CALIFORNIA STANDARDS TEST
GRADE
Released Test Questions
Science
5
Introduction - Grade 5 Science
The following released test questions are taken from the Grade 5 Science Standards Test. This test is one of the
California Standards Tests administered as part of the Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program
under policies set by the State Board of Education.
All questions on the California Standards Tests are evaluated by committees of content experts, including teachers
and administrators, to ensure their appropriateness for measuring the California academic content standards
in Grade 5 Science. In addition to content, all items are reviewed and approved to ensure their adherence to
the principles of fairness and to ensure no bias exists with respect to characteristics such as gender, ethnicity,
and language.
This document contains released test questions from the California Standards Test forms in 2004, 2005, 2006,
2007, and 2008. First on the pages that follow are lists of the Grades 4 and 5 standards assessed on the Grade 5
Science Test. Note that Grade 5 Earth Sciences Standard 3.e is not assessed on the Grade 5 Science Test and,
therefore, is not represented in these released test questions. Next are released test questions. Following the
questions is a table that gives the correct answer for each question, the content standard that each question is
measuring, and the year each question appeared on the test. Reference sheets, provided for students taking the
test, are also included as they are necessary in answering some of the questions.
The following table lists each reporting cluster, the number of items that appear on the exam, and the number
of released test questions that appear in this document. Note that the questions testing the Investigation and
Experimentation content standards are embedded within the correlating reporting cluster (i.e. Grade 5
Life Sciences).
— 1 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2009 California Department of Education.
5
GRADE
CALIFORNIA STANDARDS TEST
Science
Released Test Questions
NUMBER OF NUMBER OF
REPORTING CLUSTER QUESTIONS RELEASED
ON EXAM TEST QUESTIONS
Physical Sciences
Grade 5 (Standards: 5PS1. a-i) 11 13
Grade 4 (Standards: 4PS1. a-g) 8 11
Life Sciences
Grade 5 (Standards: 5LS2. a-g) 13 16
Grade 4 (Standards: 4LS2. a-c, 4LS3. a-d) 9 12
Earth Sciences
Grade 5 (Standards: 5ES3. a-e, 5ES4. a-e, 5ES5. a-c) 11 14
Grade 4 (Standards: 4ES4. a-b, 4ES5. a-c) 8 9
TOTAL 60 75
In selecting test questions for release, three criteria are used: (1) the questions adequately cover a selection of the
academic content standards assessed on the Grade 5 Science Test; (2) the questions demonstrate a range of
difficulty; and (3) the questions present a variety of ways standards can be assessed. These released test questions do
not reflect all of the ways the standards may be assessed. Released test questions will not appear on future tests.
For more information about the California Standards Tests, visit the California Department of Education’s
Web site at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sr/resources.asp.
— 2 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2009 California Department of Education.
CALIFORNIA STANDARDS TEST
GRADE
Released Test Questions
Science
5
THE PHYSICAL SCIENCES REPORTING CLUSTER
The following nine California content standards are included in the Grade 5 Physical Sciences reporting cluster
and are represented in this booklet by 13 test questions. These questions represent only some ways in which
these standards may be assessed on the California Grade 5 Science Standards Test.
CALIFORNIA CONTENT STANDARDS IN THIS REPORTING CLUSTER
Physical Sciences
Grade 5 Standards
5PS1. Elements and their combinations account for all the varied types of matter in
the world. As a basis for understanding this concept:
5PS1.a. Students know that during chemical reactions the atom in the reactants rearrange to
form products with different properties.
5PS1.b. Students know all matter is made of atoms, which may combine to form molecules.
5PS1.c. Students know metals have properties in common, such as high electrical and thermal
conductivity. Some metals, such as aluminum (AI), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu),
silver (Ag), and gold (Au), are pure elements; others, such as steel and brass,
are composed of a combination of elemental metals.
5PS1.d. Students know that each element is made of one kind of atom and that the elements
are organized in the periodic table by their chemical properties.
5PS1.e. Students know scientists have developed instruments that can create discrete images
of atoms and molecules that show that the atoms and molecules often occur in well-
ordered arrays.
5PS1.f. Students know differences in chemical and physical properties of substances are used
to separate mixtures and identify compounds.
5PS1.g. Students know properties of solid, liquid, and gaseous substances, such as sugar
(C
6
H
12
O
6
), water (H
2
O), helium (He), oxygen (O
2
), nitrogen (N
2
), and carbon dioxide (CO
2
).
5PS1.h. Students know living organisms and most materials are composed of just a
few elements.
5PS1.i. Students know the common properties of salts, such as sodium chloride (NaCI).
— 3 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2009 California Department of Education.
GRADE
CALIFORNIA STANDARDS TEST
Science
5
Released Test Questions
THE PHYSICAL SCIENCES REPORTING CLUSTER
The following seven California content standards are included in the Grade 4 Physical Sciences reporting
cluster and are represented in this booklet by 9 test questions. These questions represent only some
ways in which these standards may be assessed on the California Grade 5 Science Standards Test.
CALIFORNIA CONTENT STANDARDS IN THIS REPORTING CLUSTER
Physical Sciences
Grade 4 Standards
4PS1. Electricity and magnetism are related effects that have many useful applications in
everyday life. As a basis for understanding this concept:
4PS1.a. Students know how to design and build simple series and parallel circuits by using
components such as wires, batteries, and bulbs.
