VIRGINIA
STANDARDS OF LEARNING ASSESSMENTS
Spring 2003 Released Test
GRADE 8SCIENCE
Property of the Virginia Department of Education� 2003 by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Education, James Monroe Building, 101 N. 14th Street,Richmond, Virginia, 23219. All rights reserved. Except as permitted by law, this material may not be reproduced orused in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording, or by anyinformation storage or retrieval system, without written permission from the copyright owner. Commonwealth ofVirginia public school educators may photocopy or print any portion of these Released Tests for educational purposeswithout requesting permission. All others should direct their requests to the Commonwealth of Virginia Departmentof Education at (804) 225-2102, Division of Assessment and Reporting.
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DIRECTIONSRead each question carefully and choose the bestanswer.
SAMPLE
These animals are grouped togetherbecause all of them —
A live in the water �
B are fishC are warm-bloodedD lay eggs
1
The picture shows dinosaur tracksfound in rocks. How many dinosaursleft their tracks here?
A 2B 4 �
C 14D 24
2 Which of these best completes thestatement about the interaction of therespiratory system with the circulatorysystem? The lungs add —
F nutrients to the bloodG bile to the bloodH oxygen to the blood �
J carbon dioxide to the blood
3 Which of these will cause water tochange to ice?
A Removing heat from the water �
B Stirring the waterC Adding salt to the waterD Putting the water in the sunlight
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4
Crickets chirp to attract other crickets.The temperatures and rates of theirchirping are graphed above. Whichstatement below is most likely true forthe data represented in the graph?
F The cooler the temperature, the louderthe crickets chirp.
G The crickets cannot chirp attemperatures lower than 10�C.
H The warmer the temperature, the moreoften crickets chirp. �
J The temperature and the chirping ofcrickets are not related.
5
Which of the following elementsbelongs to the family indicated?
A Nitrogen belongs to the halogen family.B Helium belongs to the noble gas
family. �
C Calcium belongs to the alkali family.D Sodium belongs to the alkaline earth
family.
Cricket Chirping C
hir
ps
(per
min
ute
)
Temperature (°C)
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0201510 25
87
Fr
55
Cs
37
Rb
19
K
*
39
Y
21
Sc
11
Na
3
Li
88
Ra
56
Ba
38
Sr
20
Ca
12
Mg
4
Be
85
At
53
I
35
Br
17
Cl
9
F
1
H
1
86
Rn
54
Xe
36
Kr
18
Ar
10
Ne
2
He
18
84
Po
52
Te
34
Se
16
S
8
O
16 17
83
Bi
51
Sb
33
As
15
P
7
N
15
82
Pb
50
Sn
32
Ge
14
Si
6
C
14
81
Tl
49
In
31
Ga
80
Hg
48
Cd
30
Zn
79
Au
47
Ag
29
Cu
13
Al
5
B
13
1211
2
3
4
Z
alkaline earth metals
Group
Period
halogens
noble gases
alkali metals
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
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6
Lemmings are small mammals thatexperience a population explosionabout once every four years. Snowyowls eat lemmings. Which of thesestatements is supported by the data inthis graph?
F The snowy owls are becoming extinct.G Lemmings live much longer than snowy
owls.H The habitat of the lemmings is
continuously decreasing in size.J The snowy owl population increases
because of an increase in lemmings. �
7 Which of these has the greatestnumber of different simple machines?
Lemming and Snowy OwlPopulations
Years
Num
ber
of In
divi
dual
s
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
LemmingsSnowy Owls
A
B
C
D
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8 The atom is composed of electrons,protons, and neutrons. What is theelectric charge on the neutron?
F �1G �1H 0 �
J �2
9 A tick that feeds on the blood ofanimals is a —
A predatorB hostC competitorD parasite �
10 The distance between one point on acompression and the correspondingpoint on the next compression in asound wave is called a —
F wavelength �
G rarefactionH crestJ trough
11 Which of the following do typical plantcells have that typical animal cellsdo not?
A CytoplasmB NucleiC MitochondriaD Chloroplasts �
12
What is the mass of the rock?
