Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States ofAmerica. Except as permitted under the United States Copyright Act, no part of this book may bereproduced in any form, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any informationstorage or retrieval system, without prior written permission of the publisher.

Send all inquiries to:The McGraw-Hill Companies8787 Orion PlaceColumbus, OH 43240-4027

ISBN: 0-07-873032-5

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 045 10 09 08 07 06 05

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 iii

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Contents

Benchmarks Tested on Grade 10 FCAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv

Student Recording Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x

How to Complete the Response Grids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii

Taking the FCAT Science Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvii

FCAT Question Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xviii

FCAT Science Reference Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xix

Using a Calculator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xx

Periodic Table of the Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxi

Test Practice

Pretest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Benchmark Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Posttest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

iv Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Sunshine State Standards Benchmark

STRAND A: THE NATURE OF MATTER

SC.A.1.4.1 The student knows that the electron configuration in atoms determines how asubstance reacts and how much energy is involved in its reactions. CS; MC, GR

SC.A.1.4.2 The student knows that the vast diversity of the properties of materials isprimarily due to variations in the forces that hold molecules together. CS; MCAlso covers A.1.4.5

SC.A.1.4.3 The student knows that a change from one phase of matter to another involves again or loss of energy. CS; MC, GR

SC.A.1.4.4 The student experiments and determines that the rates of reaction among atomsand molecules depend on the concentration, pressure, and temperature of thereactants and the presence or absence of catalysts. AA; MC, GR, SR

SC.A.1.4.5 The student knows that connections (bonds) form between substances whenouter-shell electrons are either transferred or shared between their atoms,changing the properties of substances. Covered as A.1.4.2

SC.A.2.4.1 The student knows that the number and configuration of electrons will equal thenumber of protons in an electrically neutral atom and when an atom gains orloses electrons, the charge is unbalanced. CS; MC, GR

SC.A.2.4.2 The student knows the difference between an element, a molecule, and acompound. CS; MC

SC.A.2.4.3 The student knows that a number of elements have heavier, unstable nuclei thatdecay, spontaneously giving off smaller particles and waves that result in a smallloss of mass and release a large amount of energy. CS; MCAlso covers A.2.4.4

SC.A.2.4.4 The student knows that nuclear energy is released when small, light atoms arefused into heavier ones. Covered as A.2.4.3

SC.A.2.4.5 The student knows that elements are arranged into groups and families based onsimilarities in electron structure and that their physical and chemical propertiescan be predicted. AA; MC

SC.A.2.4.6 The student understands that matter may act as a wave, a particle, or somethingelse entirely different with its own characteristic behavior. CS; MC

STRAND B: ENERGY

SC.B.1.4.1 The student understands how knowledge of energy is fundamental to all thescientific disciplines (e.g., the energy required for biological processes in livingorganisms and the energy required for the building, erosion, and rebuilding ofthe Earth). AA; MC, GR, SRAlso covers B.1.4.2

SC.B.1.4.2 The student understands that there is conservation of mass and energy whenmatter is transformed. Covered as B.1.4.1

Benchmarks Tested on Grade 10 Science FCAT

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 v

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

SC.B.1.4.3 The student knows that temperature is a measure of the average translationalkinetic energy of motion of the molecules in an object. CS; MC, GR

SC.B.1.4.4 The student knows that as electrical charges oscillate, they create time-varyingelectric and magnetic fields that propagate away from the source as anelectromagnetic wave. CS; MC, GR

SC.B.1.4.5 The student knows that each source of energy presents advantages anddisadvantages to its use in society (e.g., political and economic implications may determine a society’s selection of renewable or nonrenewable energysources). Covered as G.2.4.2

SC.B.1.4.6 The student knows that the first law of thermodynamics relates the transfer ofenergy to the work done and the heat transferred. Covered as B.1.4.7

SC.B.1.4.7 The student knows that the total amount of usable energy always decreases, eventhough the total amount of energy is conserved in any transfer. CS; MC, GRAlso covers B.1.4.6

SC.B.2.4.1 The student knows that the structure of the universe is the result of interactionsinvolving fundamental particles (matter) and basic forces (energy) and thatevidence suggests that the universe contains all of the matter and energy thatever existed. CS; MC

STRAND C: FORCE AND MOTION

SC.C.1.4.1 The student knows that all motion is relative to whatever frame of reference ischosen and that there is no absolute frame of reference from which to observe allmotion. CS; MC, GR

SC.C.1.4.2 The student knows that any change in velocity is an acceleration. CS; MC, GR

SC.C.2.4.1 The student knows that acceleration due to gravitational force is proportional tomass and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between theobjects. AA; MC, GR

SC.C.2.4.2 The student knows that electrical forces exist between any two charged objects.Covered as C.2.4.3

SC.C.2.4.3 The student describes how magnetic force and electrical force are two aspects ofa single force. CS; MCAlso covers C.2.4.2

SC.C.2.4.4 The student knows that the forces that hold the nucleus of an atom together are much stronger than electromagnetic force and that this is the reason for the great amount of energy released from the nuclear reactions in the sun and other stars. CS; MC

SC.C.2.4.5 The student knows that most observable forces can be traced to electric forcesacting between atoms or molecules. CS; MC

SC.C.2.4.6 The student explains that all forces come in pairs commonly called action andreaction. CS; MC

vi Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

STRAND D: PROCESSES THAT SHAPE THE EARTH

SC.D.1.4.1 The student knows how climatic patterns on Earth result from an interplay ofmany factors (Earth’s topography, its rotation on its axis, solar radiation, thetransfer of heat energy where the atmosphere interfaces with lands and oceans,and wind and ocean currents). AA; MC, SR

SC.D.1.4.2 The student knows that the solid crust of Earth consists of slow-moving, separateplates that float on a denser, molten layer of Earth and that these plates interactwith each other, changing the Earth’s surface in many ways (e.g., formingmountain ranges and rift valleys, causing earthquake and volcanic activity, andforming undersea mountains that can become ocean islands). AA; MC, SR

SC.D.1.4.3 The student knows that changes in Earth’s climate, geological activity, and lifeforms may be traced and compared. CS; MC

SC.D.1.4.4 The student knows that Earth’s systems and organisms are the result of a long,continuous change over time. Covered as F.2.4.3

SC.D.2.4.1 The student understands the interconnectedness of the systems on Earth and thequality of life. AA; MC, SRAlso covers G.2.4.4

STRAND E: EARTH AND SPACE

SC.E.1.4.1 The student understands the relationships between events on Earth and themovements of the Earth, its moon, the other planets, and the sun. AA; MC, SRAlso covers E.1.4.2, E.1.4.3

SC.E.1.4.2 The student knows how the characteristics of other planets and satellites aresimilar to and different from those of the Earth. Covered as E.1.4.1

SC.E.1.4.3 The student knows the various reasons that Earth is the only planet in our Solar System that appears to be capable of supporting life as we know it.Covered as E.1.4.1

SC.E.2.4.1 The student knows that the stages in the development of three categories of stars are based on mass: stars that have the approximate mass of our sun, starsthat are two-to-three-stellar masses and develop into neutron stars, and stars thatare five to-sixstellar masses and develop into black holes. CS; MC

SC.E.2.4.2 The student identifies the arrangement of bodies found within and outside ourgalaxy. CS; MC

SC.E.2.4.3 The student knows astronomical distance and time. CS; MC, GR

SC.E.2.4.4 The student understands stellar equilibrium. Not Covered

SC.E.2.4.5 The student knows various scientific theories on how the universe was formed.Not Covered

SC.E.2.4.6 The student knows the various ways in which scientists collect and generate dataabout our universe (e.g., X-ray telescopes, computer simulations of gravitationalsystems, nuclear reactions, space probes, and supercollider simulations).Covered as H.1.4.1

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 vii

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

SC.E.2.4.7 The student knows that mathematical models and computer simulations are used in studying evidence from many sources to form a scientific account of the universe. Covered as H.1.4.1

STRAND F: PROCESSES OF LIFE

SC.F.1.4.1 The student knows that the body processes involve specific biochemicalreactions governed by biochemical principles. AA; MC, SRAlso covers F.1.4.3, F.1.4.5

SC.F.1.4.2 The student knows that body structures are uniquely designed and adapted fortheir function. Covered as F.2.4.3

SC.F.1.4.3 The student knows that membranes are sites for chemical synthesis and essentialenergy conversions. Covered as F.1.4.1

SC.F.1.4.4 The student understands that biological systems obey the same laws ofconservation as physical systems. CS; MC

SC.F.1.4.5 The student knows that complex interactions among the different kinds ofmolecules in the cell cause distinct cycles of activity governed by proteins.Covered as F.1.4.1

SC.F.1.4.6 The student knows that separate parts of the body communicate with each otherusing electrical and/or chemical signals. Covered as F.1.4.7

SC.F.1.4.7 The student knows that organisms respond to internal and external stimuli. CS; MCAlso covers F.1.4.6, F.1.4.8

SC.F.1.4.8 The student knows that cell behavior can be affected by molecules from otherparts of the organism or even from other organisms. Covered as F.1.4.7

SC.F.2.4.1 The student understands the mechanisms of asexual and sexual reproduction andknows the different genetic advantages and disadvantages of asexual and sexualreproduction. CS; MC, GR

SC.F.2.4.2 The student knows that every cell contains a “blueprint” coded in DNAmolecules that specify how proteins are assembled to regulate cells. CS; MC

SC.F.2.4.3 The student understands the mechanisms of change (e.g., mutation and naturalselection) that lead to adaptations in a species and their ability to survivenaturally in changing conditions and to increase species diversity. AA; MC, SRAlso covers D.1.4.4, F.1.4.2

STRAND G: HOW LIVING THINGS INTERACT WITH THEIR ENVIRONMENT

SC.G.1.4.1 The student knows of the great diversity and interdependence of living things.AA; MC, SRAlso covers G.1.4.2

SC.G.1.4.2 The student understands how the flow of energy through an ecosystem made upof producers, consumers, and decomposers carries out the processes of life andthat some energy dissipates as heat and is not recycled. Covered as G.1.4.1

SC.G.1.4.3 The student knows that the chemical elements that make up the molecules ofliving things are combined and recombined in different ways. CS; MC

viii Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

SC.G.2.4.1 The student knows that layers of energy-rich organic materials have beengradually turned into great coal beds and oil pools (fossil fuels) by the pressureof the overlying earth and that humans burn fossil fuels to release the storedenergy as heat and carbon dioxide. CS; MC

SC.G.2.4.2 The student knows that changes in a component of an ecosystem will haveunpredictable effects on the entire system but that the components of the systemtend to react in a way that will restore the ecosystem to its original condition.AA; MC, SR, ERAlso covers B.1.4.5, G.2.4.5

SC.G.2.4.3 The student understands how genetic variation of offspring contributes topopulation control in an environment and that natural selection ensures thatthose who are best adapted to their surroundings survive to reproduce. CS; MC

SC.G.2.4.4 The student knows that the world ecosystems are shaped by physical factors thatlimit their productivity. Covered as D.2.4.1

SC.G.2.4.5 The student understands that the amount of life any environment can support islimited and that human activities can change the flow of energy and reduce thefertility of the Earth. Covered as G.2.4.2

SC.G.2.4.6 The student knows the ways in which humans today are placing theirenvironmental support systems at risk (e.g., rapid human population growth,environmental degradation, and resource depletion). CS; MC

STRAND H: THE NATURE OF SCIENCE

SC.H.1.4.1 The student knows that investigations are conducted to explore new phenomena,to check on previous results, to test how well a theory predicts, and to comparedifferent theories. AA; MC, GR, SR, ERAlso covers H.1.2.1, H.1.2.2, H.2.4.2, E.2.4.6, E.2.4.7

SC.H.1.4.2 The student knows that from time to time, major shifts occur in the scientificview of how the world works, but that more often the changes that take place inthe body of scientific knowledge are small modifications of prior knowledge.CS; MCAlso covers H 1.3.2, H.1.4.3, H.1.4.6

SC.H.1.4.3 The student understands that no matter how well one theory fits observations, anew theory might fit them as well or better, or might fit a wider range ofobservations, because in science, the testing, revising, and occasional discardingof theories, new and old, never ends and leads to an increasingly betterunderstanding of how things work in the world, but not to absolute truth.Covered as H.1.4.2

