GRADE 8
Science
Practice Assessment
Copyright © 2023, Texas Education Agency. All rights reserved. Reproduction of all or portions of this work is prohibited without express
written permission from the Texas Education Agency.
GRADE 8
Science
Practice Assessment
Copyright © 2023, Texas Education Agency. All rights reserved. Reproduction of all or portions of this work is prohibited without express
written permission from the Texas Education Agency.
STAAR
GRADE8SCIENCE
REFERENCE MATERIALS
FORMULAS
mass
Density=
volume
total distance
Average speed
=
total time
Net force=(mass)(acceleration)
PERIODIC TABLE OF THE ELEMENTS
Updated 2017
Source: International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry
12
2B
13
3A
14
4A
15
5A
16
6A
17
7A
18
8A
10 11
1B
He
Hg
Cd
Zn
Au
Ag
Cu
Pt
Pd
Ni
Tl
Ga
Pb
Sn
Ge
Bi
Sb
As
Po
Te
Se
At
Br
Rn
Xe
Kr
Al Si
P
S
Cl
Ar
B
C N O F Ne
Yb
No
Tm
Md
Er
Fm
Ho
Es
Dy
Cf
Tb
Bk
Gd
Cm
Eu
Am
Atomic masses are not listed for elements with
no stable or common isotopes.
Si
Silicon
14
Symbol
Atomic number
Name
28.085Atomic mass
In I
K Ca
Na
Mg
Li
Be
2
2A
H
1
1A
Sc
3
3B
Ti
4
4B
V
5
5B
Cr
6
6B
Mn
7
7B
Fe
8
Co
9
Rb
Sr
Y Zr Nb
Mo
Tc Ru
Cs
Ba
Hf Ta W Re Os
Fr Ra
Rf
Db
Sg
Bh
Hs
Mt
Pr
Pa
Nd
U
Pm
Np
Sm
Pu
Rh
2
80
48
30
79
47
29
78
110
46
28
81
49
31
82
50
32
83
51
33
84
52
34
85
53
35
86
54
36
13 14 15 16 17 18
567891
19 20
11 12
34
1
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44
55 56 72 73 74 75 76
87 88 104105 106107 108109
45
77
4.0026
26.982 28.085
30.974
32.06 35.45 39.94822.990 24.305
10.81 12.01114.00715.999 18.998 20.180 6.94 9.0122
1.008
65.3863.546 229.47 036.27 327.96 396.85
78.971
79.904
83.798
39.098
40.078
44.956 47.867
50.94251.996
54.938 55.845
58.933
112.41107.87
106.42
114.82 118.71
121.76
127.60 126.90 131.2985.468 87.62
88.906 91.224 92.906
95.95
101.07 102.91
200.59196.97
195.08
204.38 207.2 208.98
132.91 137.33 178.49
180.95 183.84
186.21
190.23 192.22
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
Lanthanide Series
Actinide Series
Ce
Th
Ytterbium
Nobelium
Thulium
Mendelevium
Erbium
Fermium
Holmium
Einsteinium
Dysprosium
Californium
Terbium
Berkelium
Gadolinium
Curium
Europium
Americium
Praseodymium
Protactinium
Neodymium
Uranium
Promethium
Neptunium
Samarium
Plutonium
Cerium
Thorium
70
102
69
101
68
100
67
99
66
98
65
97
64
96
63
95
59
91
60
92
61
93
62
94
58
90
173.05168.93167.26164.93162.50158.93157.25151.96140.91
231.04
144.24
238.03
150.36140.12
232.04
Ir
Helium
Aluminum Silicon Phosphorus Sulfur Chlorine ArgonSodium Magnesium
BoronCarbonNitrogenOxygenFluorineNeonLithiumBeryllium
Hydrogen
ZincCopperNickel GalliumGermaniumArsenicSelenium BromineKryptonPotassiumCalciumScandiumTitaniumVanadiumChromiumManganese IronCobalt
CadmiumSilver noneXenidoImuirulleTynomitnAniTmuidnImuidallaPRubidium Strontium YttriumZirconium Niobium MolybdenumTechnetiumRuthenium Rhodium
MercuryGold nodaRenitatsAmuinoloPhtumsiBdaeLmuillahTmunitalP
Cesium Barium Hafnium
Tantalum Tungsten Rhenium
Osmium Iridium
Francium Radium
Rutherfordium
Dubnium
Seaborgium
Bohrium
HassiumMeitnerium
8B
Ds
Darmstadtium
Roentgenium
111
Rg
Copernicium
112
Cn
Nihonium
113
Nh
Flerovium
114
Fl
Moscovium
115
Mc
Livermorium
116
Lv
Tennessine
117
Ts
Oganesson
118
Og
La
Ac
57
89
138.91
Lanthanum
Actinium
Lu
Lr
Lutetium
Lawrencium
71
103
174.97
0
STAAR
GRADE
8
SCIENCE
REFERENCE
MATERIALS
SLNAWS1S
AHL
AO
AIEGVL
OIGOTYAd
SCIENCESCIENCE
Science
Page 5
Science
Page 6
DIRECTIONS
Read each question carefully. Choose the best answer to each
question. For open-response questions, determine the best answer
to the question.