F 335.6 gG 350.6 gH 354.6 g �
J 356.0 g
gram
gram
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
10 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9Tenths
0
200 300 400 50
300 40 50 60
3 4 5 6
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13
The picture shows the results ofputting a drop of orange ink from amarking pen on a piece of filter paperand allowing the colors in the ink toseparate. About how much farther onthe filter paper has the yellow pigmentmoved than the red pigment?
A 0.5 cmB 1.6 cm �
C 2.7 cmD 3.5 cm
Note that due to varying printer properties,measurement items may not appear in exactproportions.
14 The kangaroo rat is able to get all ofthe water it needs through its foodand, therefore, never needs to drinkliquids. This animal has adapted tosurvive in which biome?
F ForestG TundraH Desert �
J Grassland
15 The science of astronomy is concernedwith the observation and analysis ofthe movements of celestial objects. Theinvention of which instrument wasmost helpful to the advancement ofastronomy?
A Telescope �
B MicroscopeC CameraD Geiger counter
1C
M2
03
45
67
Yellow Ink
Red Ink
Orange Ink
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16 There are many reasons why the use ofoil needs to be managed carefully.Which of the following is not one ofthese reasons?
F There are only limited supplies of oil inthe Earth.
G Oil spills at sea have killed manymarine animals.
H Burning oil contributes to acid rain andthe greenhouse effect.
J Oil was created by plants andanimals. �
17 Several centuries ago, men calledalchemists tried to transform commonmetals into gold. Even though theytried many different chemical andphysical methods, they neversucceeded because —
A they could not heat common metals toextremely high temperatures
B the common metals they worked withwere not pure
C they did not add the correct material tothe common metal
D elements cannot be changed to otherelements by physical or chemicalmeans �
18
The chart shows the results of anexperiment to test the effects ofdifferent plant lights on plant seedlinggrowth. Which group of plants showedthe greatest gain in height?
F Group 1G Group 2H Group 3 �
J Group 4
Group GroupSize
Brandof
ArtificialPlantLight
Average Height2 Weeks After
Using Plant Light(cm)
Average HeightBefore UsingPlant Light
(cm)
25
25
25
25
1
2
3
4
A
B
C
D
5.4
5.3
5.2
5.5
28.0
27.0
28.0
25.5
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19 Mercury is a liquid metal that is usedin many thermometers. The mercury inthe thermometer rises because it —
A is sucked upward by vacuumB expands when heated �
C is compressed by air pressureD increases in density when heated
20 Which of these could cause a decreasein the number of squirrels in apopulation?
F An increase in cooperation with birds inthe area
G An increase in the squirrels’ territoryH An increase in competition with other
nut-eating animals �
J An increase in the squirrels’ food supply
21
The picture represents five red bloodcells seen through a microscope. Thelines represent a scale also visiblethrough the microscope. Each divisionon the scale represents onemicrometer. Use the scale to estimatethe diameter of the average red bloodcell.
A 4—5 micrometersB 7—8 micrometers �
C 10—11 micrometersD 12—13 micrometers
Scale
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22 Which level of organization below isthe most basic or primary level oforganization?
F Cell �
G TissueH OrganJ Organ system
23 Ellen noticed that she often sneezeswhen she visits her friend Robert, whohas a cat and a parrot. Ellen wondersif she may have allergies to Robert’spets and decides to conduct a scientificinvestigation. What should Ellen donext?
A Ellen should tell Robert that she cannotvisit him until he gives away his pets.
B Ellen should visit Sue who has a horse,a dog, a goldfish, and a hamster.
C Ellen should call her doctor and insistthat she needs shots for allergies.
D Ellen should visit a friend who has onlycats and one who has only parrots. �
24 Because burning fossil fuels createsmuch pollution, alternatives are beinginvestigated. What might limit the useof wind as a major energy source?
F The strength of the wind varies. �
G Wind machines have huge blades tocapture the wind.
H Turbines and generators in the windmachines create electricity.
J Wind power does not create pollution.
25 Sponges are classified as animalsbecause they cannot —
A move from place to placeB make their own food �
C get rid of waste productsD catch their own food
26
Which of the following is shown in thisdiagram?