4PS1.b. Students know how to build a simple compass and use it to detect magnetic effects,
including Earth’s magnetic field.
4PS1.c. Students know electric currents produce magnetic fields and know how to build a
simple electromagnet.
4PS1.d. Students know the role of electromagnets in the construction of electric motors,
electric generators, and simple devices, such as doorbells and earphones.
4PS1.e. Students know electrically charged objects attract or repel each other.
4PS1.f. Students know that magnets have two poles (north and south) and that like poles
repel each other while unlike poles attract each other.
4PS1.g. Students know electrical energy can be converted to heat, light, and motion.
— 4 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2009 California Department of Education.
CALIFORNIA STANDARDS TEST
GRADE
Released Test Questions
Science
5
THE LIFE SCIENCES REPORTING CLUSTER
The following seven California content standards are included in the Grade 5 Life Sciences reporting cluster
and are represented in this booklet by 12 test questions. These questions represent only some ways in which
these standards may be assessed on the California Grade 5 Science Standards Test.
CALIFORNIA CONTENT STANDARDS IN THIS REPORTING CLUSTER
Life Sciences
Grade 5 Standards
5LS2. Plants and animals have structures for respiration, digestion, waste disposal,
and transport of materials. As a basis for understanding this concept:
5LS2.a. Students know many multicellular organisms have specialized structures to support
the transport of materials.
5LS2.b. Students know how blood circulates through the heart chambers, lungs, and body and
how carbon dioxide (CO
2
) and oxygen (O
2
) are exchanged in the lungs and tissues.
5LS2.c. Students know the sequential steps of digestion and the roles of teeth and the mouth,
esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and colon in the function of the
digestive system.
5LS2.d. Students know the role of the kidney in removing cellular waste from blood and
converting it into urine, which is stored in the bladder.
5LS2.e. Students know how sugar, water, and minerals are transported in a vascular plant.
5LS2.f. Students know plants use carbon dioxide (CO
2
) and energy from sunlight to build
molecules of sugar and release oxygen.
5LS2.g. Students know plant and animal cells break down sugar to obtain energy,
a process resulting in carbon dioxide (CO
2
) and water (respiration).
— 5 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2009 California Department of Education.
GRADE
CALIFORNIA STANDARDS TEST
Science
5
Released Test Questions
THE LIFE SCIENCES REPORTING CLUSTER
The following seven California content standards are included in the Grade 4 Life Sciences reporting cluster
and are represented in this booklet by 11 test questions. These questions represent only some ways in which
these standards may be assessed on the California Grade 5 Science Standards Test.
CALIFORNIA CONTENT STANDARDS IN THIS REPORTING CLUSTER
Life Sciences
Grade 4 Standards
4LS2. All organisms need energy and matter to live and grow. As a basis for
understanding this concept:
4LS2.a. Students know plants are the primary source of matter and energy entering most
food chains.
4LS2.b. Students know producers and consumers (herbivores, carnivores, omnivores,
and decomposers) are related in food chains and food webs and may compete
with each other for resources in an ecosystem.
4LS2.c. Students know decomposers, including many fungi, insects, and microorganisms,
recycle matter from dead plants and animals.
4LS3. Living organisms depend on one another and on their environment for survival.
As a basis for understanding this concept:
4LS3.a. Students know ecosystems can be characterized by their living and nonliving
components.
4LS3.b. Students know that in any particular environment, some kinds of plants and
animals survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.
4LS3.c. Students know many plants depend on animals for pollination and seed dispersal,
and animals depend on plants for food and shelter.
4LS3.d. Students know that most microorganisms do not cause disease and that
many are beneficial.
— 6 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2009 California Department of Education.
CALIFORNIA STANDARDS TEST
GRADE
Released Test Questions
Science
5
THE EARTH SCIENCES REPORTING CLUSTER
The following 13 California content standards are included in the Grade 5 Earth Sciences reporting cluster and
are represented in this booklet by 14 test questions. These questions represent only some ways in which these
standards may be assessed on the California Grade 5 Science Standards Test.
CALIFORNIA CONTENT STANDARDS IN THIS REPORTING CLUSTER
Earth Sciences
Grade 5 Standards
5ES3. Water on Earth moves between the oceans and land through the processes
of evaporation and condensation. As a basis for understanding this concept:
5ES3.a. Students know most of Earth’s water is present as salt water in the oceans,
which cover most of Earth’s surface.
5ES3.b. Students know when liquid water evaporates, it turns into water vapor in the air and can
reappear as a liquid when cooled or as a solid if cooled below the freezing point of water.
5ES3.c. Students know water vapor in the air moves from one place to another and can form fog
or clouds, which are tiny droplets of water or ice, and can fall to Earth as rain, hail, sleet,
or snow.
5ES3.d. Students know that the amount of fresh water located in rivers, lakes, underground
sources, and glaciers is limited and that its availability can be extended by recycling
and decreasing the use of water.
5ES3.e. Students know the origin of the water used by their local communities.
5ES4. Energy from the Sun heats Earth unevenly, causing air movements that result in
changing weather patterns. As a basis for understanding this concept:
5ES4.a. Students know uneven heating of Earth causes air movements (convection currents).
5ES4.b. Students know the influence that the ocean has on the weather and the role that the
water cycle plays in weather patterns.
5ES4.c. Students know the causes and effects of different types of severe weather.