1 Which statement about the sun is true?
A
It is the hottest star in the universe.
B
It is closer to Earth than any other star.
C
It is located in the center of the Milky Way galaxy.
D
It is the largest type of star known to exist.
82211
2 Which statement BEST describes a component of cell theory?
A
All cells form from molecules.
B
All cells come from preexisting cells.
C
All cells create genetically identical cells.
D
All cells reproduce from simpler cells.
82200
Science
Page 7
3 Students measure and record the mass and volume of a sample of
material.
Mass (g) Volume (cm
3
)
35 14
The table shows the densities for four substances.
Identity Density (g/cm
3
)
Plywood 0.54
Aluminum 2.7
Rubber 1.1
Glass 2.5
Based on the density of the sample, which material is the sample
MOST LIKELY made of?
A
Plywood
B
Aluminum
C
Rubber
D
Glass
82129
Science
Page 8
4 Controlled burns are res that are purposely set within a designated
area when conditions are safe for the public and for the reghters
who watch over the re. Weather and forest conditions are monitored
both before and during the burn. Controlled burns rid forests of tree
limbs, dead leaves, and other debris.
Which prediction can be made about a forest after a controlled burn
has occurred?
A
The ability of plants to reproduce will decrease.
B
Important nutrients for new plant growth will be returned to
the soil.
C
Short-term air quality in the area will improve.
D
Long-term biodiversity will be reduced.
76332
5 Students are baking a cake. They mix together all the necessary
ingredients and pour them into a pan. Then they place the pan into
the oven to cook for 40 minutes.
Which statement BEST explains why baking a cake is evidence of a
chemical reaction?
A
The state of matter of some of the ingredients changed while
being cooked.
B
The total mass of the ingredients was the same before and after
they were cooked.
C
The temperature of the ingredients increased as they absorbed
thermal energy from the oven.
D
The ingredients formed a new substance after they were cooked in
the oven.
82205
Science
Page 9
6 Which factor contributes MOST to the formation of a hurricane?
A
High water temperatures
B
High water density
C
High water oxygen levels
D
High water volume
82216
7 A student researches an ecosystem and draws the food web shown.
How many secondary consumers are in this food web?
Record your answer in the space provided.
82318
Science
Page 10
8 A student graphs the motion of a toy car moving in a straight line over
a 10-second time period.
Which statement BEST describes the motion of the car?
A
The car moved at a speed of 5 meters per second during the rst
5 seconds and then moved at a slower speed during the next
5 seconds.
B
The car moved at a speed of 5 meters per second during the rst
5 seconds and then moved at a faster speed during the next
5 seconds.
C
The car moved at a speed of 1 meter per second during the rst
5 seconds and then moved at a slower speed during the next
5 seconds.
D
The car moved at a speed of 1 meter per second during the rst
5 seconds and then moved at a faster speed during the next
5 seconds.
86058
Science
Page 11
9 A student draws models of Earth and the sun in different positions.
Which drawing should be used to represent summer in the Southern
Hemisphere?
A
B
C
D
82208
10 Which quantity determines the identity of an atom?
A
The number of neutrons
B
The number of protons
C
The number of electrons
D
The number of valence electrons
92308
Science
Page 12
11 A balanced chemical equation is shown.
2Fe + 6HC
2
H
3
O
2
→ 2Fe(C
2
H
3
O
2
)
3
+ 3H
2
How many different elements are in the chemical equation?
