CAASPP Science 4

Question 1

A student notices that the Moon appears to change shape over the course of a month. What causes the Moon's apparent phases?

Accepted Answer

The changing angle of sunlight on the Moon as it orbits Earth

Answer

Moon phases result from the changing angle between the Sun, Moon, and Earth as the Moon orbits Earth, illuminating different portions visible from Earth.

Question 2

Which statement best explains why the ocean is salty?

Accepted Answer

Rivers carry dissolved minerals including salts into the ocean over millions of years

Answer

Rivers erode rocks and carry dissolved minerals, especially sodium and chloride, into the ocean; as water evaporates, these salts accumulate over geological time.

Question 3

In the electromagnetic spectrum, which type of radiation has the shortest wavelength and highest energy?

Accepted Answer

Gamma rays

Answer

Gamma rays have the shortest wavelengths (less than 0.01 nanometers) and carry the highest energy of all electromagnetic radiation.

Question 4

A scientist discovers a fossil of a sea creature in the middle of a desert. What does this evidence suggest?

Accepted Answer

The desert region was once covered by an ocean or sea

Answer

Marine fossils found in inland desert regions are evidence that those areas were once covered by ancient seas, showing how Earth's surface changes over time.

Question 5

Which property of matter describes the amount of matter in an object, which remains constant regardless of location?

Accepted Answer

Mass

Answer

Mass is the measure of the amount of matter in an object and does not change with location, unlike weight which depends on gravitational pull.

CAASPP - California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress Practice Test

CAASPP - California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress Practice Test

CAASPP Science 4