SC.H.1.4.4 The student knows that scientists in any one research group tend to see things alikeand that therefore scientific teams are expected to seek out the possible sources ofbias in the design of their investigations and in their data analysis. CS; MC

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 ix

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

SC.H.1.4.5 The student understands that new ideas in science are limited by the context inwhich they are conceived, are often rejected by the scientific establishment,sometimes spring from unexpected findings, and usually grow slowly frommany contributors. CS; MC

SC.H.1.4.6 The student understands that, in the short run, new ideas that do not mesh wellwith mainstream ideas in science often encounter vigorous criticism and that, inthe long run, theories are judged by how they fit with other theories, the range ofobservations they explain, how well they explain observations, and how effectivethey are in predicting new findings. Covered as H.1.4.2

SC.H.1.4.7 The student understands the importance of a sense of responsibility, acommitment to peer review, truthful reporting of the methods and outcomes ofinvestigations, and making the public aware of the findings. CS; MC

SC.H.2.4.1 The student knows that scientists assume that the universe is a vast system inwhich basic rules exist that may range from very simple to extremely complex,but that scientists operate on the belief that the rules can be discovered bycareful, systemic study. AA; MC

SC.H.2.4.2 The student knows that scientists control conditions in order to obtain evidence,but when that is not possible for practical or ethical reasons, they try to observe awide range of natural occurrences to discern patterns. Covered as H.1.4.1

SC.H.3.4.1 The student knows that performance testing is often conducted using small-scalemodels, computer simulations, or analogous systems to reduce the chance ofsystem failure. CS; MC

SC.H.3.4.2 The student knows that technological problems often create a demand for newscientific knowledge and that new technologies make it possible for scientists toextend their research in a way that advances science. AA; MC, SRAlso covers H.3.4.5, H.3.4.6

SC.H.3.4.3 The student knows that scientists can bring information, insights, and analyticalskills to matters of public concern and help people understand the possiblecauses and effects of events. CS; MC

SC.H.3.4.4 The student knows that funds for science research come from federalgovernment agencies, industry, and private foundations and that this fundingoften influences the areas of discovery. Not Covered

SC.H.3.4.5 The student knows that the value of a technology may differ for different peopleand at different times. Covered as H.3.4.2

SC.H.3.4.6 The student knows that scientific knowledge is used by those who engage indesign and technology to solve practical problems, taking human values andlimitations into account. Covered as H.3.4.2

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

x Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Student Recording ChartDirections Mark an � by each question from the Pretest and Posttest that you answeredincorrectly. If there are one or two �s marked for a benchmark, write Yes in the Need Practice?box. Then complete the practice pages for that benchmark.

Strand A: The Nature of Matter

Benchmark SC.A. SC.A. SC.A. SC.A. SC.A. SC.A. SC.A. SC.A. SC.A.1.4.1 1.4.2 1.4.3 1.4.4 2.4.1 2.4.2 2.4.3 2.4.5 2.4.6

Test QuestionsPretest 4 5 33 13 18 24 42

Posttest 4 5 30 17 10 15 36

Need Practice?Practice Pages 17 18 18–19 19–20 20–21 21 21 21–22 23

Strand B: Energy

Benchmark SC.B. SC.B. SC.B. SC.B. SC.B.1.4.1 1.4.2 1.4.3 1.4.4 2.4.1

Test QuestionsPretest 26 21 6 22

Posttest22 18 6 24

32

Need Practice?Practice Pages 24–25 25–26 27–28 28–29

Strand C: Force and Motion

Benchmark SC.C. SC.C. SC.C. SC.C. SC.C. SC.C. SC.C.1.4.1 1.4.2 2.4.1 2.4.3 2.4.4 2.4.5 2.4.6

Test Questions

Pretest25 35 37 7

40

Posttest 21 33 25 27

Need Practice?Practice Pages 30 31–32 32–33 33 34 34

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 xi

Strand D: Processes that Shape the Earth

Benchmark SC.D. SC.D. SC.D. SC.D.1.4.1 1.4.2 1.4.3 2.4.1

Test QuestionsPretest 34 20 15

Posttest 31 9 12 26

Need Practice?Practice Pages 35–36 37–38 38–39 40–41

Strand E: Earth and Space

Benchmark SC.E. SC.E. SC.E. SC.E.1.4.1 2.4.1 2.4.2 2.4.3

Test QuestionsPretest 8 3 36 16

Posttest 7 3 34 13

Need Practice?Practice Pages 42 43 43 44

Strand F: Processes of Life

Benchmark SC.F. SC.F. SC.F. SC.F. SC.F. SC.F.1.4.1 1.4.4 1.4.7 2.4.1 2.4.2 2.4.3

Test Questions

Pretest17 9 29 14 2

41

Posttest 14 8 38 11 2

Need Practice?Practice Pages 45–46 47 47 48 49–50

xii Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Strand H: The Nature of Science

Benchmark SC.H. SC.H. SC.H. SC.H. SC.H. SC.H. SC.H. SC.H. SC.H.1.4.1 1.4.2 1.4.4 1.4.5 1.4.7 2.4.1 3.4.1 3.4.2 3.4.3

Test Questions

Pretest11 28 12 1 23 3230 38

Posttest37 20 1 39 19 2928

Need Practice?Practice Pages 57 58 58 58 59 59 60 60 60–61

Strand G: How Living Things Interact with Their Environment

Benchmark SC.G. SC.G. SC.G. SC.G. SC.G. SC.G.1.4.1 1.4.3 2.4.1 2.4.2 2.4.3 2.4.6

Test Questions

Pretest10 27 19 3931

Posttest 40 23 16 35

Need Practice?Practice Pages 51–53 53 54 54–55 56 56

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 xiii

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

How to Complete the Response Grids

Science test questions that have the gridded response symbol require you to fill in the grid to the right of the question. Sometimes there is more than one way to complete the response grid. In this section, you will learn the different ways the grids can be filled in.

Parts of a Response GridResponse grids have the following:

Directions1. Read the question and work the problem. For gridded response questions, your answer will

always be a number.

2. Once you have your answer, write it in the answer boxes.

• Write your answer with the first digit in the left box OR with the last digit in the right box.

• Use only one digit or symbol in each box. Do NOT leave a blank answer box in the middle of an answer.

• If your answer is a decimal or fraction, be sure to include the decimal point or thefraction bar in the correct answer box.

}Answer boxes

}Fraction bar}Decimal point

Number bubbles

xiv Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

3. Under each answer box, fill in the correct bubble for the number you wrote.

• Fill in one bubble for each answer box. Do NOT fill in a bubble under an unused answer box.

• Each bubble must be filled in completely.

• You MUST correctly fill in the bubbles for your answer in order to receive credit.

Examples

Whole Number

95 � 15 �

Decimal

Show the decimal equivalent of 8__100.

0 0 8.

OR

0 0 8.

80 8 0

OR

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 xv

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Fraction

NOTE: You cannot have a mixed number as an answer. If you have a mixed number, you must convert your answer to an improper fraction or a decimal number. For example, if you fill in 171_

2 , it would be read as 171__2

. This is not a correctanswer, and you will not receive credit.

171_2

171_2 3 5 / 2

OR

CORRECT

1 7 . 5

1 1 /7 2INCORRECT

xvi Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Decimal or Fraction

Many answers may be shown as either a decimal or a fraction.

. 1 7 5

OR OR

/7 4 0

OR

7 / 04. 1 7 5

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 xvii

Taking the FCAT Science Test

Hints for Taking the FCAT Science Test✔ There are four kinds of questions on the FCAT Science Test. These are:

multiple choice, gridded response, short response, and extended response.Learn how to recognize and answer these different types of questions.

✔ Read each question and answer choice carefully.

✔ Make sure that when choosing an answer choice, your answer is the one thatis correct.

✔ If you come to a question that seems too difficult, move on to the next question. You can come back to the question later.

✔ When answering multiple choice and gridded response questions, make sureyou have completely and correctly filled in the bubbles. Avoid any straymarks, and if you accidentally make one, be sure to erase it.

✔ After answering a question, double-check to make sure that your answerchoice answers the question.

✔ Get a good night’s sleep the night before test day. On test day, just relax anddo your best.

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

xviii Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

How to Answer "Read, Inquire, Explain" QuestionsYou can receive full or partial credit for your answers to short response and extendedresponse questions. Even if you do not feel that you can find the complete answerfor these types of questions, you should write as much as you can and show all yourwork. This way, you may receive credit for a portion that is correct.

When you see this symbol next to a question, it signals a short responsequestion. For these types of questions, you should use about five minutes to write your answers.

You will receive 2 points for an answer that is completely correct and 1 pointfor an answer that is partially correct.

When you see this symbol next to a question, it signals an extended responsequestion. The answers for these questions will be longer than those for shortresponse. You will see questions with a Part A and a Part B. You should useabout 10–15 minutes to answer extended response questions.

You will receive 4 points for an answer that is completely correct and 1, 2, or 3 points for an answer that is partially correct.

When you see this symbol next to a question, it signals a gridded responsequestion. For this type of question you will need to fill in a grid. There ismore than one correct way to record your answer on the grid. You MUSTwrite your numerical answer in the answer boxes and then fill in the correctbubbles for all of the digits and symbols.

You will receive 1 point for a correct answer. There are no partial points for incomplete gridded response questions.

FCAT Question Symbols

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 xix

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

FCAT Science Reference Sheet

Equations

Acceleration (_a) �

_a �

Average speed (_v) �

_v �

Density (D) � D �

Percent efficiency (e) � � 100 %e � � 100

Force in newtons (F) � mass (kg) � acceleration (m/s2) F � ma

Frequency in hertz ( f ) � f �

Momentum ( p) � mass (kg) � velocity (m/s2) p � mv

Pressure (P) � P �

Wavelength (�) � � �

Work (W ) � Force (N) � distance (m) W � Fd

Units of Measure

cm � centimeter Hz � hertz kg � kilogram N � newtong � gram J � joule (newton-meter) m � meter s � second

AU � Astronomical Unit � Distance between Earth and the Sun(approximately 150 million kilometers)

vf

velocity (m/s)frequency (Hz)

FA

Force (N)area (m2)

n of eventst

number of events (waves)time (s)

Workout

Workin

Work out (J)Work in (J)

mV

mass (g)volume (cm3)

dt

distancetime

vf � vichange in velocity (m/s)

time taken for this change (s)

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

xx Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

This is a diagram of a generic calculator and its parts.

Helpful Hints for Using a Calculator on the FCAT Science Test 1. Decide if you need a calculator to solve the problem by reading the question very carefully.

2. Always clear your calculator by pressing the clear key before starting a new problem.

3. If you see an E in the display, clear the error before you begin.

4. If you see an an M in the display, clear the memory before you begin.

5. If you get an answer that does not match an answer choice or seems unreasonable, check your work and re-enter the problem into the calculator.

6. Remember to enter your problem into the calculator using the correct order of operations. The calculator will NOT do this automatically.

7. Take your time when using the calculator. Make sure you are pressing the correct keys.

8. Always check your answer and your work before writing or selecting your final answer.

Square root

Memory keys

Percent

Sign change

Clear entry

On/Clear Off

Negative sign

Memory indication

Error indication

Division

Multiplication

Subtraction

Addition

Equal sign

Decimal point

Solar cell

Display

CE

ME

MRCON/C OFF

Using a Calculator

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 xxi

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Per

iodi

c T

able

of t

he E

lem

ents

He

Hg

CdZn

Au

Ag

Cu

PtPdNi

TlGa

PbSnGe

Bi

SbAs

PoTeSe

At

Br

RnXeKr

Al

SiP

SC

lA

r

BC

NO

FN

e Lu Lr

Yb No

Tm Md

Er Fm

Ho Es

Dy Cf

Tb Bk

Gd

Cm

Eu Am

InI

KC

a

Na

Mg

LiB

e

H

ScTi

VC

rM

nFe

Co

Rb

SrY

ZrN

bM

oTc

Ru

Cs

Ba

LaH

fTa

WR

eO

s

FrR

aA

cR

fD

bS

gB

hH

sM

tD

sU

uu

Pr Pa

Nd U

Pm Np

Sm PuRh

Ce Th

Ir

1

Hyd

roge

n1.

1008

Si14

Silic

on28

.086

Ato

mic

Num

ber

Lant

hani

de S

erie

s

Non

met

als

Met

als

Inne

r Tra

nsiti

on M

etal

s

Tran

sitio

n M

etal

s

Gro

upR

epre

sent

ativ

e El

emen

ts

(bas

ed o

n 12 6

C �

12.

