136 TExES Science 8 - 12 Exam Practice Questions
1. Areas of scientific study include:
A. Natural
B. Social
C. Formal
D. All of the above
2. Scientific method is used to:
A. Memorize data
B. Interpret information
C. Integrate information
D. All of the above
3. Which step is not part of the scientific method?
A. Question posed
B. Research done
C. Earlier tests are ignored
D. Analysis
4. The unifying principles of biology include:
A. Chemical composition
B. Evolution
C. Algebraic equations
D. All of the above
5. The disciplines of physics are:
A. Condensed matter and high energy
B. Gene Theories
C. Evolution
D. All of the above
6. Which of the following is not a law of physics?
A. Newton's Three Laws of Motion
B. Equivalence and Balance
C. Laws of Thermodynamics
D. Invariance of the Speed of Light
7. Chemistry studies matter in relation to:
A. Evolution
B. Entropy
C. The environment
D. All of the above
8. Which of the following is not a discipline in chemistry?
A. Organic
B. Biochemistry
C. Molecular
D. Analytical
9. The solar system is composed of:
A. Igneous rock
B. Dwarf planets
C. Marine wildlife
D. All of the above
10. Students studying science should be assessed on their ability to:
A. Memorize data
B. Communicate scientific subject matter
C. Get good grades
D. All of the above
ANSWER KEY EXAM 136
1. Answer: D
Natural Science is concerned with the natural world. Social Science studies human behavior. Both are based on empirical evidence, which is observable data that can be verified by other scientists working in similar situations under the same conditions. Formal Science is the systematic study of a specific area. It is essential to developing hypotheses, theories and laws used in other scientific disciplines, i.e., describing how things work (natural science) and how people think and why they do what they do individually and as a society (social sciences). It is based on a priori evidence, which proceeds from a theory or assumption rather than observable phenomena. Applied Science is using the results of scientific research in any of the natural, social and formal sciences and adapting it to address human needs.
2. Answer: C
Scientific Method is a set of procedures used to study natural phenomena. It provides guidelines with which to pose questions, analyze data and reach conclusions. It is used to investigate an event, gain knowledge or correct earlier conclusions about the occurrence and integrate the new information with previously learned data. Researchers pose hypotheses and design experiments and studies to test them. The process must be objective, documented and shared with other researchers, in order that the results can be verified by replicating the study in similar situations under the same conditions. Scientific method rarely follows a predictable path. The testing of one hypothesis usually leads to other questions, which leads to the formation of other hypotheses.
3. Answer: C
The steps described are not necessarily used in exactly the same way in all sciences. Sometimes they happen at the same time or in a different order and may be repeated during the course of the study, but should be applied with intelligence, imagination and creativity. The following sequence is the one used most of the time:
A question is asked about a natural phenomenon. It should be stated in specific language to focus the inquiry.
The subject is thoroughly researched. Previous test results are studied. It is important to understand what the earlier experiment(s) proved or disproved.
With information gleaned from researching the topic, a hypothesis is formed about a cause or effect of the event or its relationship to other occurrences.
An experiment is designed and conducted to test the hypothesis and gather information.
The resulting data is analyzed to determine if they support or refute the hypothesis.
4. Answer: B
Cell Theory: The cell is the basic building block of all living things. It is the smallest unit of life able to function on its own. There are two kinds of cells: Prokaryotic which are present only in bacteria and eukaryotic found in all other life forms. New cells form by dividing from existing cells.
Evolution: As a result of natural selection and changes in the gene pool (genetic drift), inherited traits morph from one generation to the next.
Gene Theory: The traits of all living organisms are encoded in their DNA, the chromosome component that carries genetic information. Biochemical characteristics are capable of adapting to changes in the environment; but the only way these adaptations can be transferred to the genes is through evolution (see above).
Homeostasis: A self-regulating, physiological process that keeps biological systems stable and in proper balance internally, no matter what is happening in the external environment.