5ES4.d. Students know how to use weather maps and data to predict local weather and know
that weather forecasts depend on many variables.
5ES4.e. Students know that Earth’s atmosphere exerts a pressure that decreases with
distance above Earth’s surface and that at any point it exerts this pressure equally
in all directions.
5ES5. The solar system consists of planets and other bodies that orbit the Sun in
predictable paths. As a basis for understanding this concept:
5ES5.a. Students know the Sun, an average star, is the central and largest body in the solar
system and is composed primarily of hydrogen and helium.
5ES5.b. Students know the solar system includes the planet Earth, the Moon, the Sun, eight
other planets and their satellites, and smaller objects, such as asteroids and comets.
5ES5.c. Students know the path of a planet around the Sun is due to the gravitational attraction
between the Sun and the planet.
— 7 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2009 California Department of Education.
GRADE
CALIFORNIA STANDARDS TEST
Science
5
Released Test Questions
THE EARTH SCIENCES REPORTING CLUSTER
The following five California content standards are included in the Grade 4 Earth Sciences reporting cluster
and are represented in this booklet by nine test questions. These questions represent only some ways in which
these standards may be assessed on the California Grade 5 Science Standards Test.
CALIFORNIA CONTENT STANDARDS IN THIS REPORTING CLUSTER
Earth Sciences
Grade 4 Standards
4ES4. The properties of rocks and minerals reflect the processes that formed them.
As a basis for understanding this concept:
4ES4.a. Students know how to differentiate among igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic
rocks by referring to their properties and methods of formation (the rock cycle).
4ES4.b. Students know how to identify common rock-forming minerals (including quartz,
calcite, feldspar, mica, and hornblende) and ore minerals by using a table of
diagnostic properties.
4ES5. Waves, wind, water, and ice shape and reshape Earth’s land surface. As a basis
for understanding this concept:
4ES5.a. Students know some changes in the earth are due to slow processes, such as erosion,
and some changes are due to rapid processes, such as landslides, volcanic eruptions,
and earthquakes.
4ES5.b. Students know natural processes, including freezing and thawing and the growth of
roots, cause rocks to break down into smaller pieces.
4ES5.c. Students know moving water erodes landforms, reshaping the land by taking it away
from some places and depositing it as pebbles, sand, silt, and mud in other places
(weathering, transport, and deposition).
— 8 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2009 California Department of Education.
CALIFORNIA STANDARDS TEST
GRADE
Released Test Questions
Science
5
INVESTIGATION AND EXPERIMENTATION
The following nine California content standards are distributed among the Grade 5 reporting clusters and are
represented in this booklet by four test questions. These questions represent only some ways in which these
standards may be assessed on the California Grade 5 Science Standards Test.
CALIFORNIA CONTENT STANDARDS IN THIS REPORTING CLUSTER
Investigation and Experimentation
Grade 5 Standards
5IE6. Scientific progress is made by asking meaningful questions and conducting
careful investigations. As a basis for understanding this concept and addressing
the content in the other three strands, students should develop their own
questions and perform investigations. Students will:
5IE6.a. Classify objects (e.g., rocks, plants, leaves) in accordance with appropriate criteria.
5IE6.b. Develop a testable question.
5IE6.c. Plan and conduct a simple investigation based on a student-developed question and
write instructions others can follow to carry out the procedure.
5IE6.d. Identify the dependent and controlled variables in an investigation.
5IE6.e. Identify a single independent variable in a scientific investigation and explain how
this variable can be used to collect information to answer a question about the
results of the experiment.
5IE6.f. Select appropriate tools (e.g., thermometers, meter sticks, balances, and graduated
cylinders) and make quantitative observations.
5IE6.g. Record data by using appropriate graphic representations (including charts, graphs,
and labeled diagrams) and make inferences based on those data.
5IE6.h. Draw conclusions from scientific evidence and indicate whether further information is
needed to support a specific conclusion.
5IE6.i. Write a report of an investigation that includes conducting tests, collecting data or
examining evidence, and drawing conclusions.
— 9 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2009 California Department of Education.
GRADE
CALIFORNIA STANDARDS TEST
Science
5
Released Test Questions
INVESTIGATION AND EXPERIMENTATION
The following six California content standards are distributed among the Grade 4 reporting clusters and are
represented in this booklet by three test questions. These questions represent only some ways in which these
standards may be assessed on the California Grade 5 Science Standards Test.
CALIFORNIA CONTENT STANDARDS IN THIS REPORTING CLUSTER
Investigation and Experimentation
Grade 4 Standards
4IE6. Scientific progress is made by asking meaningful questions and conducting
careful investigations. As a basis for understanding this concept and addressing
the content in the other three strands, students should develop their own
questions and perform investigations. Students will:
4IE6.a. Differentiate observation from inference (interpretation) and know scientists’
explanations come partly from what they observe and partly from how they
interpret their observations.
4IE6.b. Measure and estimate the weight, length, or volume of objects.
4IE6.c. Formulate and justify predictions based on cause-and-effect relationships.
4IE6.d. Conduct multiple trials to test a prediction and draw conclusions about the
relationships between predictions and results.
4IE6.e. Construct and interpret graphs from measurements.
4IE6.f. Follow a set of written instructions for a scientific investigation.
— 10 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2009 California Department of Education.
Released Test Questions
Science
CALIFORNIA STANDARDS TEST
GRADE
5
1 Which action will result in a product with new
chemical properties?