0000

)

Period

3 3B

2 2A

1 1A

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

4 4B5 5B

6 6B7 7B

11

1B12

2B

13

3A14

4A

15

5A16

6A

17

7A

18

8A

9 8B8

10

Actin

ide

Serie

s

Lith

ium

6.94

1

Sodi

um22

.990

Pota

ssiu

m39

.098

Rub

idiu

m85

.468

Stro

ntiu

m87

.62

Yttri

um88

.906

Zirc

oniu

m91

.22

Nio

bium

92.9

06R

uthe

nium

101.

07R

hodi

um10

2.91

Palla

dium

106.

4Si

lver

107.

87C

adm

ium

112.

41In

dium

114.

82Ti

n11

8.69

Antim

ony

121.

75Te

lluriu

m12

7.6

Iodi

ne12

6.9

Xeno

n13

1.3

Tech

netiu

m(9

7)M

olyb

denu

m95

.94

Tant

alum

180.

95

Cer

ium

140.

12C

eriu

m14

0.12

Sam

ariu

m15

0.4

Euro

pium

151.

96Pr

omet

hium

(145

)G

adol

iniu

m15

7.25

Terb

idiu

m15

8.93

Hol

miu

m16

4.93

Erbi

um16

7.26

Thul

ium

168.

93Yt

terb

ium

173.

04Lu

tetiu

m17

4.97

Lawr

enciu

m(2

60)

Nob

ilium

(259

)Fe

rmiu

m(2

57)

Califo

rniu

m(2

51)

Berk

eliu

m(2

47)

Cur

ium

(247

)Am

eric

ium

(243

)Pl

uton

ium

(244

)N

eptu

nium

237.

05U

rani

um23

8.03

Thor

ium

232.

04Pr

otac

tiniu

m23

8.03

Eins

tein

ium

(254

)M

ende

lvium

(258

)

Dysp

rosiu

m15

8.93

Neod

ymiu

m14

4.24

Tung

sten

183.

85R

heni

um18

6.21

Osm

ium

190.

20Iri

dium

192.

22Pl

atin

um19

5.09

Gol

d19

6.97

Mer

cury

200.

59Th

aliu

m20

4.37

Lead

207.

2Bi

smut

h20

8.98

Polo

nium

(209

)As

tatin

e(2

10)

Rad

on(2

22)

Haf

nium

178.

49La

ntha

num

138.

91Ba

rium

137.

33C

essi

um13

2.91

Fran

cium

(223

)R

adiu

m22

6.03

Actin

ium

(227

)Da

rmst

adtiu

m(2

81)

Unun

uniu

m(2

72)

Unun

quad

ium(2

89)

Unu

nbiu

m(2

85)

Ruth

erfo

rdium

(261

)D

ubni

um(2

62)

Seab

orgi

um(2

63)

Bohr

ium

(262

)H

assi

um(2

65)

Mei

tner

ium

(266

)

Cal

cium

40.0

8Sc

andi

um44

.956

Tita

nium

47.9

0Va

nadi

um50

.941

Chr

omiu

m51

.996

Man

gane

se54

.938

Iron

55.8

47C

obal

t58

.933

Nic

kel

58.7

1C

oppe

r63

.546

Zinc

65.3

8G

alliu

m69

.72

Alum

iniu

m26

.982

Boro

n10

.81

Car

bon

12.0

11N

itrog

en14

.007

Oxy

gen

15.9

99Fl

orin

e18

.998

Neo

n20

.179

Hel

ium

4.00

26

Silic

on28

.086

Phos

phor

us30

.974

Sulfu

r32

.06

Chlo

rine

35.4

53Ar

gon

39.9

48

Ger

man

ium

72.5

9Ar

seni

c74

.922

Sele

nium

78.9

6Br

omin

e79

.904

Kryp

ton

83.8

0

Mag

nesi

um24

.305

Bery

llium

9.01

22

2

34

109

87

65

1112

1817

1615

1413

1920

3635

3433

3231

3029

2827

2625

2423

2221

3738

5453

5251

5049

4847

4645

4443

4241

4039

5556

8685

8483

8281

8079

7877

7675

7473

7257

8788

114

111

Uub

Uuq

112

110

109

108

107

106

105

104

89

5859

7170

6968

6766

6564

6362

6160

9091

103

102

101

100

9998

9796

9594

9392

Sym

bol

Nam

eA

tom

ic M

ass

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 1

Pretest

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Go on

In the 17th century, Galileo proposed that sunspots appear and disappearon the Sun. This went against the accepted idea that the objects in spacewere pure and could not change. Today, Galileo’s theory is accepted asfact. What explains the change in the acceptance of Galileo’s theory?A. Galileo was not as respected in the 17th century as he is today.B. Over time, more scientists read about Galileo’s theory and came to

accept it.C. Over time, scientists developed technologies that enabled them to

test the theory.D. Scientists today are more accepting of new theories than those in

the 17th century.

The southern flying squirrel has different adaptations than brown and greysquirrels. Though not actually capable of flight, the image below showshow structures enable it to glide through air. How would this variation inthe southern flying squirrel help increase its survival rate?

F. It allows it to avoid predators more easily.G. It allows it to eat nuts and seeds on the ground.H. It allows it to better withstand any temperature.I. It allows it to outlive any other type of squirrel.

A star’s life cycle begins when it is born in nebulae. It comes fromcollapsing clouds of interstellar dust. What will determine whether the star will end up as a black dwarf, a neutron star, or a black hole?A. the size of the nebula B. the diameter of the starC. the stellar mass of the star D. the temperature of the star

3

2

1

A B C D3

F G H I2

A B C D1

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

2 Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Pretest

Bonding between elements is characterized by the ability to become morestable. Helium and neon are so stable that, in normal conditions, they willnot react with other elements. Other elements, however, react violently.Which of the following factors determines an element’s reactivity?F. the number of electrons in its nucleusG. the ability to share protons, creating an ionic bondH. the ability to lose neutrons in order to gain stabilityI. the number of electrons given up or accepted, creating an ionic bond

Covalent molecular compounds exhibit low melting points, lowconductivity of electricity, and are soft or brittle in the solid state. Theseproperties are determined by the weak intermolecular forces. Which of the following would exhibit the lowest conductivity of electricity?A. ammonium chloride (NH4Cl)B. methane (CH4)C. potassium bromide (KBr)D. sodium sulfate (Na2SO4)

In 1901, the first trans-Atlantic telegraphic message was sent betweenEngland and Canada, a distance of 3381 kilometers. The message was sent through radio waves with a frequency of 500 kilohertz. Allfrequencies of the electromagnetic spectrum travel at a velocity of 300 000 kilometers/second. What was the wavelength of the radio waves in kilometers?

6

5

4

Go on

6

A B C D5

F G H I4

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 3

Pretest

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Go on

A swim team is practicing its freestyle relay race. With each stroke, aswimmer moves forward at a rapid pace. The stronger each stroke, thefaster she moves. Which of the following explains the motion of theswimmer?F. The swimmer is propelled by the current of the water. G. The swimmer’s kinetic energy is transferred into potential energy.H. The centripetal force exerted by the swimmer creates forward

movement. I. The swimmer is moving in the opposite direction of the force applied

to the water.

The Moon has an approximate 28-day orbit around Earth. The amount of light reflected from the Sun to Earth is what characterizes the Moon’sappearance, called phases. During which phase would the Moon befarthest away from the Sun?

A. AB. BC. CD. D

Aerobic respiration is the process by which cells break down glucose(C6H12O6), sugars from the food we eat, giving off carbon dioxide (CO2),water (H2O), and energy.

What is the source of the energy released during aerobic respiration?F. New energy was generated by the reaction.G. Energy was stored in the glucose molecule. H. The reaction yields a net gain in total energy. I. Energy is absorbed when oxygen combines with glucose.

C6H12O6 + 6 O2➞ 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + energy

9

Full

A B C D

First Quarter Third Quarter New

8

7

F G H I9

A B C D8

F G H I7

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

4 Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Pretest

Photosynthesis in plants plays a crucial role within the carbon cycle.During photosynthesis, plants create sugars from carbon dioxide using theenergy from the Sun. What is the biological importance of this process?

A. It prevents consumers from receiving energy.B. It stimulates a greater rate of decomposition to create nutrients.C. The different types of carbon bonds that harm life are decreased.D. It produces oxygen as waste, which is essential for other organisms.

In a habitat on the Atlantic coast of South America, the diversity of beetle species is an indicator of ecosystem health. Scientists determinedthat if they found a total of 295 beetle species, the ecosystem would beconsidered robust and flourishing. Researchers counted the beetle species,and then returned on a regular basis over five years to count the beetlespecies. The table below gives the count of new species found duringfive collection periods.

Based on the data presented in the table, describe the conclusion youwould expect the scientists to make.

Collection Period Newly Encountered Species

1 121

2 50

3 35

4 30

5 21

Total Species Encountered 257

11

OxygenOxygen

Carbon DioxideCarbon Dioxide

Oxygen

10

Go on

A B C D10

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 5

Pretest

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Go on

Based on carbon dioxide levels found in the atmosphere, some scientistspredict that the next ice age will occur in 16,000 years. Other scientistsbelieve that these levels of carbon dioxide show that an ice age will occurmuch sooner. What can account for these different theories?F. Scientists develop many hypotheses so that they do not overlook

any possibilities.G. Scientists will generally develop different hypotheses to avoid

repetition of an idea. H. Scientists working from different backgrounds often interpret the

same data in different ways.I. Scientific theories of this nature are impossible to prove, so scientists

are free to hypothesize without supporting their arguments.

Neutral atoms have the same number of protons as electrons. What wouldmake the electrically charged magnesium ion, Mg�2, neutral?A. losing two neutronsB. losing two electronsC. gaining two protonsD. gaining two electrons

During translation, proteins are created from long chains of amino acidswhose structure depends on the order of amino acid assembly. What is therole of mRNA in determining this order?

F. With tRNA, mRNA produces amino acids that are then added to thegrowing amino acid chain.

G. The mRNA binds to the ribosome producing amino acids that are thenadded to the growing amino acid chain.

H. The mRNA is composed of a sequence of base sets that bind directlyto the amino acids, impacting the order of the protein.

I. At each three-base set, complementary base pairing between tRNAand mRNA determines which amino acid will be transferred.

Ribosome mRNA Codon

Start of Translation

A U G C G G C U U G C U U A U

14

13

12

F G H I14

A B C D13

F G H I12

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

6 Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Pretest

During an archaeological dig, fossils were found in each of the layersshown in the diagram. In which layer would the fossils be the oldest?

A. 1B. 2C. 3D. 4

The following diagram shows several planets and their distances from theSun. A new spacecraft has just been launched from Earth. It can travel adistance of 1 astronomical unit (AU) in a single month. How many weekswill it take this spacecraft to reach Mars?

Jacob is in training for a race. On Monday he ran 75 meters in 35 seconds,on Wednesday he ran 45 meters in 20 seconds, on Friday he ran 75 metersin 25 seconds, and on Sunday he ran 60 meters in 30 seconds. On whichday was his heart rate most likely the greatest?F. Monday G. WednesdayH. Friday I. Sunday

17

Sun

Mercury.38

Venus.72

Earth1

Mars1.5

Planets and their Distances from the Sun(in AU)

16

4

321

15

Go on

F G H I17

16

A B C D15

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 7

Pretest

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Go on

Which of the following is an element?A. oxygen (O2)B. water (H2O)C. sulfuric acid (H2SO4)D. hydrochloric acid (HCl)

Scientists believe that a rise in temperature is due to a buildup ofgreenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide. This can lead to an increase inthe average temperature of Earth. Why do scientists believe that theburning of fossil fuels contributes to the greenhouse effect?F. The burning of fossil fuels raises the overall temperature of Earth. G. The burning of fossil fuels decreases the amount of oxygen in the air.H. The burning of fossil fuels consumes plants, which decreases

atmospheric carbon dioxide.I. The burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide, which traps

thermal energy in the atmosphere.

Explain why California’s location along the San Andreas Fault causes a greater number of earthquakes than in Florida, which is not locatedalong a plate boundary.

