Objective 1

The student will demonstrate and

understanding of the nature of
science

1. Scientific Processes
Biology and Integrated Physics
and Chemistry
The student, for at least 40% of
instructional time, conducts field and
laboratory investigations using safe,
environmentally appropriate and ethical
practices. The student is expected to:
A) Demonstrate safe practices during field
and laboratory investigations.

1A Bio
C 10-04

A science class is conducting an experiment

that produces noxious fumes. Because of
inadequate ventilation, some students begin to
feel nauseated and dizzy. The first response
should be to --A neutralize the acid that is reacting to produce
the noxious fumes
B carry the reactants outside, away from other
students
C leave the room and go to an area with fresh
air
D spray the reaction with a fire extinguisher

1A Bio
D 10-03

Laboratory equipment is cleaned and properly

stored after use primarily so that --A. Chemical products can be measured
and recorded as data
B. Time is saved in setting up the next
experiment
C. Toxic materials can be kept in the
laboratory
D. The possibility of contamination in
the laboratory is minimized

1A Bio
B 11/05

This picture indicates that the chemical

represented is --A.pressurized
B.corrosive
C.flammable
D.toxic

1A Bio
C 11/04

The diagram shows an experimental setup. Which of these

questions was this experiment designed to answer?
A. Does water boil when exposed to air?
B. Will fire turn a gas into a liquid?
C. Does air expand when heated?
D. Will heat turn a gas into a solid?

1A
Bio
A 11/04

Reactions that produce toxic gases should be

performed in a ---

A. Laboratory fume hood

B. Beaker with a watch glass on top
C. Well-ventilated area of the lab
D. Warm, airtight drying oven

1A Bio
C 10-03

The reason for wafting or fanning a small amount

of chemical vapors toward the nose as a means
to detect odors in a test tube is to --A. Avoid experimental error from excessive
loss of mass of reactants or products
B. Avoid splashing chemicals into the face of
any person
C. Protect the respiratory tract against
potentially harmful vapors
D. Determine the relative strength of the odor
before smelling directly

1A Bio
Powerful Plankton
The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory has created an experimental A 10-04
marine fuel cell that could produce enough electricity to power oceanmonitoring devices. This fuel cell runs on seawater and sediment, with the
help of plankton. Some plankton on the surface of ocean sediments use
dissolved oxygen to break down organic matter, releasing energy; this is an
aerobic process. The plankton in the deeper sediments break down
organic matter without using oxygen; this is an anaerobic process. These
two processes create a difference in voltage between the surface of the
sediment and the sediment farther down in the seabed, The voltage
difference can be used to produce electricity up to 5.0 x 10 -2 watts of
power. Energy supplied by this type of fuel cell can be obtained as long as
there is organic matter in the sediment.

Which safety precaution should be observed while analyzing

sediment from a marine aquarium?
A. Wear rubber gloves
B. Use a fume hood
C. Avoid using glassware
D. Have a fire extinguisher nearby

1A Bio

An activity is designed that allows a student to observe

the temperature changes in a cup of water. A piece of
metal taken from a beaker of boiling water is placed in
a cup containing water at room temperature. A glass
alcohol thermometer is used to measure temperature
changes.

A safety checklist for this activity should include the presence

of a proper fire extinguisher and all of the following items
except a --A. Fire blanket
B. Receptacle for broken glass
C. Laboratory apron
D. Squeeze bottle

D 1004

Potential Hazards of Petroleum, Naphtha, Hexane,

Toluene, and Acetone
May cause eye, skin, nose, and throat irritation. Inhaling or
swallowing vapors may be harmful or fatal. Known to
cause birth defects. Vapor may ignite explosively.

The ingredients described above are used to make a bonding

agent. The most important safety precaution to take when
applying this bonding agent is to ---

A. Dry it with a small flame

B. Work in a well-ventilated area
C. Cover the work area with newspaper
D. Wear a lab coat

1A Bio
D 10/04

1A Bio
C
10/06

In which part of this process

should safety precautions be
planned?
A. Q
B. R
C. S
D. T

1A Bio

Examining Owl Pellets

1.
2.
3.
4.