A
2
B
4
C
13
D
50
82320
12 A partial food web is shown.
Which two organisms compete with rabbits for biotic resources?
Circle TWO correct answers.
89777
Science
Page 13
13 A diagram of a convection current is shown.
Which statement correctly describes the changes in the air as it moves
from Location R to Location T?
A
The sun heats the land faster than the ocean water, so high-density
air moves from the ocean to the land, becoming less dense.
B
The sun heats the land faster than the ocean water, so high-density
air moves from the land to the ocean, becoming less dense.
C
The sun heats the land slower than the ocean water, so high-density
air moves from the ocean to the land, becoming less dense.
D
The sun heats the land slower than the ocean water, so high-density
air moves from the land to the ocean, becoming less dense.
82214
Science
Page 14
14 A student is looking at a model of a neutral atom. The model shows
that the atom has 19 subatomic particles in the nucleus. Ten of those
subatomic particles do not have a charge.
Which statement about the model of the atom is true?
A
It has an atomic number of 19.
B
It has 10 electrons.
C
It has 9 protons.
D
It has an atomic mass of 29 amu.
82203
Science
Page 15
15 Student 1 claims that whenever the color of a substance changes, a
chemical change has occurred.
Student 2 claims that food coloring can change the color of a
substance without causing a chemical change.
To test their claims, the students add red food coloring to a glass of
water. The students observe that the clear water turns a light pink
color. Their teacher then runs a test to show that the pink solution
contains both water molecules and food-coloring molecules.
Based on these ndings, which student is correct?
A
Student 1, because the food-coloring molecules were found in the
pink solution
B
Student 1, because the state of matter changed when the food
coloring was added
C
Student 2, because no new substance was formed when there was
a color change
D
Student 2, because the red food coloring caused the water to
change to a pink color
82188
Science
Page 16
16 Two students push on the opposite sides of a crate, with the force
applied by each student in newtons (N), as shown in the diagram.
Assuming the crate is on a frictionless surface, describe the effect of
these forces on the crate.
• Will the crate move toward the left, toward the right, or not at all?
• What is the direction and the magnitude of the net force on the
crate?
Think about the questions carefully. Then record your answers in the
box provided.
82447
Science
Page 17
17 Overshing reduces the number of sh at a rate that causes long-term
reductions in sh populations. The table shows the percentage of sh
species in the ocean that were overshed in three different years.
Year Percentage of Fish Species Overshed (%)
1979 13
1989 27
2008 33
Which action would MOST LIKELY reverse the trend shown in
the table?
A
Increasing the total weight of sh that each ship can remove from
the ocean each day
B
Requiring ships to return non-adult sh to the ocean so that they
can grow and reproduce
C
Decreasing the number of policing ships in order to lessen capacity
restrictions and regulations
D
Promoting meals centered around specic sh species in restaurants
in order to increase prots
82219
Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram
Science
Page 18
18 This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
A Hertzsprung-Russell diagram is shown.
Science
Page 19
An astronomer discovers a star that has a temperature of 3,750 K and
a luminosity of 10
3
L
sun
.
Part A
According to the diagram, which type of star did the astronomer
discover?
A
White dwarf
B
Giant
C
Main sequence
D
Supergiant
Part B
Which statement supports the answer to Part A?
A
The star is cool and bright compared to other types of stars.
B
The star is hot and bright compared to other types of stars.
C
The star is cool and dim compared to other types of stars.
D
The star is hot and dim compared to other types of stars.
82446
Science
Page 20
19 A tennis ball is dropped down a stairwell.
Which statement BEST describes the energy of the tennis ball?
A
The tennis ball’s kinetic energy decreases as it falls to the ground.
B
The tennis ball has the most potential energy just before it
is dropped.
C
The tennis ball has the most kinetic energy as soon as it
is dropped.
D
The tennis ball’s potential energy increases as it falls to
the ground.
82140
20 The Olympic Mountains formed along the west coast of the
United States at the boundary between the Juan de Fuca Plate and the
North American Plate.
Which type of boundary MOST LIKELY exists between the Juan de
Fuca Plate and the North American Plate?