20

19

18

F G H I19

A B C D18

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

8 Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Pretest

The diagram below shows a heating curve. Which of the following describesthe change in the state of water as thermal energy is added to the system?

A. water goes from a liquid to a gas to a solidB. water goes from a solid to a liquid to a gasC. water goes from a gas to a liquid to a solid D. water goes from a gas to a liquid to a gas again

Which of the following atomic forces is responsible for binding electronsto the nucleus?F. electromagnetic H. strong G. gravitational I. weak

Ben and Liz have conducted an experiment to see the effect of differentcolors of light on the growth of radish seeds. They kept all of theconditions the same for each of the plants except the color of light. Theyrecorded plant growth over the course of three weeks and conducted threetrials of their experiment. Their results are shown in the table below.

Which of the following conclusions can be made based on the datacollected?A. Radishes grow least in blue light. B. Radishes grow best in green light.C. Radishes grow the tallest in red light.D. Radishes need all colors of light in order to grow.

23

22

Heating Curve

125.0100.0

0.0–25.0

Thermal energy added (J)

°C

50 000 60 00040 00030 00020 00010 0000

21

Go on

A B C D23

F G H I22

A B C D21

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Red light Green light Blue light

Height (in centimeters)

Trial 1 13 7 8

Trial 2 11 5 7

Trial 3 12 6 10

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 9

Pretest

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Go on

When carbon-14 undergoes beta decay, a proton in the nucleus decays intoa neutron and an electron. The electron is then expelled from the nucleus.Which of the following explains why beta decay occurs?F. By ejecting one electron, the element can return to its natural state.G. The atom needs to eject the electron to be able to bond with other

atoms.H. The carbon-14 nucleus is unstable; beta decay makes the nucleus more

stable. I. By ejecting the particle, the molecule becomes unstable, allowing it to

last longer.

A stream’s current flows south at a rate of three meters per second with respect to the ground. A boat is traveling downstream at a rate of 10 meters per second relative to the water. David is standing on the edgeof the stream. In meters per second, at what speed does he observe theboat traveling relative to the ground?

Which of the following describes the energy transformations that occurwhen a person walks across the room?A. Chemical energy from food is converted into mechanical energy.B. Electrical energy from muscles is converted into chemical energy.C. Electromagnetic energy from the Sun is converted into electrical

energy.D. Mechanical energy from the blood is converted into electromagnetic

energy.

26

25

24

A B C D26

25

F G H I24

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

10 Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Pretest

Plants make sugar through photosynthesis as shown in the reaction below:

Which of the following explains how organisms use sugar?F. Sugar is combined with oxygen during digestion.G. Sugar is combined with carbon dioxide to be released.H. Sugar is broken down to release energy during respiration.I. Sugar is broken down to gain water for other cellular functions.

Recently, stars have been discovered that are older than the universe wasestimated to be. Which of the following describes why this has occurred?A. The universe is constantly changing, and scientific theories must

reflect these changes. B. Some of the matter in the stars must have existed before the beginning

of the universe.C. Stars develop all the time, and some of these appear to be older than

originally estimated.D. New technologies lead to new discoveries, creating a need for revision

of existing theories.

All organisms respond to stimuli. Which of the following describes howthe plant is responding?

F. The plant is growing toward the window so it can receive moresunlight.

G. The plant is growing up because it is receiving adequate amounts offertilizer.

H. The plant is growing at an angle because it has received more water on one side.

I. The plant is growing toward one side because it is too heavy tosupport its weight.

29

28

CO2 + H2O ➞ C6H12O6 + O2 + H2O

Carbon + Water ➞ Glucose + Oxygen + WaterDioxide

27

Go on

F G H I29

A B C D28

F G H I27

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 11

Pretest

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Go on

Rudy plans to conduct an experiment using three rosebushes of the samevariety and size. His hypothesis is that the plant receiving the mostsunlight at the end of three months will show the most growth. In his planbelow, he has listed how much water, fertilizer, and sunlight each plantwill receive. Why is his experiment flawed?

A. He has not recorded his observations.B. He has too many independent variables.C. None of the plants will get enough water.D. His control group will receive too much sunlight.

The diagram below shows the nitrogen cycle.

Which of the following stores energy and is a producer within this cycle?F. animals H. fungiG. bacteria I. plants

During the Apollo space program, scientists needed a way to sterilize theastronauts’ drinking water. They developed a method that uses ions toclean water. How has this development led to other new technologies?A. Scientists now understand how ions work.B. This same technology is used for watering lawns.C. This is the same method now used in water filters for homes.D. Scientists no longer need to sterilize water used by astronauts.

32

The Nitrogen Cycle

Bacteria

31

30

A B C D32

F G H I31

A B C D30

Plant Water Fertilizer Sunlight

Rosebush 1 1 gallon 1 tablespoon 2 hours each day

Rosebush 2 2 gallons 2 tablespoons 6 hours each day

Rosebush 3 3 gallons 5 tablespoons 8 hours each day

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

12 Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Pretest

Andrew is observing the changes of state when an ice cube is slowlyheated from �10 degrees Celsius (�C) to 110 �C. What happens to the ice cube as it begins to melt and its temperature rises to 5�C?F. The ice becomes water vapor.G. The molecules escape the liquid state and become a gas.H. The molecules in the water stay fixed and the ice is solid.I. The ice changes to liquid and the molecules in the water move faster.

Because Earth’s axis is tilted, the angle at which the Sun’s rays hit an area changes as Earth orbits the Sun. For example, areas in theNorthern Hemisphere are tilted away from the Sun in the winter andreceive less sunlight. What would happen to the climate of the NorthernHemisphere if Earth’s axis was not tilted?

A speedboat traveling in a straight line goes from zero meters per secondto 45 meters per second in 15 seconds. Calculate the average acceleration of the boat in meters per second squared.

35

S S

S

N

S

N

NN

Sun

34

33

Go on

35

F G H I33

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 13

Pretest

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Go on

The Kuiper Belt is a region in our solar system that contains small bodiesmade mostly of ice. Some objects in the Kuiper Belt have been discoveredand are about half of the size of Pluto. What might happen if an objectlarger than Pluto is discovered in the Kuiper Belt?

A. It would prove that Pluto and Neptune are closer to the Sun thanpreviously thought.

B. All objects found in the Kuiper Belt would be classified as planets in our solar system.

C. If it revolves around the Sun, the number of planets in our solarsystem would increase.

D. Pluto would be classified as the eighth planet in our solar system andNeptune would be the ninth.

Which of these forces is responsible for the tremendous amount of energyreleased from reactions in the Sun and other stars?F. electromagneticG. gravitationalH. strong nuclearI. weak nuclear

37

Kuiper Belt

Neptune's orbit

Pluto's orbit

36

F G H I37

A B C D36

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

14 Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Pretest

A small research group determines that a newly discovered speciesbelongs to the order Cetacea. What should the scientists do to ensure their conclusion is not biased?A. publish their findings immediatelyB. re-study the species and do new researchC. allow other research groups evaluate their dataD. take a vote to decide the classification of the species

Forest fires are often seen by humans as harmful events, but they benefitecosystems in many ways.

Part A Explain how forest fires can affect humans and reduce availableresources.

Part B Explain how forest fires can benefit a forest ecosystem.

39

38

Go on

A B C D38

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 15

Pretest

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

A cup sitting on a table has a weight of two newtons. What is the correctaction-reaction pairing of the forces involved?F. the force of the cup on the table; the force of Earth on the cupG. the force of the cup on the table; the force of the table on EarthH. the force of the table on the cup; the force of the air on the tableI. the force of the cup on the table; the force of the table on the cup

Imprinting is learning that occurs early on in an organism’s life. Oncesomething is imprinted, the organism remembers it. Newly hatchedsalmon imprint on the odor of the stream in which they hatch. How does this imprinting benefit the salmon?A. It allows salmon to communicate.B. It allows salmon to compete for territory.C. It allows salmon to recognize their offspring.D. It allows salmon to know where to return to spawn.

The noble gases are all found in the last column of the periodic table.According to trends in the periodic table, which of the following is trueabout noble gases?F. They are not found in nature.G. They exist naturally in a solid state.H. They react violently when exposed to air.I. They are extremely stable and non-reactive.

42

41

40

F G H I42

A B C D41

F G H I40

STOP

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 17

Strand A: The Nature of Matter

Benchmark Practice

Using the periodic table, which of the following shows the correct order of elements from least to most reactive? SC.A.1.4.1A. carbon (C), neon (Ne), fluorine (F), oxygen (O)B. fluorine (F), carbon (C), oxygen (O), neon (Ne)C. neon (Ne), carbon (C), oxygen (O), fluorine (F)D. oxygen (O), neon (Ne), carbon (C), fluorine (F)

Halogens, such as fluorine (F) and chlorine (Cl), are highly reactive.Which of the following statements correctly accounts for this reactivity?SC.A.1.4.1F. Halogens easily accept one electron to form a full, stable energy level.G. Halogens can accept many electrons to form a full, stable energy level.H. Halogens easily give up one electron to form a full, stable energy

level.I. Halogens can give up many electrons to form a full, stable energy

level.

How many electrons must a boron (B) atom give up to form the ioniccompound boron phosphide (BP)? SC.A.1.4.1

3

2

1

3

F G H I2

A B C D1

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Go on

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

18 Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Benchmark Practice

The table below lists potassium (K) halogen compounds. What conclusioncan be made from the data? SC.A.1.4.2

Melting Points for Potassium-Halogen Compounds

A. The melting point is independent of the mass of the halogen.B. The melting point varies randomly with the mass of the halogen.C. The melting point increases as the mass of the halogen increases.D. The melting point decreases as the mass of the halogen increases.

The energy absorbed by a substance increases the kinetic energy of itsmolecules. Even more energy is required to transform a substance fromliquid into gas. Which of the following statements correctly describes thisphysical property? SC.A.1.4.3F. A substance will melt, but not evaporate, at room temperature.G. More energy is required to melt a substance than to vaporize it.H. More energy is required to vaporize a substance than to melt it.I. The melting point of a substance is greater than its boiling point.

5

Atomic Mass Melting PointMolecule of Halogen of Compound

(atomic mass unit) (degrees Celsius)

KF 19.0 846

KCl 35.5 776

KBr 79.9 730

Kl 126.9 686

4

Go on

F G H I5

A B C D4

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Strand A: The Nature of Matter

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 19

Strand A: The Nature of Matter

Benchmark Practice

In the type of air conditioner shown in the figure below, warm dry airpasses through water-soaked padding to become cool air. Which of thefollowing statements correctly explains how this cooling occurs?SC.A.1.4.3

A. Water condenses, thus removing thermal energy from the hot air.B. Water evaporates, thus removing thermal energy from the hot air.C. Energy is removed from the air by thermal conductivity in the padding.D. The air is cooled by being moved quickly through the air conditioner.

When substances are mixed in a chemical cold pack, an endothermicreaction occurs. Which statement describes the potential chemical energyof the reactants and products? SC.A.1.4.4F. Product energies are greater than reactant energies.G. Reactant energies are greater than product energies.H. The energies of reactants are the same as those of products.I. Catalysts increase the energies of reactants over those of products.

For a certain exothermic reaction to take place, 1740 joules of energymust be added to the reactants and 2560 joules of energy are releasedafter the formation of products. How much energy, in joules, is releasedby the reaction process alone? SC.A.1.4.4

8

7

Warm airWarm air

Wet padding

Cooled air

Fan

6

8

F G H I7

A B C D6

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Go on

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

20 Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Benchmark Practice

What is the relationship between activation energy and the rate of achemical reaction? SC.A.1.4.4

What is the charge of the ion shown in the figure below? SC.A.2.4.1

A. –10B. –3C. +3D. +13

13P14N

Ion

10

9

Go on

A B C D10

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Strand A: The Nature of Matter

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 21

Strand A: The Nature of Matter

Benchmark Practice

A sulfur atom (S) forms a sulfide ion by gaining enough electrons to fillits outermost energy level. If there are 16 protons in the nucleus of asulfur atom, what is the total number of electrons in a sulfide ion?SC.A.2.4.1

The following reaction occurs during photosynthesis:

6H2O � 6CO2 ➞ C6H12O6 � 6O2

Which of the following describes C6H12O6? SC.A.2.4.2F. atomG. compoundH. elementI. isotope

In one type of radioactive decay, a neutron decays into a proton and theatom emits an electron. What is the electron emitted from the atom called?SC.A.2.4.3A. an alpha particleB. a beta particleC. gamma radiationD. a negatron

What feature do the nonmetal elements in the periodic table have incommon? SC.A.2.4.5F. Nonmetals have filled energy levels, and so are nonreactive.G. Nonmetals are always gases; they are never solids or liquids.H. Nonmetals tend to give up electrons rather than accept them.I. Nonmetals tend to accept electrons rather than give them up.

