Physical Science
This is the force that pulls objects toward Earth’s center.
Gravity (the gravitational force toward Earth’s center).
Plants get energy from where?
The Sun (energy captured by plants via photosynthesis).
What do scientists use patterns of weather for?
To make predictions about future weather (forecasting).
Matter is made of tiny pieces too small to see. What are these pieces called?
Particles (atoms/molecules).
Name one role of decomposers in an ecosystem.
Decomposers break down dead organisms, returning nutrients to the soil.
Name Earth’s four major systems (one-word answers are fine).
Geosphere, Hydrosphere, Atmosphere, Biosphere.
When two objects collide, energy can move from one object to another. Name two forms this transferred energy might take (examples: heat, sound, motion).
Examples: heat and sound; motion (kinetic energy).
describe a simple food chain with at least three levels (producer → consumer → predator) and label which is the producer.
Example: Grass → Rabbit → Fox; producer = grass.
How do rock layers and fossils help scientists understand Earth’s past? Give one example
Fossils in lower rock layers are older than fossils in upper layers; presence of certain fossils indicates past environments (e.g., marine fossils in now-land areas show area was once underwater).
Give one example of a physical change and one example of a chemical change. Explain briefly why each fits its type.
Example physical change: melting ice (shape/phase changes, same material). Example chemical change: rusting iron (new substance forms).
Explain how matter cycles between plants, animals, and the environment (give one concrete example such as carbon or nutrients in soil).
Example: Plants take up carbon dioxide and water to make biomass; animals eat plants and release waste; decomposers return nutrients to soil, which plants reuse.
Explain the difference between weather and climate in one or two sentences.
Weather = short-term atmospheric conditions (days); climate = long-term patterns and averages over years.
Explain why the total weight of matter stays the same when substances are heated, cooled, or mixed (use the idea that matter is conserved).
Because matter is conserved: particles are neither created nor destroyed during heating, cooling, or mixing; total mass (weight at this level) remains the same.
Describe a change to an ecosystem that might happen if a new species is introduced. Give one possible negative effect and one possible positive effect.
Negative: new species may outcompete native species and reduce biodiversity. Positive: it might fill an empty niche or provide food for native predators (rare, but possible).
Describe one way the ocean affects climate or landforms (give a specific example, such as how ocean currents influence temperature or how waves shape coasts).
Example: Ocean currents move warm or cold water, affecting coastal climates (e.g., Gulf Stream warms Western Europe); waves erode coastlines and form features like cliffs and beaches