PRAXIS Elementary Education: Science Content Knowledge

Question 1

What is photosynthesis?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Photosynthesis is the biological process in which plants (and some other organisms) use light energy to convert CO₂ and water into glucose and oxygen.

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 First Law (Law of Inertia) states that an object will remain in its current state of motion unless acted upon by an unbalanced external force.

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

The three common states of matter differ in how their particles are arranged and how much energy they have: solids (tightly packed, vibrate in place), liquids (close but mobile), gases (far apart, move freely).

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 a linear sequence showing one path of energy transfer. A food web shows the complex, interconnected network of multiple overlapping food chains.

Question 5

What causes the seasons on Earth?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Earth's axial tilt (about 23.5°) causes the seasons. As Earth orbits the Sun, different hemispheres are tilted toward or away from the Sun, changing sunlight intensity and duration.

PRAXIS Practice Test

PRAXIS Practice Test

PRAXIS Elementary Education: Science Content Knowledge