A shredding a newspaper
B breaking a mirror
C cutting wood
D popping popcorn
CSZ20059
2 Which of the following represents a chemical
reaction?
A a sugar cube dissolving in water
B ice cubes forming in a freezer
C ice cream melting in a bowl
D a cake baking in an oven
CSZ20560
3 What do water, aluminum, redwood trees, and
valley quail all have in common?
A They are all pure elements.
B They are all made of cells.
C They are all living creatures.
D They are all made of atoms.
CSZ10068
4 Sterling silver is a combination of silver
and copper. Which of the following is also
a combination of two or more metals?
A aluminum
B lead
C gold
D brass
CSZ10110
5 A metal spoon was left in a pot of boiling soup.
The cook burned a finger by touching the
spoon. Why did the finger get burned?
A The metal spoon chemically reacted with the
cook’s hand.
B The metal spoon conducted electricity to the
cook’s hand.
C The metal spoon conducted heat to the cook’s
hand.
D The metal spoon insulated the cook’s hand.
CSZ10266
6 Students are gathering materials and building
an electrical circuit.
A
B
C
D
Which material will allow electricity to flow
between the battery and the light bulb?
A copper wire
B wooden rod
C cotton string
D rubber tube
CSZ50041
— 11 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2009 California Department of Education.
�
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�
GRADE
CALIFORNIA STANDARDS TEST
Released Test Questions
Science
5
�
7 A scientist uses an instrument to observe the
pattern of molecules in a substance. The picture
below shows what the scientist sees.
What state of matter is the scientist most likely
observing?
A gas
B liquid
C vapor
D solid
CSZ20171
8 A scientist needs to take a picture of the
well-ordered arrangements of the atoms and
molecules within a substance. Which of the
following instruments would be best for the
scientist to use?
A a laser light with holograph
B a seismograph
C an electron microscope
D a stereoscope
CSZ10300
9 The diagram below shows a mixture.
salt water
Which of the following pieces of equipment
should be used to separate this mixture?
A magnet
B balance
C funnel
D hot plate
CSZ10130
10 Which of the following is a property of
CO
2
gas?
A It feels like a rock.
B It smells like a lemon.
C It is colorless.
D It is hard.
CSZ10302
11 All living things contain which element?
A helium
B sodium
C copper
D carbon
CSZ20517
— 12 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2009 California Department of Education.
Released Test Questions
Science
CALIFORNIA STANDARDS TEST
GRADE
5
12 Plants and animals are composed of organic
compounds. Which of the following are the
common elements found in organic compounds?
A iron, oxygen, nickel, copper
B sodium, potassium, gold, hydrogen
C helium, neon, argon, krypton
D carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen
CSZ10233
13 When homemade ice cream is made, salt is
added to the ice that surrounds the ice cream
chamber.
Ice cream chamber
Ice and salt
Which property of salt is important when
making ice cream?
A Salt conducts electricity in water.
B Salt dissolves in water.
C Salt lowers the freezing point of water.
D Salt adds flavor to the ice cream mixture.
CSZ10027
14 Which best describes a parallel circuit?
A Electricity flows along one pathway.
B The flow of electricity comes from
one source.
C Electricity flows along more than
one pathway.
D The flow of electricity comes from
more than one source.
CSZ10383
15 The diagram below shows an electrical circuit.
This circuit is a series circuit because
A it has two light bulbs.
B the same current flows through both light
bulbs.
C it uses a single battery.
D the current is divided between the light bulbs.
CSZ20211
— 13 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2009 California Department of Education.
Released Test Questions
Science
GRADE
CALIFORNIA STANDARDS TEST
5
16
+
-
Which of the following is shown above?
A electromagnet
B electric motor
C electric generator
D transformer
CSZ10350
17 Which of the following electromagnets would
have the greatest magnetic field?
A
B
C
D
CSZ10387
— 14 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2009 California Department of Education.
Released Test Questions
Science
5
18 A balloon has a negative charge. A glass rod
has a positive charge.
glass
rod
balloon
�
�
CALIFORNIA STANDARDS TEST
GRADE
What will happen when the glass rod is
brought near the balloon?
A The balloon will be attracted to the rod.
B The balloon will be repelled by the rod.
C The balloon will remain in place.
D The balloon will spin in circles.
CSZ10182
19 Iron filings and bar magnets were placed on a
sheet of paper. The following diagram shows
the pattern made on the paper.
N S N S
4
1
2
3
At which location is the magnetic field
the strongest?
A 1
B 2
C 3
D 4
CSZ10384
— 15 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2009 California Department of Education.
�
�
�
�
�
�
GRADE
CALIFORNIA STANDARDS TEST
Released Test Questions
Science
5
20 The diagram below shows that the magnetic
field of Earth is similar to that of a bar magnet.
1
2
3
4
At which location is Earth’s magnetic field
the strongest?
A 1
B 2
C 3
D 4
CSZ10385
21 Which of the following converts electrical energy
into motion?
A light switch
B electric stove
C light bulb
D electric fan
CSZ10278
22 When electric current flows through the metal
filament of a light bulb, electrical energy is
converted to
A heat energy only.
B heat and light energy.
C light and motion energy.
D light energy only.
CSZ20273
23 Which of the following systems breaks food
into nutrients that can be used by the body?