F Alternating currentG Short circuitH Series circuitJ Parallel circuit �
27 Which of the following is a physicalproperty of copper?
A Ductile, can be drawn into a wire �
B Liquid at room temperatureC Readily reacts with water to form an
acidD Readily reacts with oxygen
BA
TT
ER
Y
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28 Northern garter snakes exhibit aunique behavior in which they gatherin deep dens by the hundreds orthousands. They then coil together in ahuge ball. This behavior could helpto —
F reduce heat loss �
G increase camouflageH locate food sourcesJ increase oxygen consumption
29 When plants perform photosynthesis,they use sunlight to produce food. Thisis an example of light energy beingconverted to —
A heat energyB electrical energyC mechanical energyD chemical energy �
30 Number of Moths By Year (x100)
Kind
of Moth 1800 1850 1875 1900 1925 1950 1975
light 100 97 90 65 21 10 7
dark 0 3 10 35 79 90 93
Scientists have spent many yearsstudying the peppered moth, which isa species that has adapted its colorfrom light to dark in reaction toenvironmental pollution. Which of thefollowing line graphs represents the datafrom the table?
1900
Year
Num
ber
of M
oths
(x 1
00)
1800
50
25
75
100
1850 1950
Darkmoths
Lightmoths
1900
Year
Num
ber
of M
oths
(x 1
00)
1800
50
25
75
100
1850 1950
Darkmoths
Lightmoths
1900
Year
Num
ber
of M
oths
(x 1
00)
1800
50
25
75
100
1850 1950
Lightmoths
Darkmoths
1900
Year
Num
ber
of M
oths
(x 1
00)
1800
50
25
75
100
1850 1950
Darkmoths
Lightmoths
F
G
H
J
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102003 Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Education
31 Mendel’s early work with pea plantsdemonstrated a significant geneticdiscovery. The crossing of homozygoustall pea plants with homozygous shortpea plants always resulted in tallplants and demonstrated that tallnessin pea plants is a trait that is —
A blendedB dominant �
C mutatedD recessive
32
At which of these points is it 12:00noon?
F 1G 2H 3J 4 �
33 Which of the following is an example ofkinetic energy?
A A baseball moving from the pitcher tothe catcher �
B A rock sitting on the top of a large hillC A pendulum at the top of its swingD A new flashlight battery
34 Many scientists believe that nuclearfusion will become a possible energysource within the next 10 years. Whatresource would be most effective intracking the progress of this energysource?
F The local newspaperG A chemical encyclopediaH A physics textbookJ Scientific periodical �
35
Objects with like charges repel andunlike charges attract. The girl’s hairand the comb have —
A unlike charges �
B like chargesC neutral chargesD no charges
Sun’sLight
NorthPole
1
2
3
4
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36
The loss of which of these would havethe least effect on the water cycle?
F SoilG RiversH Animals �
J Plants
37 Which of these processes helps extractenergy from food?
A ReproductionB Digestion �
C ExcretionD Circulation
38 Which of these is a change in chemicalcomposition?
F A lake freezes solid.G Gravel, sand, and water are mixed.H A copper bar is rolled into a flat sheet.J Vinegar bubbles when baking soda is
added. �
39
The picture shows a test for non-slipsurfaces to be used on a ramp. Whichof these must be done to provide moremeaningful results?
A Use the same shoe on each surface �
B Use boards of the same thicknessC Use the same shoe size for each type of
shoeD Use shoes with soles designed for sports
The Water Cycle
Precipitation
Evaporation
Transpiration
Runoff water
Condensation
RiverOcean
0
2
4
6
8
1012141820
0100200300400500
ozg
0
2
4
6
8
1012141820
0100200300400500
ozg
0
2
4
6
8
1012141820
0100200300400500
ozg
60cm60cm
60cm
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40
PlanetAverage Distance
from Sun (kilometers)
Earth 149.5 million
Jupiter 777.3 million
Mars 227.9 million
Mercury 57.9 million
Venus 108.2 million
According to this chart, which planetwill most likely have the highesttemperatures?
F EarthG MarsH Mercury �
J Venus
41
According to this diagram, both ofthese fish —
A eat bacteriaB give off toxic wastesC take in minerals through their gillsD get their energy from other animals �
42
At which point is the magnetic fieldthe strongest?
F Point 1 �
G Point 2H Point 3J Point 4
43
The picture above illustrates thehabitat of a population of animals andits distance from the nearest watersource. How far does an animal have totravel to obtain water?
