M-STEP Science Assessment 2

Question 1

A student notices that plants near a window grow toward the light. Which scientific term describes this response in plants?

Accepted Answer

Phototropism

Answer

Phototropism is the growth response of plants toward or away from light.

Question 2

Which layer of Earth's atmosphere contains the ozone layer that protects life from harmful UV radiation?

Accepted Answer

Stratosphere

Answer

The ozone layer is located in the stratosphere, approximately 15–35 km above Earth's surface.

Question 3

A ball rolls down a ramp and speeds up. Which best explains why the ball accelerates?

Accepted Answer

Gravity pulls it downward along the slope

Answer

Gravity exerts a net force along the slope, causing the ball to accelerate as it rolls downward.

Question 4

During photosynthesis, plants convert light energy into chemical energy stored in which molecule?

Accepted Answer

Glucose

Answer

Plants store the chemical energy produced during photosynthesis in glucose molecules.

Question 5

Two substances are mixed and a new gas is produced along with a temperature change. This is evidence of a:

Accepted Answer

Chemical change

Answer

Gas production and temperature change are signs that a chemical reaction has occurred, creating new substances.

(M-STEP) Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress Practice Test