A circulatory
B digestive
C respiratory
D reproductive
CSZ10304
24 Which of the following is a harmful waste
material that leaves the blood and travels
through the lungs before leaving the body?
A
CO
2
B O
2
C
HO
2
D NaCl
CSZ10243
25 Where does oxygen-rich blood go after leaving
the lungs?
A the brain
B the heart
C the kidney
D the stomach
CSZ10104
— 16 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2009 California Department of Education.
�
�
�
�
�
�
CALIFORNIA STANDARDS TEST
GRADE
Released Test Questions
Science
5
26 The digestion process begins in which of the
following?
A large intestine
B mouth
C small intestine
D stomach
CSZ10244
27 Which list gives the correct order of food
traveling through the digestive system after
it is swallowed?
A stomach, esophagus, large intestine,
small intestine
B small intestine, large intestine, esophagus,
stomach
C esophagus, stomach, large intestine,
small intestine
D esophagus, stomach, small intestine,
large intestine
CSZ20156
28 Which best describes the role of the esophagus
in digestion?
A It releases acid and mixes food.
B It aids in absorption of nutrients from food.
C It carries food from the mouth to the stomach.
D It carries food from the stomach to
the intestines.
CSZ10326
29 Which organ removes cell waste from
the blood?
A the large intestine
B the small intestine
C the kidney
D the heart
CSZ10086
30 Which of the following best explains how stems
transport water to other parts of the plant?
A through a chemical called chlorophyll
B by using photosynthesis
C through a system of tubes
D by converting water to food
CSZ10245
31 Which of the following gases do plants use
in photosynthesis?
A hydrogen
B oxygen
C carbon dioxide
D carbon monoxide
CSZ10292
— 17 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2009 California Department of Education.
Released Test Questions
Science
5
�
32
�
GRADE
CALIFORNIA STANDARDS TEST
Photosynthesis Experiment
Lamp
Test tube
Gas
Water
Funnel
Green water plant
Which gas is forming in the test tube
shown above?
A carbon dioxide
B hydrogen
C oxygen
D nitrogen
CSZ10031
33 Which of the following is broken down in
the body to release energy?
A sugar
B water
C salt
D oxygen
CSZ10247
�
34 Which of the following is produced when sugar
is digested in an animal cell?
A carbon dioxide
B chlorophyll
C oxygen
D sunlight
CSZ10238
�
35 The diagram below shows a simple food web.
red fox
owl
black bear
rabbit
deer
berries
Which animal is classified as an omnivore?
A red fox
B deer
C black bear
D rabbit
CSZ20162
— 18 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2009 California Department of Education.
�
CALIFORNIA STANDARDS TEST
GRADE
Released Test Questions
Science
5
36 The diagram below shows a simple food chain.
coyote mousegrass Sun
Which of the following animals might compete with the coyote in this food chain?
A
C
B
D
CSZ20004
— 19 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2009 California Department of Education.
�
GRADE
CALIFORNIA STANDARDS TEST
Released Test Questions
Science
5
37 A group of students is building a model of an ecosystem. Which of the following organisms should the
students select to act as a decomposer?
A C
B D
CSZ10160
— 20 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2009 California Department of Education.
CALIFORNIA STANDARDS TEST
GRADE
Released Test Questions
Science
5
�
38 Decomposers are important in the food chain
because they
A produce their own food using light from
the Sun.
B stop the flow of energy from one organism
to another.
C break down dead organisms and recycle
nutrients into the soil.
D are microscopic and other organisms cannot
consume them.
CSZ50776
�
39 Which of the following is a living component of
a desert in California?
A low rainfall
B hot temperature
C polar bear
D horned lizard
CSZ20146
�
40 Salt concentration, water temperature,
plankton, and the whale shark might all be
used in a description of an ocean
A climate.
B food web.
C ecosystem.
D population.
CSZ20249
�
41 Shown below are four different skin patterns
found in the western garter snake.
Coast
Wandering
pattern
pattern
Mountain
Melanistic
pattern
pattern
The patterns most likely reflect differences in
the snakes’
A life cycle.
B food source.
C size.
D habitat.
CSZ10163
— 21 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2009 California Department of Education.
�
�
�
�
�
�
GRADE
CALIFORNIA STANDARDS TEST
Released Test Questions
Science
5
42 A student wants to put some plants in a
window-box planter. The window selected
for the plants is always shaded by a large
tree outside the window.
Which characteristic of the plants would most
likely affect the plants’ growth in this location?
A leaf shape
B light requirement
C plant price
D flower color
CSZ10001
43 Which animals are most likely to carry the
seeds found in berries from the parent plant
to another area?
A bees
B birds
C flies
D caterpillars
CSZ10356
44 Peach trees have sweet-smelling blossoms and
produce rich fruit. What is the main purpose of
the flowers of a peach tree?
A to attract bees for pollination
B to create flower arrangements
C to protect the tree from disease
D to feed migratory birds
CSZ10336
45 Many animals depend on plants for
A shelter.
B pollination.
C seed dispersal.
D sunlight.
CSZ10358
46 Where is most of Earth’s water located?
A glaciers
B lakes
C oceans
D rivers
CSZ10053
47 Which of the following processes is responsible
for changing liquid water into water vapor?
A photosynthesis
B condensation
C evaporation
D precipitation
CSZ10373
— 22 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2009 California Department of Education.
