Study Guide

Elementary Education Multi-Content: Science
Sample Questions

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Competency 0031
Understand science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts.

1. The relationship between form and function is a crosscutting concept in science. For example, the specific type of chemical bonding between copper atoms is what is responsible for the high electrical conductivity and ductility of this metal. Which of the following is another example of this relationship?

  1. the expression of human genes in bacterial cells
  2. the differences in weathering patterns caused by wind and water
  3. the shape of plant leaves in the understory of a tropical rain forest
  4. the jigsaw puzzle-like characteristics of the continents
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Correct Response: C. Plant leaves in the understory of a tropical rain forest are usually large in order to capture as much sunlight as possible, and they often have drip tips to help excess precipitation run off.

Competency 0032
Understand fundamental concepts of biology.

2. The waxy layer covering the exoskeleton of an insect is an adaptation that primarily aids in which of the following functions?

  1. absorbing oxygen
  2. avoiding detection by predators
  3. minimizing water loss
  4. blocking ultraviolet radiation
Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Correct Response: C. In terrestrial insects, the waxy layer of the exoskeleton acts as a waterproof barrier that keeps water in and prevents insects from becoming dehydrated.

Competency 0033
Understand fundamental concepts of physical science and Earth science.

3. Which of the following shows the relative positions of the sun, Earth, and moon during a solar eclipse?




Enter to expand or collapse answer.Answer expanded
Correct Response: A. A solar eclipse can only occur when the moon moves directly between the sun and Earth, casting its shadow over part of Earth.