14

13

12

11

F G H I14

A B C D13

F G H I12

11

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Go on

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

22 Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Benchmark Practice

The diagram below shows a sodium (Na) atom on the left and a sodiumion on the right. What accounts for the difference in the average diametersof the atom and the ion? SC.A.2.4.5

A. The atom is larger because it is more reactive than the ion.B. The atom’s outermost electron is farther away from the nucleus.C. The ion is smaller because it is more reactive than the neutral atom.D. The ion has unfilled energy levels, which make it smaller than the atom.

The graph below shows the electron affinity for each of the first 20 elements.Electron affinity is the measure of how easily an atom attracts and holdsextra electrons. What do the data for elements nine and seventeen indicate?SC.A.2.4.5

F. Elements nine and seventeen do not attract extra electrons.G. Elements nine and seventeen give up electrons most easily.H. Elements nine and seventeen attract and hold electrons most easily. I. Elements nine and seventeen are noble gases, which are highly reactive.

0

–50

–100

–150

–200

–250

–300

–350

–400

Atomic numbers

Electron Affinity of Elements

Ele

ctro

n a

ffin

ity

(kJ/

mo

l)

19 201817161514131211109876543210

16

Na Na+

15

Go on

F G H I16

A B C D15

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Strand A: The Nature of Matter

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 23

Strand A: The Nature of Matter

Benchmark Practice

Gamma rays are a very high-energy form of radiation. Which of thefollowing statements about gamma radiation is correct? SC.A.2.4.6A. It has no specific frequency.B. It covers the low frequency range of the electromagnetic spectrum.C. It covers the high frequency range of the electromagnetic spectrum.D. It covers most of the frequency range of the electromagnetic spectrum.

The diagram below shows the electron configuration of a hydrogen (H)atom. Why is this diagram a good representation of the locations ofelectrons within an atom? SC.A.2.4.6

Hydrogen Atom

F. The orbital is the electric field produced by a given electron. G. The orbital represents the number of electrons around the nucleus.H. The orbital is the region where electrons are least likely to be found.I. The orbital is the region where electrons are most likely to be found.

Electron

Hydrogen

Nucleus

18

17

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Go on

F G H I18

A B C D17

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

24 Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Benchmark Practice

A catapult launches a rock at a target. In the diagram, Point 1 shows therock immediately before it leaves the catapult bucket, Point 2 shows therock after it leaves the catapult, Point 3 is the highest point in the rock’strajectory, and Point 4 is the point where the rock hits the target. At whichpoint does the rock have the greatest potential energy? SC.B.1.4.1

A. Point 1B. Point 2C. Point 3D. Point 4

The specific heat capacity (c) of a substance is the amount of heat (Q) perunit mass required to raise the temperature of the substance by one degreeCelsius (°C).

Q � c m �T

A beaker of water is heated, and the temperature increases by 10°C, using230 calories (cal) of energy. If the specific heat capacity of water is 1 cal/g °C, how many grams of water are in the beaker? SC.B.1.4.1

Many biochemical reactions in living systems would occur at a rate tooslow to sustain life without the action of enzymes to catalyze thereactions. What function do the enzymes perform? SC.B.1.4.1F. They increase the entropy.G. They decrease the entropy.H. They increase the energy gradient.I. They decrease the energy of activation.

21

20

Point 1

Point 3

Point 4

Point 2

19

Go on

F G H I21

20

A B C D19

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Strand B: Energy

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 25

Strand B: Energy

Benchmark Practice

Many living organisms, including humans, get most of their energy fromthe metabolism of glucose (C6H12O6) into carbon dioxide (CO2) andwater (H2O).

C6H12O6 � 6O2 ➝ 6CO2 � 6H2O � energy

What form of energy ultimately is produced by this reaction, and how is the reaction classified? SC.B.1.4.1

Food chains control the delicate and important balance of life inecosystems. Explain, in terms of energy, why plant life is an importantstep in food chains. SC.B.1.4.1

Gilberto has a pan of ice water showing a temperature slightly greater thanzero degrees Celsius. As the ice slowly melts from exposure to the warmroom air, Gilberto decides to speed up the process. He applies a heatsource to the pan. At what point will his thermometer show thetemperature of the water beginning to rise? SC.B.1.4.3A. after all the ice has melted B. once the ice begins to meltC. after the water turns to steamD. once the water begins to turn to steam

24

23

22

A B C D24

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Go on

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

26 Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Benchmark Practice

Adriane wants to identify an unknown compound. She starts bydetermining the temperatures at which it undergoes phase changes.

Where on the graph is the kinetic energy of the molecules greatest?SC.B.1.4.3F. Segment F G. Segment G H. Segment HI. Segment I

Michael is testing a substance in order to find out at what temperature it will change from solid to liquid to gas. He heats the substance for onehour. Based on the graph, at what temperature does the substance turn intoa gas? SC.B.1.4.3

160

120

80

40

0

-40

Time (in minutes)

Tem

per

atu

re(in

deg

rees

Cel

siu

s)

10 20 30 40 50 600

Heating Curve

26

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

Time (in minutes)5

F

G

HI

10 15 20 25 300

Heating Curve

Tem

per

atu

re(in

deg

rees

Cel

siu

s)

25

Go on

26

F G H I25

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Strand B: Energy

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 27

Strand B: Energy

Benchmark Practice

How can radio waves penetrate buildings so we can use them tocommunicate? SC.B.1.4.4A. Radio waves have very high energy.B. Radio waves have long wavelengths. C. Radio waves have short wavelengths.D. Radio waves have very high frequencies.

This diagram of the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation shows that thelonger the wavelength of an electromagnetic wave, the lower thefrequency. Which of the following statements is also true? SC.B.1.4.4

F. Waves with wider wavelengths have less energy.G. Waves with shorter amplitudes have less energy. H. Waves with higher frequency have greater energy.I. Waves with longer wavelengths have greater energy.

28

27

F G H I28

A B C D27

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Go on

Wavelength FrequencyEnergy

Region(centimeters) (hertz)

(electron volt: 1.602 � 10�19 joule)

Radio � 10 � 3 � 109 � 10�5

Microwave 10 � 0.01 3 � 109 � 3 � 1012 10�5 � 0.01

Infrared 0.01 � 7 � 10�5 3 � 1012 � 4.3 � 1014 0.01 � 2

Visible 7 � 10�5 � 4 � 10�5 4.3 � 10 � 7.5 x 1014 2 � 3 1014

Ultraviolet 4 � 10�5 � 10�7 7.5 � 1014 � 3 � 1017 3 � 103

X Rays 10-7 � 10�9 3 � 1017 � 3 � 1019 103 � 105

Gamma � 10�9 � 3 � 1019 � 105

Spectrum of Electromagetic Radiation

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

28 Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Benchmark Practice

Amanda is listening to the radio after her soccer practice. She turns it to a station emitting waves of 25 000 hertz. If the radio waves travel 400 000 kilometers per second, and it takes 1.2 seconds to reach her car from the radio station, how many waves can hit her car in the allotted time? SC.B.1.4.4

The law of the conservation of mass and energy states that the totalamount of mass and energy in a closed system remains constant. However, no physical, chemical, or nuclear reaction is 100 percentefficient. What is this tendency of every closed system to lose energy?SC.B.1.4.7A. enthalpy B. entropyC. exergonicsD. momentum

30

29

Go on

A B C D30

29

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Strand B: Energy

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 29

Strand B: Energy

Benchmark Practice

A speaker transforms electromagnetic energy into sound energy. Electriccurrent causes the speaker to vibrate. This vibration produces waves in the air, which we hear as sound. Since no energy transformation is 100 percent efficient, in what form would you expect to find the energythat was not transformed into sound? SC.B.1.4.7

F. heatG. microwavesH. nuclear energyI. X rays

Joel has an ordinary 60-watt lightbulb. His teacher tells him the bulbconverts electrical current to light with only six percent efficiency, andthat his bulb uses 216 kilojoules of energy per hour. If he keeps the bulbon for one hour, how many kilojoules of energy is lost as heat?SC.B.1.4.7

32

DiaphragmDust capVoice coilMagnet–+Suspension

Speaker Cone

31

32

F G H I31

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Go on

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

30 Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Benchmark Practice

A car with a crash-test dummy moves forward at 32 kilometers per hourand then makes a sudden stop. The air bag inflates and the dummy ispropelled forward into the bag. What kind of acceleration does the dummy experience when it hits the air bag? SC.C.1.4.2A. zero acceleration moving forwardB. positive acceleration moving forwardC. negative acceleration moving forwardD. negative acceleration moving backward

The graph below shows the speed of a running cheetah. At what point isthe cheetah experiencing the most negative acceleration? SC.C.1.4.2

F. F H. HG. G I. I

Tonya is training for a track meet. A teammate measures her distance andtime at points along the track. In meters per second squared, what isTonya’s average acceleration between points B and D? SC.C.1.4.2

35

F

G12

10

8

6

4

2

01 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

H

Time in seconds

Cheetah Speed

Sp

eed

of

chee

tah

(in

met

ers

per

min

ute

)

I

34

33

Go on

35

F G H I34

A B C D33

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Strand C: Force and Motion

Point Time Distance(seconds) (meters)

A 0 0

B 4.0 22.92

C 8.0 45.32

D 12.0 68.04

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 31

Strand C: Force and Motion

Benchmark Practice

A satellite is at distance d from Earth. The force between Earth and thesatellite is F. If the masses of Earth and the satellite remain the same,what would need to change in order to increase the force by a factor offour? SC.C.2.4.1A. Increase the distance between Earth and the satellite by a factor

of two.B. Increase the distance between Earth and the satellite by a factor

of four.C. Decrease the distance between Earth and the satellite by a factor

of two.D. Decrease the distance between Earth and the satellite by a factor

of four.

A ball is dropped and photographed each second (s) of its fall. Thedisplacement between ball positions in the photograph increases at asteady rate from second to second. What does this indicate about the ball’s motion? SC.C.2.4.1

F. It is falling at a constant velocity.G. It is falling with decreasing velocity.H. It is falling at a constant acceleration. I. It is falling with decreasing acceleration.

0 s1 s

2 s

3 s

4 s

5 s

6 s

37

36

F G H I37

A B C D36

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Go on

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

32 Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Benchmark Practice

Go on

A B C D39

38

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Strand C: Force and Motion

Sphere A has a mass of 100 kilograms. It is 50 meters away from sphere B, which has a mass of 25 kilograms. The force between them is F. Thedistance between them is halved and the mass of sphere A stays the same.What does the mass (in kilograms) of sphere B have to be in order for theforce to stay the same? SC.C.2.4.1

Magnets work only on certain types of metals. These same metals alsoare good conductors of electricity. Which statement below explains thisphenomenon? SC.C.2.4.3A. Magnetism and electricity are related.B. Magnetism works only on stationary items.C. Magnetic energy cancels out electrical charge.D. Magnets transfer their energy by reversing atomic charge.

39

38

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 33

Strand C: Force and Motion

Benchmark Practice

An encased wire carrying current runs vertically down through a plate.When iron filings are sprinkled onto the plate, they line up in increasinglylarger circles around the wire. What explains this situation? SC.C.2.4.3

F. Copper is a magnetic material.G. A current creates a magnetic field.H. The metal filings become electrified.I. Electricity changes the air flow around the wire.

A strong force is a powerful nuclear force. However, it has a limited range.What is the range of a strong force? SC.C.2.4.4A. between two moleculesB. between two atoms’ nucleiC. between the nucleus and electron orbitsD. between protons and neutrons in the nucleus

41

Electromagnetic Force

Plate

Encased wire

40

A B C D41

F G H I40

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Go on

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

34 Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Benchmark Practice

When an object slides across the floor, it is slowed down by friction andthe floor surface gets warmer. What energy conversion process takes placein this situation? SC.C.2.4.5F. Kinetic energy is converted into thermal energy.G. Potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.H. Kinetic energy is converted into potential energy.I. Potential energy is converted into thermal energy.