B 11/05

Obtain owl pellet and place in a dissecting tray

Carefully break open the owl pellet with forceps and dissectin
Remove fur and feathers from the bones
Group the recovered bones into mammal and bird skeletons

When performing this activity, students must

remember to --A. Label the equipment used
B. Keep hands away from face and mouth
C. Sterilize the dissecting needle before use
D. Disinfect the fur and feathers removed from the
pellet

1A Bio
A 11/05

The anatomy of grasshoppers is being studied in a

dissection lab. Working in groups of three, students
make observations using a hand lens, forceps, and a
scalpel. Two of the students in a group have finished
their observations. These two students may do all of
the following except --A. remove their goggles
B. review their notes
C. wash their hands
D. assist their lab partner

1A Bio
A
11/06

The label shown above contains information about some

harmful effects of acetone. A group of students plans to use
acetone to rinse out a glass container. A second group of
students is working at the same lab table. Which of the
following lab procedures should the second group of students
avoid?
A.
B.
C.
D.

Heating water with an open flame

Pouring hydrochloric acid into a beaker
Filtering precipitates from a liquid solution
Collecting oxygen from plants in a test tube

1A Bio
C 11/04

Classification symbols for certain fire extinguishers

are shown below. Which class of fire extinguisher
should be used when a hot plate overheats and
catches on fire?
A

1A Bio
D 11-04

All of these procedures

must be followed when
using the setup to the
left except ---

A. Putting on safety goggles

B. Handling the beaker with tongs
C. Securing loose clothing
D. Wearing rubber gloves

1A
Bio
11-03

The safest way to dilute concentrated sulfuric acid

is to add ___
A. a series of small volumes of water to the acid
while stirring
B. the acid to water slowly while stirring constantly
C. the acid to a small volume of water and then
add more water
D. dilute sulfuric acid to a small volume of the
concentrated acid

The safest way to dilute concentrated sulfuric acid

is to add ___
A. a series of small volumes of water to the acid
while stirring
B. the acid to water slowly while stirring constantly
C. the acid to a small volume of water and then
add more water
D. dilute sulfuric acid to a small volume of the
concentrated acid

2. Scientific Processes
Biology and Integrated Physics and
Chemistry
The student uses scientific methods during field and
laboratory investigations. The student is expected
to:
A) Plan and implement investigative procedures
including asking questions, formulating testable
hypothesis, and selecting equipment and
technology;
B) Collect data and take measurements with precision;
C) organize, analyze, evaluate, make inferences, and
predict trends from data; and
D) Communicate valid conclusions.

Time Required for Water Evaporation

Container

Volume of
Water
(mL)

25

25

Temperature
(oC)

-15

25

Time
Required
(h)

72

24

The table shows times required for water to evaporate from identical
containers. Which of these is the best question to ask before
developing a reasonable hypothesis to explain the data?
A Why does a lower temperature slow the rate of evaporation?
B What is the boiling point of the water after both samples are
heated?
C Why does water exist as a solid at -15oC and as a liquid at 25oC?
D How does the rate of evaporation change when a different
container is used?

2A
Bio
A

A scientist has hypothesized that the

existence of life on Mars is likely because Mars
atmosphere is 95% carbon dioxide.

Which question is valid in testing this hypothesis?

A Do most other scientists agree with the hypothesis?

B Could abiotic processes account for the carbon
dioxide?
C What is the percent of argon compared to carbon
dioxide in the Martian atmosphere?
D Have the scientists other predictions about Mars been
validated?

2A
Bio
B

A De-Icing Experiment
Some species of plants that commonly grow
near roadways are used in an experiment. The
plant species are divided into control groups and
experimental groups. All groups are grown under
identical conditions except that the experimental
groups are given daily applications of a de-icing
solution that is used on roadways in winter. At
the end of one month, the growth of the control
group and experimental groups is compared.

2A
Bio
D
11/06

Which of the following is the most likely hypothesis for the

experiment described above?
A Vegetation that grows near roadways requires more water than
vegetation in other areas.
B De-icing solution causes roadways to have more space for
vegetation.
C Vegetation near roadways changes the effectiveness of de-icing
solution.
D De-icing solution affects some types of vegetation that grows
near roadways.