�
�
�
�
CALIFORNIA STANDARDS TEST
GRADE
Released Test Questions
Science
5
48 Above a continent, a warm air mass slowly
passes over a cold air mass. As the warm air
begins to cool, clouds form. What will most
likely happen next?
A Rain will fall.
B Hurricanes will form.
C Lightning will strike.
D Hail will form.
CSZ10148
49 Why is watering plants and grass in the early
morning a way to conserve water?
A There is always more water in the morning.
B Smaller amounts of water evaporate in the
cool morning.
C Water used in the morning can be recycled
for afternoon use.
D Grass can absorb water only in the morning.
CSZ10021
50 Which location on Earth receives the most
direct sunlight?
A the deserts
B the South Pole
C the equator
D the Western Hemisphere
CSZ20228
51 The picture below shows a place where air
currents will form due to the uneven heating
of Earth.
In which direction will air currents most
likely move?
A straight down over the land
B from the land toward the sea
C straight up above the sea
D from the sea toward the land
CSZ10155
— 23 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2009 California Department of Education.
GRADE
CALIFORNIA STANDARDS TEST
Science
Released Test Questions
5
A C
Wind
Wind
B D
CSZ20229
�
52 Which of the following systems would most likely have the greatest amount of moisture associated with it?
— 24 —
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based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2009 California Department of Education.
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�
�
CALIFORNIA STANDARDS TEST
GRADE
Released Test Questions
Science
5
53 Which of the following factors would most likely
cause a hurricane to decrease in strength?
A staying over a warm body of water for a
long time
B increasing the number of large clouds
C moving over a continent
D moving toward tropical waters
CSZ10022
54 A city has a temperature of 75 °F, with partly
cloudy skies. Weather forecasters are predicting
that the air pressure and temperature will drop
during the day. Which type of weather is most
likely for this area in the late afternoon?
A rainy
B sunny
C snowing
D hailing
CSZ10256
55 The diagram below shows a landscape.
Upper atmosphere
Ocean
Where in the diagram would the air pressure
be the greatest?
A at the beach
B on top of the mountain
C at the bottom of the clouds
D above Earth’s atmosphere
CSZ10108
56 The largest body in our solar system is
A Earth.
B the Sun.
C Jupiter.
D the Moon.
CSZ20330
— 25 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2009 California Department of Education.
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
GRADE
CALIFORNIA STANDARDS TEST
Released Test Questions
Science
5
57 What is at the center of our solar system?
A a medium planet with an atmosphere
B a star composed of carbon and nitrogen
C a black hole that was once a star
D a star composed of hydrogen and helium
CSZ10081
58 Which of these revolves around a planet?
A an asteroid
B a star
C a comet
D a moon
CSZ10100
59 Gravity is responsible for the
A orbits of the planets around the Sun.
B rotation of a planet on its axis.
C tilt of Earth’s axis.
D phases of the Moon.
CSZ20334
60 Why are most fossils found in sedimentary
rocks?
A Sedimentary rocks are not very old.
B Organisms live only in areas with
sedimentary rock.
C Organisms can be preserved in
sedimentary rock.
D Sedimentary rocks are found only at
the surface of the ground.
CSZ10403
61 Shale is a sedimentary rock that can be
metamorphosed into slate by
A cementation.
B chemical weathering.
C sedimentation.
D increased pressure.
CSZ20111
62 A student is trying to identify a mineral
that has a nonmetallic luster and is black.
It can also be scratched with a fingernail.
According to the mineral reference sheet,
the unidentified mineral is most likely
A mica.
B magnetite.
C hornblende.
D quartz.
CSZ20414
63 The chart below shows a part of Mohs hardness
scale for minerals.
Mohs Scale of Hardness
Mineral
Talc Gypsum
Calcite Fluorite Apatite
Hardness 1 2
3
4
5
A student is testing an unknown mineral
for hardness. The unknown mineral is tested
against fluorite, but neither mineral scratches
the other. Which of the following conclusions
can the student accurately make?
A The unknown mineral and apatite will not
scratch each other.
B The unknown mineral and calcite will not
scratch each other.
C The unknown mineral will scratch apatite.
D The unknown mineral will scratch calcite.
CSZ10261
— 26 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2009 California Department of Education.
Released Test Questions
Science
5
�
64
�
�
CALIFORNIA STANDARDS TEST
GRADE
Which process is most responsible for the
formation of the Grand Canyon?
A scouring by continental glaciers
B erosion by wind and water
C eruptions by explosive volcanoes
D cracking of Earth’s crust by earthquakes
CSZ20112
65 The landform below is a sea arch.
What is responsible for shaping this arch?
A plate tectonics
B earthquakes
C deposition
D erosion
CSZ10405
66 How do plants most commonly break large
rocks into smaller pieces?
A Plant leaves insulate surrounding rocks from
extreme temperatures.
B Plant roots grow into cracks in rocks.
C Seeds from plants fall onto rocks and release
acidic compounds.
D Stems of plants surround and squeeze rocks.
CSZ10170
— 27 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2009 California Department of Education.
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�
�
GRADE
CALIFORNIA STANDARDS TEST
Released Test Questions
Science
5
67 The freezing and thawing action of water affects
a rock by
A transforming the rock into igneous rock.
B chemically changing the rock.
C gradually breaking down the rock into smaller
pieces.
D leaving behind sedimentary particles from
evaporated solutions.