A
Convergent boundary, where the plates are moving toward
each other
B
Convergent boundary, where the plates are moving parallel to each
other
C
Transform boundary, where the plates are moving closer to
each other
D
Transform boundary, where the plates are sliding past each other
82213
Science
Page 21
21 A student is modeling how sunlight affects different locations on Earth.
The student uses a globe and a ashlight as shown.
Based on the model, which statement is correct?
A
Locations J and M will be experiencing daytime in 12 hours.
B
Locations K and L will be experiencing daytime in 24 hours.
C
Locations J and K will be starting to experience nighttime in
12 hours.
D
Locations L and M will be starting to experience nighttime in
24 hours.
79854
Science
Page 22
22 This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
A player hits a baseball with a baseball bat.
Part A
Which statement about the forces between the ball and the bat
is correct?
A
The force of the ball on the bat was less than the force of the bat
on the ball.
B
The force of the ball on the bat was equal to the force of the bat
on the ball.
C
The force of the ball on the bat was greater than the force of the
bat on the ball.
Part B
Which statement BEST supports the answer to Part A?
A
Whenever two objects interact, the more massive object always
applies a greater force than the less massive object.
B
Whenever two objects interact, the faster object always applies a
greater force than the slower object.
C
Whenever two objects interact, they always apply equal and
opposite forces on each other.
D
Whenever two objects interact, their forces always combine and
are applied in the direction of the object that is moving the fastest.
82207
Science
Page 23
23 A topographic map is shown.
Which statements accurately describe features of the land represented
by the topographic map?
Select TWO correct answers.
`
There is a stream.
`
There is a large valley.
`
There is a consistent slope.
`
There is one peak.
`
There is a river valley.
82450
Science
Page 24
24 A student sets a 0.4 kilogram (kg) soccer ball on the ground and gives
it a hard kick. The ball traveled a distance of 37 meters (m). The
acceleration of the ball was 2,550 meters per second squared (m/s
2
).
Based on the data, how much force in newtons (N) did the student
apply to the ball?
A
14.8 N
B
68.9 N
C
1,020.0 N
D
6,375.0 N
82206
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Science
Page 25
Science
Page 26
25 The graph shows the optimal growth temperatures for four types
of bacteria.
Science
Page 27
Some types of bacteria can be found around deep ocean vents. These
vents emit very hot water.
Use the information in the graph to answer these questions:
• Which type of bacteria would likely be found FARTHEST from the
vent opening? Explain why.
• Which pair of bacteria types would likely compete the MOST for
survival? Explain why.
Think about the questions carefully. Then record your answers in the
box provided.
82448
Science
Page 28
26 A researcher observes a car speeding up from rest. The researcher
records data about the car and the car’s motion.
Which data points can be used to calculate the net force that was
acting on the car when it was speeding up?
Select TWO correct answers.
`
The car’s mass is 1,000 kg.
`
The car’s speed increased for 7 seconds.
`
The car started from rest.
`
The car’s acceleration was 4 m/s
2
.
`
The car traveled a total of 300 m.
82449
This page intentionally left blank
Science
Page 29
Science
Page 30
27 A drawing of the side view and front view of a shark is shown.
Science
Page 31
A student creates this dichotomous key for shark orders and uses it to
classify the shark in the drawing.
Dichotomous Key
Step Description Order
1a Has a at body Squatiniformes
1b Has a long, round body Go to 2
2a Has a long, saw-like snout (nose) Pristiophoriformes
2b Has a rounded or pointed snout (nose) Go to 3
3a Has a wide, T-shaped head Carcharhiniformes
3b Does not have a wide, T-shaped head Go to 4
4a Has one large n on its back Lamniformes
4b Has multiple large ns on its back Heterodontiformes
Based on the dichotomous key, which order does the shark in the
drawing belong to?
A
Pristiophoriformes
B
Carcharhiniformes
C
Lamniformes
D
Heterodontiformes
82197
Science
Page 32
28 A scientist studies the freshwater organism known as a hydra. Hydras
reproduce by budding, a process in which a piece of the adult hydra
breaks off and becomes a separate organism.
Which statement accurately describes the parent hydra?
A
The parent hydra used asexual reproduction and is genetically
identical to the newly formed hydra.
B
The parent hydra used sexual reproduction and is genetically
identical to the newly formed hydra.
C
The parent hydra used asexual reproduction and is genetically
different from the newly formed hydra.