A 6 centimetersB 12 metersC 50 metersD 300 meters �
Planktonand
Algae
BacteriaAction
Death
Potassium,Calcium, and Other Minerals
N S
2
4
1 3
Habitatof
animalWater
1 2 3(centimeters)
4 5 6
1 centimeter = 50 meters
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44 Most of the hereditary informationwithin the cell is carried in the —
F ribosomesG vacuolesH chromosomes �
J Golgi bodies
45 The time in which Earth makes onerevolution around the sun isapproximately one —
A year �
B seasonC monthD day
46 Which picture illustrates the structureof a molecule of water?
HeHe
O
HeO
O
OH
H
HeH
O
F
G
H
J
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142003 Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Education
47
These birds all live in Virginia. One ofthe bird’s main sources of food is thenectar inside long, trumpet-shapedflowers. A second bird eats mostlyrodents. The third bird often is seenpecking into the bark of the local treesto get the insects just inside. Whichof the following lists has correctlymatched the pictured birds with theirdiets?
A Ruby-throated Hummingbird–nectar;Red-tailed Hawk–insects;Yellow-bellied Sapsucker–rodents
B Ruby-throated Hummingbird–insects;Red-tailed Hawk–nectar;Yellow-bellied Sapsucker–rodents
C Ruby-throated Hummingbird–rodents;Red-tailed Hawk–nectar;Yellow-bellied Sapsucker–insects
D Ruby-throated Hummingbird–nectar;Red-tailed Hawk–rodents;Yellow-bellied Sapsucker–insects �
48
Which of these elements has an atomicnumber of 14?
F NG AlH Si �
J P
49 In which biome would you find themost variety of life?
A TundraB DesertC GrasslandD Rain forest �
50 Tearing paper is an example of a —
F physical change �
G chemical changeH chemical reactionJ solution
Ruby-throatedHummingbird
Red-tailed Hawk Yellow-belliedSapsucker
5BBoron10.811
13AlAluminum26.9815
6CCarbon12.011
14SiSilicon28.0855
7NNitrogen14.0067
15PPhosphorus30.97376
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Answer KeyTest
SequenceCorrectAnswer
ReportingCategory Reporting Category Description
1 B 019 Earth and Space Systems
2 H 017 Life Systems
3 A 016 Force, Motion, Energy, and Matter
4 H 015 Scientific Investigation
5 B 016 Force, Motion, Energy, and Matter
6 J 018 Ecosystems
7 C 016 Force, Motion, Energy, and Matter
8 H 016 Force, Motion, Energy, and Matter
9 D 018 Ecosystems
10 F 016 Force, Motion, Energy, and Matter
11 D 017 Life Systems
12 H 015 Scientific Investigation
13 B 015 Scientific Investigation
14 H 018 Ecosystems
15 A 019 Earth and Space Systems
16 J 019 Earth and Space Systems
17 D 016 Force, Motion, Energy, and Matter
18 H 015 Scientific Investigation
19 B 016 Force, Motion, Energy, and Matter
20 H 018 Ecosystems
21 B 015 Scientific Investigation
22 F 017 Life Systems
23 D 015 Scientific Investigation
24 F 016 Force, Motion, Energy, and Matter
25 B 017 Life Systems
26 J 016 Force, Motion, Energy, and Matter
27 A 016 Force, Motion, Energy, and Matter
28 F 018 Ecosystems
29 D 016 Force, Motion, Energy, and Matter
30 F 015 Scientific Investigation
31 B 017 Life Systems
32 J 019 Earth and Space Systems
33 A 016 Force, Motion, Energy, and Matter
34 J 015 Scientific Investigation
35 A 016 Force, Motion, Energy, and Matter
36 H 018 Ecosystems
37 B 017 Life Systems
38 J 016 Force, Motion, Energy, and Matter
39 A 015 Scientific Investigation
40 H 019 Earth and Space Systems
41 D 018 Ecosystems
42 F 016 Force, Motion, Energy, and Matter
43 D 015 Scientific Investigation
44 H 017 Life Systems
45 A 019 Earth and Space Systems
46 H 016 Force, Motion, Energy, and Matter
47 D 015 Scientific Investigation
48 H 016 Force, Motion, Energy, and Matter
49 D 018 Ecosystems
50 F 016 Force, Motion, Energy, and Matter
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