2A
Bio
D
11/06

Beaker 1
(10 cm from light)

Beaker 2
(50 cm from light)

Beaker 3
(90 cm from light)

The picture shows an experiment designed to investigate biochemical activity in a water

plant in a dark room. Over time, bubbles can be easily observed and counted as they
escape the funnel. The number of bubbles is an indicator of the rate of photosynthesis.
Which of these data tables best reflects that expected results of this experiment?

Beakers

Number of
Bubbles/Minute

Beakers

Number of
Bubbles/Minute

15

15

15

20

15

Beakers

Number of
Bubbles/Minute

Beakers

Number of
Bubbles/Minute

10

20

10

20

2A Bio
B 1004

In experiments, a benefit of larger sample sizes

would be more --A. variables
B. representative data
C. time per group
D. control groups

2A BIO
C 10-04

An engineer has created a new engine for race

cars. It is necessary to know which fuel mixture
will allow the engine to run at its peak
performance. Which experimental design is
best for this investigation?
A. Use one fuel mixture on the engine and
measure its performance
B. Use one fuel mixture on many types of
engines and measure their performance
C. Use various fuel mixtures on the engine and
measure its performance
D. Use various fuels on many types of engines
and measure their performance

2A Bio

The following boxes represent a field. Which

pattern for collecting 10 samples would provide the
best data for identifying the types of plants in a
field?
XXXXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
X

A
XXXXX

X
X

XX

XXX
D

X
X

XX

XXX

B 10-03

Two science students discovered that the mass of a

sample of acetone in an open beaker decreased within a
few minutes. One student hypothesized that the acetone
reacted with oxygen to form a gaseous compound that
escaped. The other believed that the acetone evaporated
into the air. What should the students do to test these
hypotheses?

2A Bio
HC

A. Combine the hypotheses so they give valid predictions

of the acetones behavior
B. Conduct a study of original papers describing the
experiments leading to acetones discovery
C. Perform an experiment that attempts to identify the gas
above the open beaker
D. Ask a classmates opinion about the chemical and
physical properties of acetone

The following hypothesis refers to iron in the topsoil on an island

formed from limestone.

Hypothesis: Much of the iron found in the

topsoil of the island was carried from Africa
by huge dust clouds.

Which study would most likely be used to investigate

this hypothesis?
A
B
C
D

Tracking dust clouds with satellite photos

Determining the effects of iron on limestone
Calculating erosion rates in African limestone mines
Analyzing the content of comet dust clouds

2A
Bio
A
11/05

Experimental Results
Material

Conducts
No

Copper

Electricity
Yes

Glass

Chalk

Silver

2A
Bio
D
11/05

Wood

Sulfur

Tin

Zinc

According to these data, which question was most likely by this

activity?
A
B
C
D

How warm do materials get when placed in an electric circuit?

Will an electric current change a metal into a nonmetal?
Which material requires the greatest voltage in an electric circuit?
Can an electric current be used to distinguish metals from other
materials?

2A
Bio
C
11/04

A ruler placed between one students fingers and thumb is released without warning.
A second student catches the ruler. The distance the ruler falls is recorded. This
experiment is most likely designed to determine the --A
B
C
D

effects of stress on the first students heart rate

acceleration of the ruler during its fall
second students reaction time to a stimulus
force applied on a falling mass

Objects of the same mass but of different sizes

and shape were dropped from a given height.
Their rates of free fall were measured and
recorded. Which of the following is most likely the
question this experiment was designed to answer?
A How does height affect the force of gravity?
B How does gravity affect objects of different
densities?
C How do mass and weight affect falling objects?
D How do size and shape affect an objects rate
of free fall?

2A
Bio
D
10/03

2A
Bio
D
11/04

Which set of equipment would be best to use to

test the effect of temperature on solution acidity?
A
B
C
D

A balance and a thermometer

A pH meter and a barometer
A balance and litmus paper
A thermometer and a pH meter

2A
Bio
B
10/04

Which lab setup would be appropriate to use in

heating 100 mL of water to the boiling point?

A
B
C
D

A 10 mL test tube held above a Bunsen burner

A 200 mL beaker placed on a hot plate
A thermal coil inside a 100 mL cylinder
A sealed 300 mL flask in a warm-water bath

2A
Bio
C
11/06

A medical researcher hypothesizes that a newly

developed medication can reduce high blood
pressure. Which of these would most likely be the
dependent variable in a study involving this
medication?
A The number of participants in the study
B The ages of people treated for high blood
pressure with other medication
C The blood pressure of the participants in the
study
D The number of people treated for high blood
pressure with other medications

2A
Bio
D
11/06

Similar sprigs of elodea were placed in four test tubes. Each test
tube contained water with a different concentration of salt ranging
from 0 to 3 percent. The length of each sprig was measured after 10
days. Which of these questions can best be answered with this
experimental setup?
A
B
C
D

Can the amount of salt in the water help elodea avoid disease?
What happens to salt as elodea sues water?
Will elodea increase the amount of salt in the water?
Does the amount of salt in the water affect elodea growth?

The following hypothesis refers to iron in the topsoil found on an

island formed from limestone.

2A
Bio
A
11/06

Hypothesis: Much of the iron found in the

topsoil of the island was carried from Africa by
huge dust clouds.

Which study would most likely be used to investigate this hypothesis?

A
B
C
D

Tracking dust clouds with satellite photos

Determining the effects of iron on limestone
Calculating erosion rates in African limestone mines
Analyzing the content of comet dust clouds

2A
Bio
A
11/05

A valid study would include a control group containing --A bean seed, tomato seed, sunflower seed, an water
B water and 2% root hormone
C water only
D bean seed, tomato seed, sunflower seed, water, and 1% root
hormone

Students placed equal amounts of bread

mold on 12 identical agar plates
containing the same amounts and types
of nutrients. Four plates were kept at
0oC, four were kept at 45oC, and four
were kept at 22oC (room temperature).
The plates were examined after five days.

Which of the following was probably the hypothesis for this

experiment?
A The growth of bread mold increases as temperature increases.
B The type of nutrient causes bread mold to grow faster at higher
temperatures.
C The size of the plates determines the temperature of bread
mold.
D The temperature of bread mold is determined by the molds
growth.

2A
Bio
A 1104

Moon Chemistry

2A Bio
C 1104

Samples collected by Apollo astronauts have provided new data about the moon. Some of
these samples consisted of lunar soil, a fine-grained, sand-like material produced as a result of
the destruction of moon rocks. Traces of beryllium-10 were found in the samples. Beryllium-10
is carried by the solar wind, which transports elements from the suns surface and deposits them
on the moon.
The solar wind may also result in the formation of new substances. Tiny teardrops of iron and
specks of molybdenum were found inside the particles of lunar soil. This is interesting because
these elements have not been found in an uncombined state on Earth. The metal oxides they
originally were part of were possibly changed when bombarded by the positively charged
particles of the solar wind.
Another interesting find was tiny (1 to 3 micrometers in length) crystals of silver sulfide.
Because similar particles are found on Earth, it has been hypothesized that these crystals were
created at a time when the moon had a molten core.

Which procedure is best to use when determining the density of a rock?

A. Place the rock in a water-filled beaker and find the height at which the rock
floats above water.
B. Use a ruler to measure the rocks dimensions and then find its mass using
an analytical balance.
C. Measure the mass of the rock on a balance and then find the volume of
water it displaces in a graduated cylinder.
D. Place the rock in three liquids with different densities and observe which
liquid the rock floats in.

2A
Bio
A
10/03

Which of these is a hypothesis that can be tested

through experimentation?
A Bacterial growth increases exponentially as
temperature increases.
B A fishs ability to taste food is affected by the
clarity of aquarium water.
C Tadpoles fear of carnivorous insect larvae
increases as the tadpoles age.
D The number of times a dog wags its tail
indicates how content the dog is.

2A
Bio
B
11/06

A student is working with four beakers that each contain a

clear liquid. Which set of procedures would be best to use
to determine whether one of the beakers contains only
distilled water?

Only 10% of the electrical energy operating a

lightbulb is changed into visible light. Which
instrument helps identify the energy change
occurring to most of the remaining 90%?
A
B
C
D

Triple-beam balance
Thermometer
Magnifying glass
Prism

2A
Bio
B
11/05

Hypothesis: At the end of each summer, Texas

red oak (Quercus buckleyi) leaves turn red and
fall off the trees. This is most likely caused by
changes in air temperature and sunlight
intensity.

Which equipment is most useful when

measuring the two environmental changes
mentioned above?
A.
B.
C.
D.

Barometer and voltmeter

Light meter and barometer
Voltmeter and thermometer
Thermometer and light meter

2A Bio
D
10/06

2A
Bio
D
11/06

In an activity, a ball is dropped from a height of 100 cm onto five

different materials. The rebound height of each drop is shown in
the graph. Which of the following describes the hypothesis most
likely being tested?
A
B
C
D

The mass of the ball affects the rebound height.

The material the ball is made of affects the rebound height.
The height the ball is dropped from affects the rebound height.
The surface the ball is dropped onto affects the rebound height.

2A
Bio
D
11/05

The diagram shows a classroom setup for an experiment. This

experiment was probably designed to determine wood lice -A
B
C
D

social behaviors
activity patterns
speed
habitat preferences

2A
Bio
D
10/06

Which of the following is most useful in

determining the kinetic energy of a 50 g
battery-powered car traveling a distance of
10 m?
A
B
C
D

Beaker
Voltmeter
Thermometer
Stopwatch

2A
Bio
C
11/05

The picture above shows a

compound microscope. What
part of the microscope should
be used to adjust the amount of
light illuminating a prepared
slide?
A
B
C
D

Eyepiece
Rotating nosepiece
Diaphragm
Coarse-focus knob

2A
Bio
B
11/06

Which of these could be used to determine

whether a substance is a base?
A
B
C
D

Thermometer
Litmus paper
Balance
Bunsen burner

Black-and-White Negatives

2A
Bio
11/06

Before digital cameras were available, photographs could be made only with cameras that
used photographic film. These cameras are still in use today.
Photographic film contains a light-sensitive layer of chemicals. These chemicals are silver
halide granules. As light rays travel through a camera lens, they bend and are focused onto
the photographic film. When exposed to light, the halide granules are activated in different
amounts depending on the intensity of the light that strikes them. This forms a photographic
image on the film.
After the pictures are taken, the exposed film is processed in a laboratory. The film is
placed in a solution that reacts chemically with the silver halide granules, forming black
metallic silver. The black silver is thickest in the areas of the film exposed to the most intense
light and thinnest in the areas exposed to the least intense light.
After a roll of film is processed, it is called a negative. This is because it contains negative
images of the pictures that were taken. When light is projected through the negatives onto
photosensitive paper, the areas with the thickest silver become the lightest, and the areas with
the thinnest silver become the darkest.
The diagram shows both a negative image and a positive image of a tree. The negative
image represents an image on the negative, and the positive image represents the same
image on photo paper.

Black-and-White Negatives

2A
Bio
B
11/06

Before digital cameras were available, photographs could be made only with cameras that used
photographic film. These cameras are still in use today.
Photographic film contains a light-sensitive layer of chemicals. These chemicals are silver halide
granules. As light rays travel through a camera lens, they bend and are focused onto the photographic film.
When exposed to light, the halide granules are activated in different amounts depending on the intensity of
the light that strikes them. This forms a photographic image on the film.
After the pictures are taken, the exposed film is processed in a laboratory. The film is placed in a
solution that reacts chemically with the silver halide granules, forming black metallic silver. The black silver
is thickest in the areas of the film exposed to the most intense light and thinnest in the areas exposed to the
least intense light.
After a roll of film is processed, it is called a negative. This is because it contains negative images of the
pictures that were taken. When light is projected through the negatives onto photosensitive paper, the
areas with the thickest silver become the lightest, and the areas with the thinnest silver become the darkest.
The diagram shows both a negative image and a positive image of a tree. The negative image
represents an image on the negative, and the positive image represents the same image on photo paper.

Which of these tools is most useful in identifying the

wavelengths of visible light?
A
B
C
D

Convex lens
Spectroscope
Microscope
Concave mirror

2A Bio
D 10/06

Hypothesis: At the end of each summer, Texas

red oak (Quercus buckleyi) leaves turn red and
fall off the trees. This is most likely caused by
changes in air temperature and sunlight
intensity.

Which equipment is most useful when

measuring the two environmental changes
mentioned above?
A.
B.
C.
D.

Barometer and voltmeter

Light meter and barometer
Voltmeter and thermometer
Thermometer and light meter

Soap-Making Project
Materials
125 mL cooking oil
100 mL H2O
10 g NaOH
Safety goggles
Apron
500 mL beaker
Stirring rod
Procedures:
Measure and add 100 mL of H2O to 125 mL of cooking
oil and mix thoroughly.
Carefully and slowly add 10 g of NaOH while stirring
constantly.
Stir until paste forms.
Pour the paste into a mold and let it sit for two days.
Remove the solid bar from the mold.
Caution:
Keep this soap away from the face and eyes because
traces of
NaOH may still be present on the soap bar. Use this soap
for washing floors and tools only.

4B
IPC
D
11/05

Which two pieces of

equipment should be
added to the materials list
for this activity?
A Graduated cylinder and
metric ruler
B Metric ruler and
stopwatch
C Magnifying glass and
balance
D Graduated cylinder and
balance

2A
Bio
H
11/04

Which is the best question to ask before developing a reasonable hypothesis

for the phenomenon shown above?
A Why does water crystallize into a solid below 0oC instead of remaining a liquid?
B How will the freezing time from 20oC to -15oC change if each container is covered?
C Why does boiling the water cause it to freeze more quickly when cooled from 20oC
to -15oC?
D What is the precise boiling point of the water in Sample A after it has been heated?

2A Bio
A
10-03

The diagram shows

different setups of an
experiment to determine
how sharks find their prey.
Which experimental setup
is the control?
A
B
C
D

Q
R
S
T

Habitat

Productivity
(g/m2/yr)

Bird Diversity
(average number of species/km2)

Marsh

2000

14

Grassland

500

12

Shrub land

600

Desert

70

Coniferous forest

800

17

Upland deciduous forest

1000

21

Floodplain deciduous forest

2000

24

2A Bio
B 11/04

Which question could be formed based on these data?

A
B
C
D

What types of plants have increased productivity in different habitats?

Is there a relationship between productivity and bird diversity in a habitat?
How does the number of birds in a population affect habitats?
Do habitats display changes in productivity and bird diversity during different
seasons?

Initial Velocity
of Ball
(m/s)

Calculate
d
Distance
(m)

Actual
Distance
(m)

2.0

0.52

0.51

4.0

2.07

2.01

8.0

8.30

7.90

Mass of metal ball:

Vertical height off ground, h:

2A
Bio
B
11/04

0.066 kg
0.89 m

A catapult was designed to project a small metal ball at a target. The resulting
data are shown in the table. Which of these might explain the difference
between the calculated and actual distances?
A The ball landed short of the calculated distance because of an increase in
momentum.
B Air resistance caused the ball to land short of the calculated distance.
C Initial mass of the ball changed with each trial.
D The metal ball was too small for accurate measurements to be made.

2B Bio
D
10-03

Which of the following shows the length of a rubber

strip measured precisely to 2.22 centimeters?

2B Bio
B 1003

Which of the following pieces of equipment would be

most appropriate for measuring the volume of a
marble?

2B Bio
C 11/05

Which piece of equipment would be used to precisely

measure the volume of an acid?

This experiment probably was set

up to determine --A. how much mechanical energy
the battery produces
B. the pH of water during
electrolysis
C. the pressure created by an
electric current
D. how much energy is
converted to heat

2B
Bio
1103

This experiment probably was set

up to determine --A. how much mechanical energy
the battery produces
B. the pH of water during
electrolysis
C. the pressure created by an
electric current

D. how much energy is

converted to heat

2B
Bio

The picture shows the position of a ball

every 0.25 second on a photogram. Using
a ruler, determine the velocity of the ball

A.3.5 cm/s
B.10.5 cm/s
C.14.0 cm/s
D.28.0 cm/s

1103

The picture shows the position of a ball

every 0.25 second on a photogram. Using
a ruler, determine the velocity of the ball

A.3.5 cm/s
B.10.5 cm/s

C.14.0 cm/s
D.28.0 cm/s

Four lab groups measured the volume of acid required to neutralize a

standard solution of sodium hydroxide. Which of the groups measured
the volume with the highest precision?