When a bicycle wheel is in motion, many forces are acting on it. The sumof the forces results in forward motion. In which direction does frictionfrom the ground act on the wheel? SC.C.2.4.6

A. at right angles to the turn of the wheelB. in the direction of the turn of the wheelC. at right angles to the total forward movementD. in the direction opposite to the total forward movement

Force of turn

Force of forward motion

Force due to gravity

Normal force

43

42

Go on

A B C D43

F G H I42

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Strand C: Force and Motion

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 35

Benchmark Practice

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Go on

Strand D: Processes that Shape the Earth

How does solar energy travel to Earth? SC.D.1.4.1F. through conductionG. through convectionH. through emissionI. through radiation

The map below shows the United States with an arrow representing astrong current of air that flows from west to east. This current helps movestorms across the country. What is this current called? SC.D.1.4.1

A. the Coriolis effectB. jet streamC. trade windD. westerly

Cold air

Warm air

45

44

A B C D45

F G H I44

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

36 Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Benchmark Practice

The California Current that flows past the West Coast of the United Statesoriginates near Alaska. Explain how the California Current decreases the threat of hurricanes for states such as Washington and Oregon.SC.D.1.4.1

The western slopes of the Olympic Mountains in Washington State aresome of the rainiest places in the world. Describe the cause of theseheavy rains. SC.D.1.4.1

47

46

Go on

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Strand D: Processes that Shape the Earth

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 37

Strand D: Processes that Shape the Earth

Benchmark Practice

Among Earth’s tectonic plates, where do subduction zones occur?SC.D.1.4.2F. where oceanic crust rises from the mantleG. where oceanic crust is pushed down into the mantleH. where new lithosphere is formed along ocean ridgesI. where plates grind without the production of lithosphere

Scientists theorize that continents are constantly shifting because of thetransfer of heat energy from inside Earth’s crust. Based on this theory, if the transfer of heat continues, which of the following can be expected to occur over time? SC.D.1.4.2A. Earth’s crust will get softer. B. Volcanic activity will decrease.C. Earth’s crust will become less stable.D. The continents will continue to move around.

Black smokers are hydrothermal vents on the deep ocean floor that blast black clouds of hot water and sulfides into the water. Explain what causes hydrothermal vents to form. SC.D.1.4.2

50

49

48

A B C D49

F G H I48

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Go on

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

38 Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Benchmark Practice

In December 2004, a huge tsunami struck many countries in the IndianOcean. As the Indian tectonic plate descended beneath the Burma plate,land and water in the region was forced violently upward. How did thismovement of the Burma plate cause the formation of destructive oceanwaves that reached as far away as Africa? SC.D.1.4.2

The extent of the North American ice sheet during the last Ice Age (15,000 years ago) is shown on the map below. During this time, icecovered more of North America than it does today. Which of the followingclimate changes occurred during the last Ice Age? SC.D.1.4.3

F. deserts decreased in the tropicsG. glacial ice expanded in North AmericaH. glacial ice decreased in North AmericaI. tropical rainforests expanded in the tropics

North American Ice Sheet

Ice sheet

52

51

Go on

F G H I52

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Strand D: Processes that Shape the Earth

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 39

Strand D: Processes that Shape the Earth

Benchmark Practice

What caused the wide, deep basins that became the Great Lakes?SC.D.1.4.3A. erosion left by receding glaciers B. erosion caused by the advance of glaciersC. runoff of meltwater from the Rocky MountainsD. runoff of meltwater from the Appalachian Mountains

According to the table, which statement about the fossil record of landplants is correct? SC.D.1.4.3

F. Seedless plants came after plants with seeds, and flowering plantscame before ginkgoes.

G. Seedless plants came before plants with seeds, and flowering plantscame before ginkgoes.

H. Seedless plants came after plants with seeds, and ginkgoes camebefore flowering plants.

I. Seedless plants came before plants with seeds, and ginkgoes camebefore flowering plants.

Geologic Ranges, Relative Abundances,and Evolutionary Relationships of Vascular Plants

Cenozoic

GeologicTime Scale

Millions of YearsBefore Present Ps

ilops

ida

Lyco

psid

aSp

heno

psid

aPt

erop

sida

Pter

idos

perm

ophy

ta

Cyc

ads

and

Cyc

adeo

ids

Gin

kgop

hyta

(Gin

kgoe

s)

Con

ifero

phyt

a

(C

onife

rs)

Angi

ospe

rms

(Fl

ower

ing

Plan

ts)

CretaceousJurassicTriassicPermianCarboniferousDevonianSilurian

100200

300

400 ?

?

SeedlessVascular Plants

Gymnosperms (Naked Seeds)

54

53

F G H I54

A B C D53

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Go on

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

40 Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Benchmark Practice

Air pollutants are airborne particles and gases found in concentrationshigh enough to endanger the health of organisms. These graphs show theprimary pollutants and the sources that produce them. What is the largestsource of primary pollutants? SC.D.2.4.1

A. TransportationB. Industrial ProcessesC. Solid Waste DisposalD. Stationary Source Fuel Combustion

Great horned owls feed on snakes and mice among other mammals. A great horned owl population is threatened when a logging companydecides to harvest its forest habitat. After many years of continuousdeforestation, much of the owl population has fled in search of a newforest for nesting. Which of the following scenarios in the owl’s previoushabitat is most likely? SC.D.2.4.1F. Both the snake and mouse populations will increase. G. Both the snake and mouse populations will decrease.H. The mouse population will increase but the snake population

will decrease.I. The snake population will increase but the mouse population

will decrease.

56

NitrogenOxides14.8%

VolatileOrganics

13.6%

Particulates6.0%

CarbonMonoxide

49.1%

Solid WasteDisposal

2.5%

Miscellaneous9.0%Transportation

46.2%

IndustrialProcesses

15.0%Stationary

Source FuelCombustion

27.3%

SulfurOxides16.4%

Primary Pollutants

What They Are Where They Come From

55

Go on

F G H I56

A B C D55

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Strand D: Processes that Shape the Earth

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 41

Strand D: Processes that Shape the Earth

Benchmark Practice

Phytoremediation is a process by which roots of certain plants, such as alfalfa, absorb metals from contaminated soil as they absorb othernutrients. This process can be very helpful when soil is contaminated from industries or leaking landfills. If beef and dairy cows grazed oncontaminated alfalfa, how might this process negatively affect humans?SC.D.2.4.1

Oceans contain the majority of organisms that recycle carbon dioxidefrom the atmosphere into oxygen. These organisms are threatenedbecause of human activities. SC.D.2.4.1

What are some human activities that could endanger oceanic organisms?

58

57

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Go on

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

42 Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Benchmark Practice

Go on

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Strand E: Earth and Space

Life on Earth requires the presence of liquid water to evolve and survive.Why is it considered unlikely that any other planet or planet’s moon in our solar system currently supports carbon-based life as we know it?SC.E.1.4.1A. No other planets or moons show signs of liquids.B. No other planets or moons possess an atmosphere. C. No other planets or moons show signs of carbon compounds.D. No other planets or moons are the right temperature for liquid water.

Which of the following factors is primarily responsible for the seasons weobserve on Earth? SC.E.1.4.1F. the length of Earth’s yearG. the tilt of Earth’s axis of rotationH. the tidal drag on Earth caused by the MoonI. the shape of Earth’s elliptical orbit around the Sun

Earth is constantly bombarded by radiation that consists ofelectromagnetic waves and charged particles that are harmful to life.Much of this harmful radiation comes from the same Sun that makes lifeon Earth possible. What features of Earth help screen life from the mostharmful radiation? SC.E.1.4.1

61

60

59

F G H I60

A B C D59

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 43

Strand E: Earth and Space

Benchmark Practice

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Go on

The graph below plots stars according to their luminosity and temperature. You can see that supergiant and giant stars fall above and to the right of the main sequence and white dwarfs fall below and to the left of the mainsequence. Where would you expect to find a star that is just entering thesupernova phase? SC.E.2.4.1

A. in the main sequenceB. below and to the left of the main sequenceC. above and to the right of the main sequenceD. at the intersection of the x-axis and the y-axis

The planet Pluto and its moon Charon are not the most distant objects thatorbit the Sun. Which of the following objects has an orbit that takes itfarthest from the Sun at its most distant point? SC.E.2.4.2F. the asteroid Ceres H. the planet NeptuneG. the comet Hale-Bopp I. the planet Uranus

Roberto looked up at the night sky and saw two stars that seemed to haveabout the same brightness. His mother told him that one of the stars ismuch farther from Earth than the other. What could Roberto concludeabout the actual brightness of these stars? SC.2.4.2A. The closer star is brighter than the more distant star.B. The more distant star is brighter than the closer star.C. One of the stars is made to seem darker by the atmosphere.D. The stars are equally bright, but the closer star appears earlier in the

night sky.

64

63

B A F

Spectral class(degrees K)

White dwarfs

Main sequence

GiantsSun

Supergiants

G K M25,000 10,000 5,000 3,000

106

104

1.0

0.01

102

Lu

min

osi

ty(S

un

= 1

)

62

A B C D64

F G H I63

A B C D62

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

44 Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Benchmark Practice

Go on

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Strand E: Earth and Space

An astronomical unit (AU) is the distance between Earth and the Sun. This distance is approximately 150 million kilometers. Light from the Suntakes about 8.3 minutes to reach Earth. Jupiter is at 5.2 AU from the Sun.Rounded to the nearest whole minute, how many minutes does it take lightto reach Jupiter? SC.E.2.4.3

The table below shows the distance between the Sun and each planet inthe solar system. If a spacecraft were sent from Earth to Mercury, howmany millions of kilometers would it have to travel? SC.E.2.4.3

66

65

66

65

Planet Average Distance from Sun

Mercury 57.9 million kilometers

Venus 108.2 million kilometers

Earth 149.6 million kilometers

Mars 227.9 million kilometers

Jupiter 778.3 million kilometers

Saturn 1427.0 million kilometers

Uranus 2871.0 million kilometers

Neptune 4497.1 million kilometers

Pluto 5913.0 million kilometers

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 45

Strand F: Processes of Life

Benchmark Practice

The enzyme trypsin is used in the small intestine to break down protein.However, when trypsin is placed in the stomach, it does not work well.What does this indicate about enzymes? SC.F.1.4.1F. Enzymes work best in high temperatures.G. Enzymes work best in high concentrations.H. Enzymes need specific cells present to work.I. Enzymes work best within specific pH ranges.

The diagram shows the process by which enzymes work together to builda product. What would happen if enzyme 3 was removed from thepathway? SC.F.1.4.1

A. Product C will build up and then begin to break down.B. Product C will increase and no future products will be made.C. Some of enzyme 4 will change to take the place of enzyme 3.D. Enzyme 2 will bind with the extra product C to make a new molecule.

One function of cell-membrane proteins is the active transport of materialacross the membrane. What does this do for the cell? SC.F.1.4.1F. The transport proteins only allow dissolved salts into the cell.G. The transport proteins only allow complex external proteins in.H. The transport proteins regulate quantities of internal chemicals.I. The transport proteins allow water to flow in and out of the cell easily.

69

Enzyme 1 Enzyme 2 Enzyme 3 Enzyme 4

Product

A1

A2DCB

68

67

F G H I69

A B C D68

F G H I67

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Go on

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

46 Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Benchmark Practice

Enzymes are often bigger than the chemicals they bind to. They alsohave a specific shape. How do these two facts help explain the wayenzymes work? SC.F.1.4.1

Hormones are chemical signals from outside a cell that stimulate someaspects of the cell’s activity. Hormones move throughout the body and only stimulate targeted cells. A hormone-like epinephrine is onlysecreted when needed. How does the body know when to stop secretingepinephrine? SC.F.1.4.1

71

Enzyme

Substrate 1Substrate 2

70

Go on

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Strand F: Processes of Life

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 47

Strand F: Processes of Life

Benchmark Practice

During photosynthesis, plants use sunlight as an energy source. The plantconverts energy into sugar for nutrients. During respiration, sugar is brokendown, followed by a release of energy. What happens to the energy that isreleased? SC.F.1.4.4A. It is destroyed in the reaction.B. It is stored in another molecule.C. It is lost as heat into the environment.D. It is converted into electrical impulses in the cell.

