Ecosystem
Body Systems
Natural Selection
Thermal Energy
Solar System
100

Describe one way that limited water availability could affect a population of plants in an ecosystem.

Answers can vary

100

Define "organ system" and give one example appropriate to humans

Muscular system

A group of organs working together to create a healthy body.

100

What is natural selection?

Natural selection is the process in which organisms with traits that help them survive and reproduce are more likely to pass those traits on to their offspring. Over time, these helpful traits become more common in a population.

For example, giraffes with longer necks could reach more food high in trees, helping them survive and have offspring. Eventually, more giraffes in the population had longer necks because that trait was passed down through generations.

100

Define temperature

Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance. It describes how hot or cold something is based on how fast its particles are moving. Faster-moving particles mean a higher temperature, while slower-moving particles mean a lower temperature.

100

What keeps planets in orbit around the sun?

Gravity

200

Explain how energy flows through a simple food chain from producer to tertiary consumer. Use the term "energy transfer" in your answer.

Answers may vary

200

Describe one way the respiratory and circulatory systems interact to support cellular function.

The respiratory and circulatory systems work together to deliver oxygen to body cells and remove carbon dioxide waste. In the lungs, the respiratory system brings oxygen into the body when you inhale. Oxygen moves into the blood, where the circulatory system transports it through blood vessels to cells throughout the body. Cells use the oxygen to produce energy. At the same time, carbon dioxide produced by cells is carried by the blood back to the lungs, where the respiratory system removes it when you exhale.

200

If a population of insects is exposed to a pesticide and survivors reproduce, what will likely happen to the frequency of pesticide-resistant traits over several generations?

Over several generations, the frequency of pesticide-resistant traits will likely increase in the insect population. The insects that survive the pesticide are more likely to have resistance traits, and when they reproduce, they pass those traits to their offspring. As the pesticide continues to kill non-resistant insects, more of the population becomes resistant through natural selection.

200

What happens to particles when you add heat.

They move faster and rise to the top of the surface.

200

Explain a solar eclipse.

A solar eclipse happens when the Moon moves between Earth and the Sun, blocking all or part of the Sun’s light. This causes a shadow to fall on parts of Earth.

There are different types of solar eclipses:

  • Total solar eclipse – the Moon completely blocks the Sun.

  • Partial solar eclipse – only part of the Sun is covered.

  • Annular solar eclipse – the Moon covers the center of the Sun, leaving a bright ring around the edges.

Solar eclipses only happen during the daytime and require special eye protection to view safely.

300

Given a dataset showing population counts of rabbits and foxes over 10 years, what pattern would you look for to determine if resource availability is affecting both populations?

How many rabbits or prey compared to predator

300

Use evidence-based reasoning: explain how a problem in one organ (for example, the pancreas) can affect another subsystem (such as the digestive or endocrine system).

Answers may vary

300
How might a bird adapt during a long drought season?

Develop a longer beak to find food in dry conditions.  


The bird might migrate to find water.

300

How can you transfer heat?

Heat can be transferred in three main ways:

  1. Conduction – Heat moves through direct contact between materials.
    Example: A metal spoon gets hot when left in a pot of soup.

  2. Convection – Heat is transferred by the movement of liquids or gases.
    Example: Warm air rises and cool air sinks in a room.

  3. Radiation – Heat travels through waves and does not need matter to move.
    Example: The Sun warms Earth through radiation.

300

Explain a lunar eclipse.

A lunar eclipse happens when Earth moves between the Sun and the Moon, causing Earth’s shadow to fall on the Moon. This can make the Moon appear dark or reddish in color, sometimes called a “blood moon.”

There are three types of lunar eclipses:

  • Total lunar eclipse – the entire Moon passes through Earth’s shadow.

  • Partial lunar eclipse – only part of the Moon enters the shadow.

  • Penumbral lunar eclipse – the Moon passes through the lighter outer part of Earth’s shadow, causing slight dimming.

Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is safe to view without special eye protection.

400

Describe how decomposers contribute to nutrient cycling in an ecosystem and why that matters for plant growth.

They decompose and become nitrogen that fertilizes the ground.


They also can be a food source.

400

How does the muscular and skeletal system work together to make the body move?

The muscular and skeletal systems work together to help the body move. Muscles are attached to bones by tendons. When a muscle contracts, or tightens, it pulls on the bone. The bones act like levers and the joints allow movement. For example, when you bend your arm, the bicep muscle contracts and pulls the forearm bone upward at the elbow joint. Together, the muscular and skeletal systems provide movement, support, and stability for the body.

400
What might explain the long neck of a giraffe? 

The giraffe adapted over time to find food in high places.


Answers may vary

400

How does the sun transfer energy or heat?

The Sun transfers energy and heat through radiation. Radiation is the transfer of energy by electromagnetic waves, and it does not require direct contact or matter to travel. The Sun’s energy moves through the vacuum of space to Earth as light and heat waves.

400

What are the 3 planets closest to the sun?

The three planets closest to the Sun are:

  1. Mercury – the closest planet to the Sun

  2. Venus – the second planet from the Sun

  3. Earth – the third planet from the Sun

500

Explain why bioplastic is better for the environment than synthetic polymer plastic.

Bioplastic can decompose

500

Describe the flow chart between, organ systems, tissue, organs, and cells

cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, 

500

How might a species of rabbits become darker over time?

Darker colored rabbits might blend in better to their background and make it easier for them to survive.

500

What is the difference between insulators and conductors?

Conductors let heat and electricity move through easily.


Insulators trap heat and electricity.

500

Which planet is known as the red planet?

Mars