KS2 SATs KS2 Science 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the food chain called where it starts with dead or decaying matter?
- Grazing food chain
- Decomposer food chain (Correct answer)
- Predator chain
- Producer chain
Correct answer: Decomposer food chain
A decomposer food chain begins with dead organic matter (detritus), which is broken down by decomposers such as bacteria and fungi. This returns nutrients to the soil for plants to use.
Question 2: Which planet is closest to the Sun in our solar system?
- Venus
- Mars
- Mercury (Correct answer)
- Earth
Correct answer: Mercury
Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun. The order of planets from the Sun is: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune.
Question 3: What does a thermometer measure?
- Mass
- Temperature (Correct answer)
- Volume
- Air pressure
Correct answer: Temperature
A thermometer measures temperature, usually in degrees Celsius (°C) in the UK. Digital and mercury/alcohol thermometers work by sensing heat energy. They are used in weather, cooking, and medicine.
Question 4: What type of skeleton do insects have?
- An internal bony skeleton
- An exoskeleton (external skeleton) (Correct answer)
- No skeleton
- A cartilage skeleton
Correct answer: An exoskeleton (external skeleton)
Insects have an exoskeleton — a hard outer shell (made of chitin) that supports and protects their body. Unlike vertebrates, the skeleton is on the outside. They must moult (shed) as they grow.
Question 5: Which organ removes waste products from the blood in the form of urine?
- Liver
- Heart
- Kidneys (Correct answer)
- Lungs
Correct answer: Kidneys
The kidneys filter waste products (particularly urea) and excess water from the blood. The resulting liquid (urine) passes to the bladder and is excreted. Humans have two kidneys.
Question 6: What is the name for the process by which water vapour cools and turns back into liquid water?
- Evaporation
- Condensation (Correct answer)
- Precipitation
- Filtration
Correct answer: Condensation
Condensation occurs when water vapour cools and changes back to liquid water. You see it on cold windows or mirrors in a steamy bathroom. It is part of the water cycle.
KS2 SATs KS2 Science 3
What is the food chain called where it starts with dead or decaying matter?