Praxis 5001 Science in Elementary Education 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which process do plants use to convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose?
- Respiration
- Transpiration
- Photosynthesis (Correct answer)
- Decomposition
Correct answer: Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis occurs in chloroplasts using sunlight to convert CO₂ and water into glucose and oxygen.
Question 2: A magnet attracts a paper clip. Which type of force is at work?
- Gravitational force
- Friction
- Magnetic force (Correct answer)
- Applied force
Correct answer: Magnetic force
Magnets exert a magnetic force that can attract ferromagnetic materials like iron, nickel, and steel — including paper clips.
Question 3: Which state of matter has a definite volume but no definite shape?
- Solid
- Liquid (Correct answer)
- Gas
- Plasma
Correct answer: Liquid
Liquids have a definite volume but take the shape of their container — unlike solids (definite shape) or gases (no definite shape or volume).
Question 4: Earth's seasons are caused by:
- Changes in Earth's distance from the sun
- Earth's axial tilt as it orbits the sun (Correct answer)
- The moon's gravitational pull
- Variations in solar intensity over time
Correct answer: Earth's axial tilt as it orbits the sun
Earth's 23.5° axial tilt means different hemispheres receive more direct sunlight at different points in the orbit, causing seasons.
Question 5: In the scientific method, what is the purpose of a control group in an experiment?
- To test the independent variable
- To provide a baseline for comparison (Correct answer)
- To measure the dependent variable
- To eliminate all variables
Correct answer: To provide a baseline for comparison
A control group receives no treatment and serves as a baseline, allowing scientists to compare results and determine the effect of the variable being tested.
Question 6: Which characteristic is used to classify animals as mammals?
- Laying eggs
- Cold-blooded metabolism
- Nursing young with milk (Correct answer)
- Having scales
Correct answer: Nursing young with milk
Mammals are warm-blooded vertebrates that nurse their young with milk produced by mammary glands — the defining characteristic of the class.
Praxis 5001 Science in Elementary Education 2
Which process do plants use to convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose?