NAME: DATE: CLASS:

STAAR Warm Ups #1 - Directions: Complete two questions a day and keep this paper in the “WARM UP” section of your binder.

MONDAY – 1 & 2

1. Aluminum is an element. Which of the following best describes the smallest particles of aluminum that retains all the properties of aluminum?

a. A molecule b. An atom c. A proton d. An electron

2. Gold atoms can be identified based on the number of which subatomic particles?

a. Neutrons b. Electrons c. Nuclei d. Protons

TUESDAY – 3 & 4

3. In areas where limestone is present underneath the soil, continued rains can alter the limestone formation. The limestone can change to a highly porous formation that can lead to the formation of caves and sinkholes. Which process is directly responsible for changing the limestone?

a. Deposition b. Erosion c. Physical Weatheringd. Chemical Weathering

4. Sally noticed that there was a decline in the number of eggs her hens were laying. She decided to investigate if the decline might be caused by the amount of food she was feeding the hens. Which would be the dependent (responding) variable in Sally’s investigation?

a. Number of eggs laid b. Size of the cage c. Amount of food d. Age of hens

WEDNESDAY – 5 & 6

5. Students conduct an investigation with 20 of the same tomato plants. Each plant receives the same amount of water but different amounts of sunlight. The students measure the number of fruits on each plant every day. What is the dependent variable in this investigation?

a. Type of plant b. Amount of water c. Amount of sunlight d. Number of fruits

6. A scientist wants to measure the rate of erosion of a river bank. The scientist knows that the sediments do not settle where the river flows the fastest. Which area would be the best place to measure the greatest amount of erosion?

a. 1b. 2c. 3d. 4

THURSDAY – 7 & 8

7. The development and use of new chemical fertilizers has improved the yield of agricultural crops. Which of the following is the most likely disadvantage of using chemical fertilizers?

a. Runoff containing fertilizers may contaminate nearby surface water. b. Increased agricultural crops may promote insect overpopulation. c. Improved crop output may cause excess carbon dioxide production. d. Excess fertilizer may cause increased weed populations.

8. The series of diagrams shown represent ecological succession.

What type of community is shown in Diagram 1? a. A desert ecosystem b. A tundra ecosystem c. A pioneer community d. A climax community

FRIDAY – 9 & 10

9. Which statement best describes the role of decomposers during the secondary succession process? a. They prevent rock from eroding. b. They break down sand particles. c. They provide food for the plants that will grow. d. They add organic matter to form rich soil.

10. Students were asked to identify the following birds using the dichotomous key shown.

Which statement correctly identifies two of the birds? a. Bird 1 is a Ruby-throated hummingbird

and Bird 2 is a Tufted titmouse. b. Bird 2 is a Great blue heron and Bird 3 is

an Ovenbird. c. Bird 2 is a Red-tailed hawk and Bird 3 is

a Killdeer. d. Bird 1 is an Ovenbird and Bird 3 is a

Tufted titmouse.