Insulin is a hormone that regulates hunger. How would this hormoneactivate target cells? SC.F.1.4.7F. It would cause the membrane to react, increasing DNA production.G. It would bind with the membrane, causing a flow of water in the cell.H. It would cause an inflow of ions, creating an electric current in the

cell.I. It would bind with membrane proteins, creating a chemical response

in the cell.

One way our body reacts to external stimuli is by releasing adrenaline intoour bloodstreams. This prepares the body for survival. Which of thefollowing correctly identifies this response to a threatening environment?SC.F.1.4.7A. break or flee responseB. fight or flight response C. internal risk perceptionD. risk management assessment

74

73

72

A B C D74

F G H I73

A B C D72

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Go on

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

48 Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Benchmark Practice

A new type of plant is discovered on an island. This plant has a long stem with four yellow spotted leaves at the top, and is asexual. Scientistsremove a sample of the plant and decide to grow it in an environmentallycontrolled greenhouse. After ten years, what kind of offspring would likelybe growing in the greenhouse? SC.F.2.4.1F. a large number of similar plantsG. a large number of identical plantsH. a small number of very different plantsI. a small number of two different types of plants

Most animals use sexual reproduction to produce offspring. Many plantscan reproduce by either sexual or asexual methods. What is one benefit ofasexual reproduction? SC.F.2.4.1A. It allows for more frequent mutations.B. It results in a generation with half of the genes.C. It allows a new gene to spread through the population.D. It requires only one individual of the species to be present.

Which structure is responsible for translating RNA that has beentranscribed from DNA into amino acids? SC.F.2.4.2F. golgi bodyG. lysosomeH. mitochondrionI. ribosome

77

76

75

Go on

F G H I77

A B C D76

F G H I75

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Strand F: Processes of Life

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 49

Strand F: Processes of Life

Benchmark Practice

The horse has changed over time. Its ancestors had a small body and shortlegs, and the modern horse has a large body size and longer legs. Whatadvantage might height and size give to the modern horse? SC.F.2.4.3

A. It can reach higher food sources.B. It can fight off competitors effectively.C. It can avoid predators more effectively.D. It can blend into its environment more easily.

Flowering plants have changed to have more complicated, brightly coloredflowers. This is an adaptation of structure over time. What benefit would acomplex appearance have for the plants? SC.F.2.4.3F. attracting consumersG. aiding in photosynthesisH. creating healthy offspringI. attracting insects for pollination

A harsh drought destroyed the habitat of a species of bird. Instead of dying off, time passed and the birds adapted to their new environment by retaining large amounts of water to avoid dehydration. How was thespecies able to adapt? SC.F.2.4.3A. The genetic code of the birds changed. B. The heat caused a chemical reaction in the birds. C. The hormone level in the bird rose due to lack of water. D. Most of the birds moved to a new area, then came back.

80

79

Horse ancestor Modern horse

78

A B C D80

F G H I79

A B C D78

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Go on

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

50 Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Benchmark Practice

The snakehead fish can live out of water for short periods of time. Itcomes from a part of Asia known for frequent floods and droughts.Explain how this adaptation by natural selection allows the snakehead fish to survive. SC.F.2.4.3

Each of these finches came from a common ancestor. They arrived ondifferent islands without natural predators and were able to breed inisolation for years. Explain how three different body types could comefrom the same set of ancestors. SC.F.2.4.3

Vegetariantree finch

Woodpeckerfinch

Medium groundfinch

82

81

Go on

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Strand F: Processes of Life

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 51

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Strand G: How Living Things Interact with Their Environment

Benchmark Practice

# #

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Go on

Black grasshoppers thrive in the wild while green grasshoppers grow inlimited numbers in the wild and near cultivated land. The two species areeaten by the same predators and compete for the same food sources. Asmore land is converted to farmland, what will happen to the twopopulations? SC.G.1.4.1F. The black grasshoppers will outbreed the green grasshoppers.G. The green grasshoppers will outnumber the black grasshoppers.H. The black grasshoppers will find new wild lands in which to live.I. Both grasshoppers will die out eventually from resource pressures.

This diagram shows a common food web in which energy and nutrientsare transferred from organism to organism. In this cycle, where does theoriginal energy come from? SC.G.1.4.1

A. the insect eating the plantB. the plant using the sunlightC. the dirt filled with decayed matterD. the mushrooms and bacteria decomposing matter

bacteria

84

83

A B C D84

F G H I83

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Benchmark Practice

In most ecosystems, the producers outnumber all other organisms, and thetop predator tends to have the smallest population size. What idea found inthe diagram below helps explain this fact? SC.G.1.4.1

F. Predators do not need to eat as often.G. Body size dictates where an animal is in the pyramid.H. Producers are more highly adapted to the environment.I. Less energy is available at higher levels of the pyramid.

A tiny frog from Puerto Rico was accidentally transplanted to Hawaii.Its population grew enormously over the next three years, while thenative, larger frog’s population began to shrink. What is an explanationfor the connection between the changing frog populations? SC.G.1.4.1

86

LargeCarnivores

Small Carnivores

Herbivores

Plants

85

Go on

F G H I85

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Strand G: How Living Things Interact with Their Environment

52 Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 53

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Strand G: How Living Things Interact with Their Environment

Benchmark Practice

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Go on

Grasshopper populations have been known to become large swarms.What would be the possible effects of a summer swarm of grasshopperson the robin population in the food pyramid shown below? SC.G.1.4.1

Which process below does not contribute carbon to the carbon cycle?SC.G.1.4.3A. use of gasolineB. burning of woodC. acid precipitation D. respiration of organisms

88

Hawk

Robin

Grasshopper

Grass

87

A B C D88

54 Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Benchmark Practice

Carbon compounds such as gas and oil came from ancient decayedorganisms. Which factor is required for the formation of oil? SC.G.2.4.1F. live bacteriaG. great pressureH. complete decay I. short time periods

A region of land near a river was flooded, destroying the wooded area. The flood also dropped a great deal of sediment on the land. Whichorganisms would be the first to repopulate the land? SC.G.2.4.2A. birdsB. bushesC. grassesD. insects

Net primary productivity is the mass of plant material that is available toother organisms after the plants have met their own needs. If grasslandwas fenced off for cattle grazing in a savanna ecosystem, what wouldhappen to the net primary productivity for other organisms within thesavanna ecosystem? SC.G.2.4.2

91

90

89

Go on

A B C D90

F G H I89

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Strand G: How Living Things Interact with Their Environment

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 55

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Strand G: How Living Things Interact with Their Environment

Benchmark Practice

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Go on

Mosquitoes are commonly seen as pests because they are annoying andare potential disease carriers. However, all insect species are importantparts of their ecosystems. SC.G.2.4.2

Part A What effects, both positive and negative, can be predicted ifmosquitoes were removed from the ecosystem?

Part B How might the ecosystem react in order to restore balance?

92

56 Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Benchmark Practice

The Florida panther is one of the most endangered species on Earth. The small population of remaining panthers must breed within itself. How does this affect the survival of the panthers? SC.G.2.4.3F. It results in offspring that lack genetic diversity.G. It makes the panthers safe from attacks by other species. H. It protects the panthers by preventing them from traveling to mate.I. It ensures that the best genes will be passed from one generation

to the next.

Many experts predict that by 2050 drinkable water will be a scarceresource in many areas, even though the total amount of water in the world cannot change. Which factor would help decrease this problem?SC.G.2.4.6A. building of more dams B. more use of bottled waterC. slower human population growthD. increased drilling for underground water

94

93

Go on

A B C D94

F G H I93

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Strand G: How Living Things Interact with Their Environment

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Strand H: The Nature of Science

Benchmark Practice

Roberto tested an object’s ability to float when placed in a fluid. An objectless dense than the fluid will float, while one that is more dense will sink.When Roberto puts all of the items shown in the table into the water,which density (in grams per cubic centimeters) can he predict will floatthe best? SC.H.1.4.1

Density of Substances

Below is a graph showing total change in glacier mass between 1960 and 1998.

Using the data in the graph, hypothesize how glacier volume changewould further affect the environment. SC.H.1.4.1

Total Change in Glacier Mass (1960–1998)200

100

0

–100

–200

–300

–400

–500

–600

An

nual

vo

lum

e ch

ang

e (c

ub

ic k

m)

19651960 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000

Annual volume change, km3

Cumulative volume change, km3

96

MaterialDensity

(grams/cubic centimeter)

Aluminum 2.7

Bricks 1.8

Water 1.0

Wood 0.7

95 95

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Go on

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 57

58 Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Benchmark Practice

Before genetics were understood, many diseases were a mystery. When thehuman genome was decoded, the key for many of these diseases becameavailable. This led to even more genetic testing and theories, such as stemcell research. Why has genetic study evolved the way it has? SC.H.1.4.2F. Scientists from different fields use different scientific methods.G. Scientific advancement usually happens with sudden discoveries.H. Scientists are constantly improving theories as discoveries are made. I. The study of genetics disproves most previous theories about disease.

Ecologists monitoring a coastal ecosystem found a decrease in butterflies.They hypothesized that air quality was responsible. Other scientistshypothesized that this was a natural cycle of the ecosystem. What do thesedifferent hypotheses demonstrate? SC.H.1.4.4A. Ecologists create hypotheses without proper observations.B. Different hypotheses demonstrate that neither one is correct.C. Ecologists must look at all possible hypotheses to follow the scientific

method.D. Scientists can have different perspectives that can lead to different

hypotheses.

When Galileo made observations to support the theory of planetsrevolving around the Sun, he went against common belief, leading tohis arrest. What allowed the change from an unsupported theory to a nowcommonly accepted fact? SC.H.1.4.5F. The government accepted his ideas and promoted them widely.G. Scientists continued to make consistent observations supporting his

theory.H. Galileo convinced the general public through lectures and other

publications. I. Albert Einstein finally proved Galileo’s theory, and Einstein’s ideas

were readily accepted.

99

98

97

Go on

F G H I99

A B C D98

F G H I97

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Strand H: The Nature of Science

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 59

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Strand H: The Nature of Science

Benchmark Practice

Scientists conducted experiments on a common food preservative anddiscovered that it is a potential cause of cancer and heart disease.According to the scientific method, what should the scientists do next?SC.H.1.4.7A. File a lawsuit against the commercial producers of this food

preservative.B. These findings should immediately be used to make a national

public alert.C. These findings should not be published until the negative health

effects are certain.D. The experiments should be shared with other scientists so that

they can be repeated.

A three-year moth collection survey is being conducted on a coastalecosystem. The data below of the first two years show that the rate of new species found increased throughout the first year and began to slowdown by the tenth month. During the second year, only 27 species werefound. What does this suggest? SC.H.2.4.1

F. There will be few species found in the third year.G. More species were added in the second year than in the first. H. It is unclear whether most of the moths are represented in the

collection.I. In the third year, the number of new species added will be

30 percent of the total.

Months collectedFebJan

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct

Number of New Moth Species Added v. Months Collected

Nu

mb

er o

f n

ew s

pec

ies

add

ed t

o t

he

colle

ctio

n

101

100

F G H I101

A B C D100

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Go on

60 Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Benchmark Practice

Some scientists believe that a hurricane’s intensity or path could beaffected by human intervention in the beginning stages of the storm. Howcan scientists use this theory to predict which initial changes should bemade? SC.H.3.4.1A. Simulate various initial storm conditions using a weather model. B. Gather weather data throughout the cycle of a tropical storm.C. Compare inland weather data to the initial storm conditions.D. Use satellite images from the start of the storm to find weather

conditions.

Modern biology uses many techniques to study the molecules that makelife possible. Which technology allows biologists to make sense of thelarge amount of data they now deal with? SC.H.3.4 2F. advanced computersG. advanced microscopesH. chemical techniquesI. X-ray technology

Seismographs are used to gather data about an earthquake in progress.Recent advances in technology allow scientists to develop models of howfaults are moving, leading to better predictions. What do thesetechnologies and data demonstrate? SC.H.3.4.3A. Seismographs have been replaced by newer technology.B. Models of natural phenomena can contribute to public safety.C. Scientists can now predict exactly when an earthquake will occur. D. New technologies can help scientists alter the timing of an earthquake.