5. Answer: A
Physics is a fundamental, experimental science that studies matter, motion, energy, space and time and how they interact. Its goal is to understand the natural world by formulating and testing hypotheses in an effort to develop scientific laws that predict other phenomena. Physics is one of the oldest sciences; humans have been trying to figure out how the world works since we started walking upright. Physicists specialize in either theoretical (the development of new theories) or experimental (testing theories and discovering new phenomena) research. Physics is divided into four disciplines: Condensed matter physics; atomic, molecular and optical physics; high-energy physics and astronomy and astrophysics. Other sciences are complex applications of the laws of physics.
6. Answer: B
The definitions are summarized from Webster's New Explorer Desk Encyclopedia.
Newton's Three Laws Of Motion define the relationship between the acceleration of an object and the forces acting on it; gravity, conservation of mass-energy, conservation of momentum.
Laws Of Thermodynamics are specific examples of the Laws of Conservation of Mass-Energy: Zeroeth Law makes temperature possible; First Law of Thermodynamics is the relationship between energy, heat and work within a system; Second Law of Thermodynamics is the natural flow of heat in a closed system; Third Law of Thermodynamics states that it is impossible to create a perfectly efficient thermodynamic process.
Electrostatic Laws are the relationships between electrically charged particles that create electrostatic force and fields.
Invariance Of The Speed Of Light states that the speed of light in a vacuum is constant and is not measured differently in different frames of reference. This led to Einstein's Theory of Relativity.
7. Answer: B
Chemistry grew out of the practice known as alchemy, a philosophical and spiritual discipline that investigated the possibility of transforming base metals into gold. Modern chemistry is the physical science that studies the composition, structure, properties and reactions of atoms, molecules, crystals and other aggregate matter by themselves or in relationship to each other. It is sometimes called the "central science" because it connects the other natural sciences. Chemistry studies matter in relation to energy (the capacity to do work) and entropy (the measurement of energy unable to do work) and the spontaneity of chemical reactions (the changing of matter into one or more substances).
8. Answer: C
Chemistry is divided into several disciplines based on the type of matter being studied:
- Organic Chemistry studies compounds that contain carbon. Note: Some carbon compounds are considered inorganic compounds.
- Inorganic Chemistry studies mineral compounds.
- Biochemistry studies organisms capable of responding to stimuli, reproduction and growth.
- Physical Chemistry studies energy systems at the macro, molecular and sub-molecular levels.
- Analytical Chemistry studies matter and its chemical composition and structure.
9. Answer: B
The Solar System is composed of the sun, eight planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune), three dwarf planets (Pluto, Ceres and Eris) and small solar system bodies (asteroids, comets, meteoroids and interplanetary dust). The Sun dominates the solar system. It is a star that contains 99% of the system's mass and its gravitational pull controls the entire solar system. The orbit of the planets and most other objects is counter-clockwise (Halley's Comet is one exception). A Planet is any body with enough mass to form itself into a ball-shape and has no smaller objects in its immediate vicinity. Its distance from the sun varies during the course of its year. The length of its year is determined by its proximity to the sun. The Moons that orbit the planets, dwarf planets and small solar system bodies (SSSBs) are called natural satellites. They are controlled by the gravitational pull of the objects they orbit, rather than directly by the sun's gravity.
10. Answer: b
The U.S. Department of Education established criteria for testing comprehension of science concepts using recommendations from the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Students are required to not only know facts but also be able to integrate those facts into previously learned information by using critical thinking skills developed through the study of science, i.e., they need to be able to use the facts in practical applications found in the real world. The assessments developed by educators, curriculum specialists and the business community emphasize the importance of assessing students' ability to reason, understand concepts, solve problems, evaluate results and communicate knowledge of the subject matter. The tests attempt to measure whether students can take cognitive skills learned in science, apply them in other disciplines and use them outside of school in meaningful ways.