CSZ20469
68 Moving water was the most important factor in
forming which of these?
A the Grand Canyon
B San Andreas Fault
C the Rocky Mountains
D Mount St. Helens Volcano
CSZ10286
69 The picture below shows several different birds.
What characteristic do all birds share?
A They can fly.
B They have feathers.
C They have webbed feet.
D They eat worms.
CSZ10063
— 28 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2009 California Department of Education.
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�
CALIFORNIA STANDARDS TEST
GRADE
Released Test Questions
Science
5
70 Which of the following questions is testable in
a scientific investigation?
A Are dogs better pets than cats?
B Are dogs happy when they are walked?
C Are cats more active at night than during
the day?
D Are cats easier to take care of than dogs?
CSZ10003
71 A student will measure and record the growth
of two flowering plants every other day for
10 days.
10 mL
fertilizer
200 mL water added to each pot
According to the diagram, which question is
being tested?
A Do flowering plants grow better when
watered with salt water?
B How much fertilizer do flowering plants need?
C Does fertilizer added to the soil lead to
taller flowering plants?
D How tall do flowering plants grow?
CSZ10046
— 29 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2009 California Department of Education.
�
GRADE
CALIFORNIA STANDARDS TEST
Released Test Questions
Science
5
72 A student wants to see the xylem of a plant stem. Which instrument should the student use?
A
cm
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
C
B D
CSZ10159
— 30 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2009 California Department of Education.
�
�
CALIFORNIA STANDARDS TEST
GRADE
Released Test Questions
Science
5
73 A group of students observed the following tree
while hiking through a hilly area.
Hill
What is the most likely cause for the angle of
growth of this tree?
A The tree is reaching toward the afternoon
sunlight.
B Water rolling down the hill uprooted the tree.
C Large rocks hit the tree when they rolled
down the hill.
D Strong uphill winds have pushed against
the tree.
CSZ10205
74 A student added a small ball to a graduated
cylinder containing 10 milliliters of water.
5
10
15
20
25
mL
10
15
20
25
mL
5
What is the volume of the ball?
A 5 mL
B 10 mL
C 15 mL
D 20 mL
CSZ10207
— 31 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2009 California Department of Education.
�
GRADE
CALIFORNIA STANDARDS TEST
Released Test Questions
Science
5
75 The chart below shows the results of an
experiment designed to study how exercise
affects heart rate.
Activity
Stage
Heart Rate of
Person A
(beats per min.)
Heart Rate of
Person B
(beats per min.)
Heart Rate of
Person C
(beats per min.)
Before
exercise
75 62 70
After
exercise
120 110 130
Which of the following statements is the best
conclusion for this experiment?
A Exercise triples a person’s heart rate.
B Exercise decreases a person’s heart rate.
C Heart rate is not affected by exercise.
D Heart rate is increased by exercise.
CSZ10043
— 32 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2009 California Department of Education.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
CALIFORNIA STANDARDS TEST
GRADE
Released Test Questions
Science
5
Question Number Correct Answer Standard Year of Release
D
5PS1.A 2005
D
5PS1.A 2007
D
5PS1.B 2007
D
5PS1.C 2004
C
5PS1.C 2006
A
5PS1.C 2008
D
5PS1.E 2007
C
5PS1.E 2004
D
5PS1.F 2006
C
5PS1.G 2006
D
5PS1.H 2005
D
5PS1.H 2008
C
5PS1.I 2007
C
4PS1.A 2005
B
4PS1.A 2008
A
4PS1.C 2006
D
4PS1.C 2008
A
4PS1.E 2006
D
4PS1.F 2004
D
4PS1.F 2005
D
4PS1.G 2004
B
4PS1.G 2007
B
5LS2.A 2006
A
5LS2.B 2007
B
5LS2.B 2008
B
5LS2.C 2007
D
5LS2.C 2004
C
5LS2.C 2006
C
5LS2.D 2005
C
5LS2.E 2005
C
5LS2.F 2004
C
5LS2.F 2008
A
5LS2.G 2005
A
5LS2.G 2008
C
4LS2.B 2005
— 33 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2009 California Department of Education.
GRADE
CALIFORNIA STANDARDS TEST
Released Test Questions
Science
5
Question Number Correct Answer Standard Year of Release
36
C
4LS2.B 2007
37
B
4LS2.C 2007
38
C
4LS2.C 2008
39
D
4LS3.A 2004
40
C
4LS3.A 2008
41
D
4LS3.B 2005
42
B
4LS3.B 2006
43
B
4LS3.C 2004
44
A
4LS3.C 2007
45
A
4LS3.C 2006
46
C
5ES3.A 2004
47
C
5ES3.B 2006
48
A
5ES3.C 2007
49
B
5ES3.D 2005
50
C
5ES4.A 2007
51
D
5ES4.A 2004
52
A
5ES4.B 2008
53
C
5ES4.C 2008
54
A
5ES4.D 2006
55
A
5ES4.E 2007
56
B
5ES5.A 2005
57
D
5ES5.A 2008
58
D
5ES5.B 2004
59
A
5ES5.C 2007
60
C
4ES4.A 2004
61
D
4ES4.A 2008
62
A
4ES4.B 2004
63
D
4ES4.B 2006
64
B
4ES5.A 2007
65
D
4ES5.A 2006
66
B
4ES5.B 2005
67
C
4ES5.B 2008
68
A
4ES5.C 2005
69
B
5IE6.A 2005
70
C
5IE6.B 2004
— 34 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2009 California Department of Education.