104

103

102

Go on

A B C D104

F G H I103

A B C D102

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Strand H: The Nature of Science

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 61

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Strand H: The Nature of Science

Benchmark Practice

The diagram below shows a volcano on which sensors have been installed.The sensors monitor and analyze volcanic activity. How can this datacollection help scientists and the communities near volcanoes?SC.H.3.4.3

F. Scientists can use the data to stop a volcanic eruption.G. The data can provide an early warning to allow for evacuation. H. Data collection on this volcano can predict the eruption of another

volcano.I. Scientists can use data from the sensors to make lava flow away from

a community.

sensor

sensor

105 F G H I105

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

STOP

Go on

62 Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Posttest

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

A B C D3

F G H I2

A B C D1

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

In the years since the discovery of the nucleus, scientists have changed the structure of the atomic model. The diagram below shows differentatomic models.

Which of the following explains the changes in the atomic model?A. Different elements have differently structured nuclei.B. Scientists are looking for notoriety and create different models

for fame.C. The model changes as more evidence is found through

experimentation.D. It is difficult to come up with just one model that describes the

atomic structure.

The spadefoot toad lives in a desert in which it rains once a year. Thetoads must bury themselves underground when no water is available inorder to survive. The spadefoot gets its name from its large back toes,which it uses to dig burrows during the dry season. Scientists theorize that long ago only a few of the toads had the long toes they have today.The gradual change to long toes is an example of which phenomenon?F. genetic traitsG. internal stimuliH. a mutationI. natural selection

Which of the following is the correct progression in stellar evolution?A. white dwarf, red giant, supergiant, main sequenceB. supergiant, main sequence, white dwarf, red giantC. main sequence, white dwarf, red giant, supergiantD. main sequence, red giant, supergiant, white dwarf

3

2

Late 1890sPlum Pudding Model

1914 Bohr Model

1 2 3

1911Rutherford Model

Electrons

Cloud ofpositive charge

Dense nucleuswith positive charge

Fixed energy shells,specific amount of energyneeded to change shell

1

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 63

Posttest

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Go on

Chlorine (Cl), a halogen, has seven electrons in its outer shell. How doeschlorine become an ion?F. It loses one electron.G. It gains one electron.H. It decays into sulfur (S).I. It decays into argon (Ar).

Which of the following compounds has a covalent bond between atoms?A. ammonia (NH3)B. sodium fluoride (NaF)C. calcium chloride (CaCl2)D. potassium bromide (KBr)

The following chart represents data from parts of the electromagneticspectrum.

If a radio wave has a frequency of 100 000 hertz, what is its wavelength(in meters)?

What happens during a full lunar eclipse?F. The Sun’s shadow is cast on Earth.G. Earth’s shadow is cast on the Moon.H. The Moon’s shadow is cast on Earth.I. The Moon’s shadow is cast on the Sun.

7

Type of WaveWavelength Frequency

Speed

(meters) (hertz)(kilometers/

second)

Radio 1 to 10 108 and lower 300 000

Microwave 0.001 to 1 109 to 1012 300 000

Infrared 0.000001 1011 to 1014 300 000to 0.001

Visible 0.0000004 1014 300 000to 0.0000007

Ultraviolet 0.00000001 1014 to 1017 300 000to 0.0000004

6

5

4

F G H I7

6

A B C D5

F G H I4

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

64 Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Posttest

Go on

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) releases free energy in a reaction that fuelslife processes. What happens during the reverse process?A. Energy is stored.B. Energy is released.C. New energy is created.D. No energy is transferred.

Earthquakes can be a warning for possible volcanic activity. Using theprinciples of plate tectonics, explain how earthquakes provide warningsfor potential volcanic eruptions.

According to the periodic table, how many protons does argon (Ar) havein its nucleus?F. 2G. 6H. 12I. 18

The diagram below shows deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).

What is this structure of DNA called?A. spiral bondB. stable whirlC. double helixD. coiled guanine

11

10

9

8

A B C D11

F G H I10

A B C D8

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 65

Posttest

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Go on

According to geologists, the Atlantic Ocean covered much less land18,000 years ago. As a result, the East Coast of the United States extendedwell into the Atlantic Ocean. Which of the following explains how thiswas possible?F. Earth’s average temperature was colder, freezing 30 percent of Earth’s

water.G. Continental shifts caused an increase in sea level for most of the

East Coast.H. The Moon was much closer to Earth 18,000 years ago, so the tides

were greater.I. Earth’s temperature was warmer, causing a high rate of evaporation

that lowered ocean levels.

The distance from Earth to the Sun is approximately 150 million kilometers.Scientists refer to this distance as one astronomical unit (1 AU). It takeslight 8.3 minutes to travel one astronomical unit. If Saturn is 9.5 AU awayfrom the Sun, how many minutes will it take light to travel from the Sunto Saturn?

The diagram below shows two amino acids.

What would biochemists call the result of chaining two or more of thesemolecules together?A. lipidB. proteinC. nucleic acidD. carbohydrate

H2N H2N

OH

OH

O

Alanine Glycine

O

14

13

12

A B C D14

13

F G H I12

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

66 Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Posttest

Go on

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Robert Bunsen discovered rubidium (Rb) in 1861. Rubidium is an alkalimetal that forms alloys with mercury. Which term correctly identifiesrubidium?F. compoundG. elementH. mixtureI. molecule

Coal, natural gas, and petroleum are all examples of fossil fuels. Whymight fossil fuels become more difficult to obtain in the future?A. Fossil fuels contain hydrocarbons, which cannot be created.B. Federal regulations will not allow the use of fossil fuels in the future.C. Fossil fuel reserves will decrease, and natural replacement is very slow.D. Air pollution will be too dense and fossil fuels will not be able to

be used.

An antacid tablet is to be dissolved in an acidic solution. Discuss twomethods for increasing the rate of reaction in this experiment.

Antacid tablet Acidic solution

17

16

15

A B C D16

F G H I15

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 67

Posttest

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Go on

A heating curve shows the change in a substance as thermal energy isadded. The following graph shows the changes in water as thermal energyis added. What is happening at points A and C on the graph?

F. The water has used up the added energy.G. The water molecules have no kinetic energy.H. The water molecules’ kinetic energy is increasing.I. The water molecules’ kinetic energy is decreasing.

Engineers created special optic cables that must be encased in a protectivecovering to keep them safe from damage. The engineers ran tests to findout which covering would withstand high temperatures, water damage, andchemical spills. According to the data below, what is the best choice forthe wire covering?

A. Sample AB. Sample BC. Sample CD. Sample D

MaterialHeat Resistant

Water ChemicalTemperatureResistant Reactivity(degrees Celsius)

Sample A 675°C highly none

Sample B 175°C highly reacts withsome acids

Sample C 325°C no reacts withall acids

Sample D 600°C allows some reacts withwater seepage some bases

19

Heating Curve for Water120100806040200

–20

Heat (kilojoules)

Tem

per

atu

re (°

C)

0 10 20 30

AB

C

D

40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130

18

A B C D19

F G H I18

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

68 Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Posttest

Go on

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

The cell theory states that all living things are made up of cells; that thebasic units of structure and function in living things are cells; and that newcells can only be produced from living, existing cells. Some additionshave been made to the cell theory, but it has not changed greatly. What is areason for the additions to the cell theory?F. Scientists have found many instances of events that disprove the cell

theory.G. The first scientists were not correct and information had to be added

to the theory.H. Cells have mutated over time and additions were needed to account for

these changes.I. New technology has enabled scientists to record their observations and

add to the theory.

Many airports provide moving walkways to help passengers get to theirairplanes quickly. The diagram below shows Miguel standing against awall, watching a woman walk down a walkway to her gate. The walkwaymoves at a rate of 2 kilometers per hour. The woman walks at a rate of 4 kilometers per hour. In kilometers per hour (km/h), what is the speed of the woman relative to Miguel?

Taiga biomes are found in the arctic regions of the world. What are threeabiotic factors that are found in a taiga biome?A. hot, dry summers; periodic fires; cool, moist wintersB. warm summers; year-round precipitation; fertile soilsC. long, cold winters; high humidity; moderate precipitationD. low precipitation; variable temperatures; soils rich in minerals

22

Miguel

4 km/h

2 km/h

21

20

A B C D22

21

F G H I20

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 69

Posttest

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Go on

The human body is made up of a variety of element traces. The chartbelow shows various elements and their percentage in the human body.Which two elements make up three-fourths of the human body?

F. calcium and carbonG. nitrogen and carbonH. oxygen and hydrogenI. phosphorus and nitrogen

Efficiency is a measure of how much energy put into a machine ischanged into work done by the machine. The graph below shows theefficiency of four objects. Which item is the most efficient?

A. incandescent bulbB. gasoline engineC. fluorescent bulbD. steam engine

Incandescent bulbInternal combustion

(gasoline) engine

Fluorescent bulb

Steam engine

Energy wasted as heat

Work Efficiency

100 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90100

Energy that is converted to work

24

Percentage in Element Human Body

Calcium 2

Carbon 18

Hydrogen 10

Nitrogen 3

Oxygen 65

Phosphorus 1

Other trace elements 1

23

Go on

A B C D24

F G H I23

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

70 Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Posttest

Go on

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

In automobile tests, crash test dummies are measured for force enduredwhen involved in an impact. Car company engineers measured theduration of a test crash as 0.20 seconds. If the car was traveling at 15 meters per second before the crash, what is the magnitude of theaverage force applied to an 80-kilogram crash test dummy?F. 75 newtonsG. 400 newtonsH. 1200 newtonsI. 6000 newtons

The diagram below shows an energy pyramid. Energy pyramids show theamount of energy at each trophic level. Which of the following is trueabout the energy within the pyramid?

A. Heat is taken in as you move up the trophic levels.B. The mice have less available energy than the eagle.C. Energy increases as you move up the trophic levels.D. The plants have the greatest quantity of available energy.

26

25

A B C D26

F G H I25

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 71

Posttest

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Go on

Scott rubbed a comb through his hair several times. Then he held thecomb next to a light stream of water from a faucet.

Which force is responsible for the attraction between the comb and thewater?F. nuclearG. frictionalH. electricalI. gravitational

Seismologists study the movement of tectonic plates and the effect thismovement has on Earth’s crust. Why do seismologists have to study broadranges of observable data instead of controlled experiments like mostscientists?A. Equipment and technology do not help seismologists in the study

of earthquakes.B. Experiments that seismologist have run have not created any useable

data and are therefore no longer used for study.C. Ethics do not allow seismologists to study earthquakes because it is

impossible to get the approval from so many people at once.D. Seismologists cannot control the tectonic plates to run controlled

experiments and must study only the data that comes to them naturally.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a technique that enables doctors to study the internal regions of the human body. MRI uses the interactionbetween magnetic fields and the atoms of the body to create images.Which technological challenge led to the development of MRI?F. Electric currents can damage human tissues.G. Light microscopes cannot see very small objects.H. Scalpels cannot make clean incisions in human tissue.I. X rays cannot be used to view soft tissues in the body.

29

28

27

F G H I29

A B C D28

F G H I27

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

72 Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9

Posttest

Go on

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

The diagram below shows how a sample of water changes as thermalenergy is added to it. At which point does the water have the least amountof thermal energy?

A. as iceB. as a gasC. as a liquid D. when it is melting

How does a mountain range in the path of prevailing winds influenceprecipitation in a region?

Radio waves are used to carry signals for radio and television programs.They also carry information for cellular telephone calls. What propertiesof radio waves make them so useful?F. They travel faster than any other electromagnetic waves.G. They carry more energy than any other electromagnetic waves.H. They have shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies than other

electromagnetic waves.I. They have longer wavelengths and lower frequencies than other

electromagnetic waves.

32

31

Thermal energy

Heating Curve

Gas100°C

0°CMelting

Solid

Evaporation/condensation

Liquid

30

F G H I32

A B C D30

Copy

right

© G

lenc

oe/M

cGra

w-H

ill, a

div

isio

n of

The

McG

raw

-Hill

Com

pani

es, I

nc.

Mastering the FCAT, Grade 9 73

Posttest

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Class: ______________

Rain forests are the most diverse ecosystems on Earth. They arecharacterized by warm, moist climates and are home to more than half of Earth’s species. About 14 percent of Earth’s surface was once coveredby rain forests. This number has dwindled to less than six percent as rainforests are cleared for timber, farming, and mining.

Part A How does the clearing of trees change the rain forest ecosystem?

Part B What would happen if the cleared land was allowed to grow again?

33

STOP