which statement best describes how the model represents the Sun and Earth?

Which statement best explains why two dark-brown squirrels could have kits that are gray or black?

Based on the data in the graph, which two types of additional information would best help to interpret the data in the graph?

Explain how the pattern in the graph supports the claim that the genetic mutation for black fur was at some times harmful and at other times helpful to survival. Enter your answer in the box provided.

Which two statements correctly describe the relative potential energy at various points on the track?

If the second hill wasn't lower than the first hill, the roller coaster train would

Three possible observations are proposed to test these claims, as shown in the chart. Indicate if each observation would support Claim 1 or Claim 2 by selecting the circles in the chart.

The students want to answer this question:

Which question should the students answer as part of their research?

Use the graph, beaker setups, and student claims to answer these two questions.
Which student claim would be best supported by the graph?
Which two beakers should be compared to support the student claim?
Enter your answer in the space provided.

Which two sources of CO2 data would provide evidence to support the claim of Student 2?

Part A
Choose the claim statement that best agrees with the data.

Part A
Based on the information, select the circles to indicate which methods do and do not require the hiker to carry an external source of energy.

Part B
Water in lakes and streams may contain particles of soil and decaying plants that cloud the water. Which method will most likely be effective at making the water clear when removing pathogens?

Part A
Which two characteristics should the students consider when addressing the time the oven takes to heat food?

Part B
For each design criterion listed in the table, select a circle to indicate whether use of the criterion will improve or reduce the rate at which the solar oven heats food.

Which statement best explains why two dark-brown squirrels could have kits that are gray or black?

Based on the data in the graph, which two types of additional information would best help to interpret the data in the graph?

Explain how the pattern in the graph supports the claim that the genetic mutation for black fur was at some times harmful and at other times helpful to survival. Enter your answer in the box provided.

Which two statements correctly describe the relative potential energy at various points on the track?

If the second hill wasn't lower than the first hill, the roller coaster train would

Three possible observations are proposed to test these claims, as shown in the chart. Indicate if each observation would support Claim 1 or Claim 2 by selecting the circles in the chart.

The students want to answer this question:

Which question should the students answer as part of their research?

Use the graph, beaker setups, and student claims to answer these two questions.
Which student claim would be best supported by the graph?
Which two beakers should be compared to support the student claim?
Enter your answer in the space provided.

Which two sources of CO2 data would provide evidence to support the claim of Student 2?

	Improves the rate of heating.	Reduces the rate of heating
Covering the interior walls of the oven with a reflective material such as aluminum foil
Allowing outside air to circulate inside the oven
Having a mirrored surface that is adjustable in angle to reflect sunlight into the oven
Using cookware that is uncovered and open to the atmosphere

	Supports Claim 1	Supports Claim 2
The train moves faster after the cars are streamlined.
The tracks are warmer after the train has passed.
The train moves faster after oil is applied to the wheels and tracks.

CAASPP Grade 8 Science

CAASPP Grade 8 Science

A student wants to show a friend that a magnetic field exists in the region around a permanent magnet.For each demonstration listed in the table, select a circle to indicate whether the student can use the demonstration to show that a field exists in a region around a magnet.

A student learning about heat transfer makes the claim shown.The student proposes to test the claim in the laboratory by using metal rods of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and aluminum (Al). In addition to the metal rods, which pieces of equipment would be useful for investigating the claim?

The diagram shows a cross section of layers of sedimentary rocks. The types of fossils in each layer are shown.Based on the information in the cross section, select the three statements that are most likely correct.

The embryos of two vertebrate animals at the same stage of development are shown in the figure.Which best explains why the embryos are similar in appearance, yet the adults look different.

Students are asked to develop models of the solar system. One student suggests that a ball circling a pole may be used to model the Sun, Earth, and the force of gravity. the model is shown in the diagram.Which statement best describes how the model represents the Sun and Earth?

Part AChoose the claim statement that best agrees with the data.

A student wants to show a friend that a magnetic field exists in the region around a permanent magnet.For each demonstration listed in the table, select a circle to indicate whether the student can use the demonstration to show that a field exists in a region around a magnet.

A student learning about heat transfer makes the claim shown.The student proposes to test the claim in the laboratory by using metal rods of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and aluminum (Al). In addition to the metal rods, which pieces of equipment would be useful for investigating the claim?

The diagram shows a cross section of layers of sedimentary rocks. The types of fossils in each layer are shown.Based on the information in the cross section, select the three statements that are most likely correct.

The embryos of two vertebrate animals at the same stage of development are shown in the figure.Which best explains why the embryos are similar in appearance, yet the adults look different.

Part ABased on the information, select the circles to indicate which methods do and do not require the hiker to carry an external source of energy.

Part BWater in lakes and streams may contain particles of soil and decaying plants that cloud the water. Which method will most likely be effective at making the water clear when removing pathogens?

Part AWhich two characteristics should the students consider when addressing the time the oven takes to heat food?

Part BFor each design criterion listed in the table, select a circle to indicate whether use of the criterion will improve or reduce the rate at which the solar oven heats food.

Students are asked to develop models of the solar system. One student suggests that a ball circling a pole may be used to model the Sun, Earth, and the force of gravity. the model is shown in the diagram.Which statement best describes how the model represents the Sun and Earth?

Which statement best explains why two dark-brown squirrels could have kits that are gray or black?

Based on the data in the graph, which two types of additional information would best help to interpret the data in the graph?