D
The parent hydra used sexual reproduction and is genetically
different from the newly formed hydra.
82202
Science
Page 33
29 A car drives down a long road. A graph of the car’s motion is shown.
What was the car’s average speed in kilometers per minute for the
entire 14-minute trip?
A
12 km/min
B
0.86 km/min
C
0.23 km/min
D
1.17 km/min
82170
Science
Page 34
30 The satellite images show how the Padma River in Bangladesh has
changed over time.
Which of these MOST LIKELY caused the changes in the shape of the
Padma River?
A
The weathering of sediment within the river caused landslides
along the riverbank.
B
Increased droughts caused weathering and erosion in areas
surrounding the river.
C
The ow of the water in the river caused erosion along the
riverbanks.
D
Decreased city development along the riverbanks caused an
accumulation of sediment.
76838
Science
Page 35
31 A student is examining a cell under a microscope. The student
identies two features: a large vacuole and a cell wall.
Which table correctly describes the cell and the two features that the
student identied?
A
Type of cell Plant cell
Function of cell wall Regulates the transport of materials
Function of vacuole Site of photosynthesis
B
Type of cell Animal cell
Function of cell wall Site of cellular respiration
Function of vacuole Directs the operations within the cell
C
Type of cell Plant cell
Function of cell wall Provides structure for the cell
Function of vacuole Stores and transports molecules
D
Type of cell Animal cell
Function of cell wall Directs the operations within the cell
Function of vacuole Provides a site for chemical reactions
82199
Science
Page 36
32 A student turns on a battery-operated fan. The batteries are located
in the base of the fan. After ve minutes, the student notices that the
base of the fan is warm.
Which statement BEST describes the conversion of energy taking
place in the fan?
A
Chemical energy is being converted into mechanical energy and
light energy.
B
Chemical energy is being converted into mechanical energy and
thermal energy.
C
Electrical energy is being converted into chemical energy and
light energy.
D
Electrical energy is being converted into thermal energy and
sound energy.
82178
33 A student wants to plan a family camping trip during a full moon. The
student looks outside to see that the moon is currently in its rst
quarter phase.
About how many days does the student need to wait in order to go
camping on the night of a full moon?
A
4 days
B
8 days
C
13 days
D
20 days
82209
Science
Page 37
34 Which environmental change would MOST LIKELY have long-term
effects on both the environment and the species within the
environment?
A
High amounts of rainfall that cause ood conditions for
three months
B
Clearing out sections of rain forest, degrading soil quality in a
specic region
C
A large amount of pests that destroy a season’s crops
D
A planned burn, resulting in the loss of some trees
82217
Science
Page 38
35 The table shows characteristics of three unknown materials.
Material Characteristics
X
• solid at room temperature
• shiny
• brittle
• conducts thermal energy
Y
• solid at room temperature
• shiny
• malleable
• conducts electricity
Z
• solid at room temperature
• dull
• brittle
• poor conductor of electricity
How could the materials BEST be classied?
A
X: Metal
Y: Metalloid
Z: Nonmetal
B
X: Nonmetal
Y: Metal
Z: Nonmetal
C
X: Metalloid
Y: Metalloid
Z: Nonmetal
D
X: Metalloid
Y: Metal
Z: Nonmetal
82128
Science
Page 39
36 A student drinks a beverage that contains 78 grams of sugar.
Which system produces the hormone insulin that helps break down
the sugar in the human body?
A
Endocrine system
B
Excretory system
C
Integumentary system
D
Circulatory system
82198
37 Scientists have found some of the same types of rock containing the
same types of fossil species in Africa and Antarctica.
Which explanation does this information support?
A
Both continents gradually increased in size over time.
B
Both continents were attached by glacial ice millions of years ago.
C
Both continents were attached but drifted away from each other
over time.
D
Both continents were underwater millions of years ago.
82212
STOP
BE SURE YOU HAVE RECORDED ALL OF YOUR ANSWERS
IN THE TEST BOOKLET.
Science
Page 40
38 A student is comparing four elements on the periodic table. The
elements are labeled in the image.
Which two elements have properties that are the MOST similar?
A
A and B
B
B and C
C
C and D
D
A and D
82204
STAAR
GRADE 8
Science
PRACTICE
5
STAAR
GRADE 8
Science
PRACTICE