CALIFORNIA STANDARDS TEST
GRADE
Released Test Questions
Science
5
Question Number Correct Answer Standard Year of Release
71
C
5IE6.B 2006
72
B
5IE6.F 2008
73
D
4IE6.A 2005
74
A
4IE6.B 2006
75
D
4IE6.D 2004
— 35 —
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based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2009 California Department of Education.
Periodic Table of the Elements
Sodium
Na
11
Atomic number
Element symbol
Element name
Hydrogen
H
1
Lithium
Li
3
Sodium
Na
11
Potassium
19
K
Nickel
Ni
28
Rubidium
Rb
37
Praseodymium
Pr
59
Rutherfordium
Rf
104
Molybdenum
Mo
42
Mendelevium
Md
101
Germanium
Ge
32
1
2
1
2
3
4
71112
13 16
Key
8
5
6
7
910
14 15 17
18
3 4 5 6
Copper
Cu
29
Cobalt
Co
27
Helium
He
2
Boron
B
5
Carbon
C
6
Nitrogen
N
7
Oxygen
O
8
Fluorine
F
9
Neon
Ne
10
Aluminum
Al
13
Silicon
Si
14
Phosphorus
P
15
Sulfur
S
16
Chlorine
Cl
17
Argon
Ar
18
Calcium
Ca
20
Scandium
Sc
21
Titanium
Ti
22
Chromium
Cr
24
Iron
Fe
26
Zinc
Zn
30
Gallium
Ga
31
Arsenic
As
33
Selenium
Se
34
Bromine
Br
35
Krypton
Kr
36
Strontium
Sr
38
Yttrium
Y
39
Zirconium
Zr
40
Niobium
Nb
41
Technetium
Tc
43
Ruthenium
Ru
44
Rhodium
Rh
45
Palladium
46
Silver
Ag
47
Cadmium
Cd
48
Indium
In
49
Tin
Sn
50
Antimony
Sb
51
Tellurium
Te
52
Iodine
I
53
Xenon
Xe
54
Cesium
Cs
55
Barium
Ba
56
Lanthanum
La
57
Hafnium
Hf
72
Tantalum
Ta
73
Tungsten
W
74
Rhenium
Re
75
Osmium
Os
76
Iridium
Ir
77
Platinum
Pt
78
Gold
Au
79
Mercury
Hg
80
Thallium
Tl
81
Lead
Pb
82
Bismuth
Bi
83
Polonium
Po
84
Astatine
At
85
Pd
Radon
Rn
86
Francium
Fr
87
Radium
Ra
88
Actinium
Ac
89
Dubnium
Db
105
Seaborgium
Sg
106
Bohrium
Bh
107
Hassium
Hs
108
Meitnerium
Mt
109
Cerium
Ce
58
Neodymium
Nd
60
Promethium
Pm
61
Samarium
Sm
62
Europium
Eu
63
Gadolinium
Gd
64
Terbium
Tb
65
Dysprosium
Dy
66
Holmium
Ho
67
Erbium
Er
68
Thulium
Tm
69
Ytterbium
Yb
70
Lutetium
Lu
71
Thorium
Th
90
Protactinium
Pa
91
Uranium
U
92
Neptunium
Np
93
Plutonium
Pu
94
Americium
Am
95
Curium
Cm
96
Berkelium
Bk
97
Californium
Cf
98
Einsteinium
Es
99
Fermium
Fm
100
Nobelium
No
102
Lawrencium
Lr
103
Magnesium
Mg
12
Beryllium
Be
4
Vanadium
V
23
Manganese
Mn
25
Turn over for Mineral Information.
California Standards Test
Grade 5 Science Reference Sheet
Copyright © 2009 California Department of Education
Metals
Metalloids (semimetals)
Nonmetals
Mineral Information
Grade 5 Science Reference Sheet
California Standards Test
Mineral Identification Table
Mohs Hardness Scale
Mineral Hardness Luster Streak Color Other
Calcite 3
nonmetallic white
colorless, white bubbles when
acid is placed
on it
Feldspar
6
nonmetallic none colorless, beige,
pink
Galena 2.5 – 3
metallic gray
lead-gray heavy for its size
Gold 2.5 – 3
metallic golden
yellow
yellow used for jewelry
Graphite
1 – 2
metallic black
gray to black feels greasy
Hematite
5 – 6.5
metallic
or
nonmetallic
reddish
brown
silver-gray
or
red
Hornblende
5 – 6
nonmetallic none
dark green to
black
Magnetite
6
metallic black
black
magnetic
Mica 2 – 2.5
nonmetallic none
dark brown, black
or
silver-white
flakes when
peeled
Pyrite 6 – 6.5
metallic greenish
black
brassy yellow called “fool’s
gold”
Quartz 7
nonmetallic none
colorless, white,
rose, smoky,
purple, brown
Talc 1
nonmetallic white
white, greenish
to gray
feels greasy
Corundum
Diamond
Quartz
Topaz
Apatite
Feldspar
Calcite
Fluorite
Talc
Gypsum
6
5
9
10
7
8
4
3
1
2
Hardness Mineral
Fingernail
Copper Penny
Glass
Steel File
2.5
3.2
5.5
6.5
Copyright © 2009 California Department of Education
