PRAXIS Elementary Education: Science Content Knowledge 1

Question 1

What is photosynthesis?

Accepted Answer

The process by which plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose and oxygen

Answer

The process by which plants absorb water through their roots

Answer

The process by which animals convert food into energy

Answer

The process by which bacteria decompose organic matter

Question 2

Which of Newton's laws states that an object at rest remains at rest unless acted upon by an outside force?

Accepted Answer

Newton's First Law (Law of Inertia)

Answer

Newton's Second Law (F = ma)

Answer

Newton's Third Law (Action-Reaction)

Answer

Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation

Question 3

What are the three states of matter, and what distinguishes them at the molecular level?

Accepted Answer

Solid, liquid, gas; distinguished by particle arrangement, energy, and intermolecular spacing

Answer

Solid, liquid, gas; distinguished by color, weight, and volume

Answer

Solid, liquid, plasma; distinguished by temperature only

Answer

Dense, medium, light; distinguished by density

Question 4

What is the difference between a food chain and a food web?

Accepted Answer

A food chain shows a single path of energy flow; a food web shows multiple interconnected paths

Answer

A food chain is for plants; a food web is for animals

Answer

A food chain shows decomposers; a food web does not

Answer

They are the same thing with different names

Question 5

What causes the seasons on Earth?

Accepted Answer

The tilt of Earth's axis as it orbits the Sun

Answer

Earth's varying distance from the Sun

Answer

The Moon's gravitational pull on Earth

Answer

Variations in sunspot activity on the Sun

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of a physical change?

Accepted Answer

Cutting paper into pieces

Answer

Burning wood

Answer

Rusting iron

Answer

Baking a cake

Question 7

What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

They break down dead organisms and recycle nutrients back into the environment

Answer

They produce energy from sunlight

Answer

They consume living plants as herbivores

Answer

They prey on secondary consumers

Question 8

What is the difference between a hypothesis and a theory in science?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a testable prediction; a theory is a well-substantiated explanation supported by extensive evidence.

Answer

A hypothesis is proven; a theory is just a guess.

Answer

They are the same thing.

Answer

A hypothesis is for biology; a theory is for physics.

Question 9

What is the water cycle, and what are its main stages?

Accepted Answer

Evaporation → condensation → precipitation → runoff/infiltration

Answer

Photosynthesis → respiration → decomposition

Answer

Erosion → deposition → weathering → transport

Answer

Digestion → absorption → excretion → circulation

Question 10

What is the function of mitochondria in a cell?

Accepted Answer

To generate energy (ATP) through cellular respiration

Answer

To produce proteins for the cell

Answer

To control what enters and exits the cell

Answer

To store genetic information