Explain how the pattern in the graph supports the claim that the genetic mutation for black fur was at some times harmful and at other times helpful to survival. Enter your answer in the box provided.

Which two statements correctly describe the relative potential energy at various points on the track?

If the second hill wasn't lower than the first hill, the roller coaster train would

Three possible observations are proposed to test these claims, as shown in the chart. Indicate if each observation would support Claim 1 or Claim 2 by selecting the circles in the chart.

The students want to answer this question:Which question should the students answer as part of their research?

Use the graph, beaker setups, and student claims to answer these two questions. Which student claim would be best supported by the graph?Which two beakers should be compared to support the student claim?Enter your answer in the space provided.

Which two sources of CO2 data would provide evidence to support the claim of Student 2?

Part AChoose the claim statement that best agrees with the data.

Part ABased on the information, select the circles to indicate which methods do and do not require the hiker to carry an external source of energy.

Part BWater in lakes and streams may contain particles of soil and decaying plants that cloud the water. Which method will most likely be effective at making the water clear when removing pathogens?

Part AWhich two characteristics should the students consider when addressing the time the oven takes to heat food?

Part BFor each design criterion listed in the table, select a circle to indicate whether use of the criterion will improve or reduce the rate at which the solar oven heats food.

Which statement best explains why two dark-brown squirrels could have kits that are gray or black?

Based on the data in the graph, which two types of additional information would best help to interpret the data in the graph?

Explain how the pattern in the graph supports the claim that the genetic mutation for black fur was at some times harmful and at other times helpful to survival. Enter your answer in the box provided.

Which two statements correctly describe the relative potential energy at various points on the track?

If the second hill wasn't lower than the first hill, the roller coaster train would

Three possible observations are proposed to test these claims, as shown in the chart. Indicate if each observation would support Claim 1 or Claim 2 by selecting the circles in the chart.

The students want to answer this question:Which question should the students answer as part of their research?

Use the graph, beaker setups, and student claims to answer these two questions. Which student claim would be best supported by the graph?Which two beakers should be compared to support the student claim?Enter your answer in the space provided.

Which two sources of CO2 data would provide evidence to support the claim of Student 2?

A student wants to show a friend that a magnetic field exists in the region around a permanent magnet.

For each demonstration listed in the table, select a circle to indicate whether the student can use the demonstration to show that a field exists in a region around a magnet.

A student learning about heat transfer makes the claim shown.

The student proposes to test the claim in the laboratory by using metal rods of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and aluminum (Al). In addition to the metal rods, which pieces of equipment would be useful for investigating the claim?

The diagram shows a cross section of layers of sedimentary rocks. The types of fossils in each layer are shown.

Based on the information in the cross section, select the three statements that are most likely correct.

The embryos of two vertebrate animals at the same stage of development are shown in the figure.

Which best explains why the embryos are similar in appearance, yet the adults look different.

Students are asked to develop models of the solar system. One student suggests that a ball circling a pole may be used to model the Sun, Earth, and the force of gravity. the model is shown in the diagram.

Which statement best describes how the model represents the Sun and Earth?

Part A
Choose the claim statement that best agrees with the data.

A student wants to show a friend that a magnetic field exists in the region around a permanent magnet.

For each demonstration listed in the table, select a circle to indicate whether the student can use the demonstration to show that a field exists in a region around a magnet.

A student learning about heat transfer makes the claim shown.

The student proposes to test the claim in the laboratory by using metal rods of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and aluminum (Al). In addition to the metal rods, which pieces of equipment would be useful for investigating the claim?

The diagram shows a cross section of layers of sedimentary rocks. The types of fossils in each layer are shown.

Based on the information in the cross section, select the three statements that are most likely correct.

The embryos of two vertebrate animals at the same stage of development are shown in the figure.

Which best explains why the embryos are similar in appearance, yet the adults look different.

Part A
Based on the information, select the circles to indicate which methods do and do not require the hiker to carry an external source of energy.

Part B
Water in lakes and streams may contain particles of soil and decaying plants that cloud the water. Which method will most likely be effective at making the water clear when removing pathogens?

Part A
Which two characteristics should the students consider when addressing the time the oven takes to heat food?

Part B
For each design criterion listed in the table, select a circle to indicate whether use of the criterion will improve or reduce the rate at which the solar oven heats food.

Students are asked to develop models of the solar system. One student suggests that a ball circling a pole may be used to model the Sun, Earth, and the force of gravity. the model is shown in the diagram.

Which statement best describes how the model represents the Sun and Earth?

The students want to answer this question:

Which question should the students answer as part of their research?

Use the graph, beaker setups, and student claims to answer these two questions.
Which student claim would be best supported by the graph?
Which two beakers should be compared to support the student claim?
Enter your answer in the space provided.

Part A
Choose the claim statement that best agrees with the data.

Part A
Based on the information, select the circles to indicate which methods do and do not require the hiker to carry an external source of energy.

Part B
Water in lakes and streams may contain particles of soil and decaying plants that cloud the water. Which method will most likely be effective at making the water clear when removing pathogens?

Part A
Which two characteristics should the students consider when addressing the time the oven takes to heat food?

Part B
For each design criterion listed in the table, select a circle to indicate whether use of the criterion will improve or reduce the rate at which the solar oven heats food.

The students want to answer this question:

Which question should the students answer as part of their research?

Use the graph, beaker setups, and student claims to answer these two questions.
Which student claim would be best supported by the graph?
Which two beakers should be compared to support the student claim?
Enter your answer in the space provided.