2B
Bio
D 1103

2B Bio
D
10/04

In the diagram above, one cell creates and releases chemicals that travel to
a second cell and quickly induce that cell into action. This diagram
represents part of the --A
B
C
D

endocrine system
skeletal system
muscular system
nervous system

2B Bio
A
11/06
11/05

Which of these is the most appropriate unit of measure

for reporting the density of a solid?
A
B
C
D

g/cm3
g/cm
g/L2
g/mm2

2B Bio

Louis Pasteurs Experiment

A
11/06

Like many other scientific breakthroughs, the discovery of immunization happened by accident.
In 1880 Louis Pasteur was trying to protect chickens from cholera. To study the disease, Pasteur and his
assistants gave injections of cholera bacteria to several groups of chickens. The chickens usually died from
cholera after being injected with the bacteria. However, one group of chickens survived. Pasteur noticed
that these chickens had been injected with a six-week old batch of cholera bacteria.
Pasteurs assistants prepared new colonies of cholera bacteria and injected these chickens a second
time. They also injected a group of chickens that had not been previously injected. Pasteur was surprised
that the chickens that had been injected previously with the old bacteria remained healthy, while all the
chickens in the second group became sick and died.
This is how Pasteur came to discover that exposure to weakened pathogens can provide immunity from
disease. The idea was later used to protect animals from serious diseases. Today immunizations help
protect people from many illnesses.

Which of these probably served as the most useful data after Pasteur
injected a group of chickens with bacteria from the older culture?
A
B
C
D

The health and behavior of the injected chickens

The total number of cholera cases observed
The changes in the shape and color of the bacterial colonies
The recovery rate of chickens previously infected with cholera

2B Bio

Which piece of equipment should be used to precisely measure

40.0 mL of a dilute sodium hydroxide solution?

C
11/06

Masses of Reactants and Products

Trial

Reactant 1
Mass
(g)

Reactant 2
Mass
(g)

Product
Mass
(g)

32

24

32

24

55

32

24

66

32

24

28

The chart shows the results of a conservation-of-mass

experiment. The most accurate trial for this experiment was --A
B
C
D

Trial 1
Trial 2
Trial 3
Trial 4

2B Bio
G
11/06

2B Bio
C
11/06

Three liquids were poured into a beaker and formed three layers.
Which conclusion is best supported by the information above?
A
B
C
D

The mass of Liquid 2 is greater than the mass of Liquid 3.

The volume of liquid 1 is lass than the volume of Liquid 3.
The density of Liquid 3 is greater than the density of Liquid 2.
The buoyancy of Liquid 2 is greater that the buoyancy of Liquid 1.

2B Bio
A
11/05,
11/06

Two students measured the length of the same stick, each using a
different 30 cm ruler. One student reported a length of 22 cm, and
the other reported a length of 8 cm. The most likely explanation
for the difference in the reported values is that one --A
B
C
D

student improperly read the ruler

ruler was metal and the other ruler was plastic
student viewed the ruler from a different angle
ruler was constructed with non-standard cm marks

2B Bio
J
11/04

These data were gathered by four groups of students. Each

group performed four trials to determine the acceleration rate of
a toy car. Which group had the most consistent data?
A
B
C
D

Group Q
Group R
Group S
Group T

2B Bio
C
10/06

What volume should be reported for the

solution in this graduated cylinder?
A. 64.0 mL
B. 56.2 mL
C. 56.0 mL
D. 50.6 mL

Density of Seawater from the

Gulf of Mexico
Density
(g/mL)

Group 1

Group 2

Group 3

Group 4

Trial 1

0.998

1.052

1.008

1.019

Trial 2

1.020

1.054

0.986

1.018

Trial 3

1.051

1.053

1.039

1.029

Average

1.023

1.053

1.011

1.022

The chart shows the density of seawater samples

collected from the Gulf of Mexico by four different groups.
Which groups data are most precise?
A. Group 1
B. Group 2
C. Group 3
D. Group 4

2B Bio
B
10/06

2B Bio
D
11/04

The table shows four mass readings of one object as

measured by four different balances. Which balance
produced the most-consistent measurements?
A
B
C
D

Q
R
S
T

2B
Bio
B
10/03

Which of the following will allow measurement of a

liquids volume with the greatest precision?
A
B
C
D

50 mL cylinder graduated in 1 mL increments

100 mL cylinder graduated in 0.5 mL increments
100 mL cylinder graduated in 1 mL increments
200 mL cylinder graduated in 5 mL increments

2B
Bio
2.4
11/05

The pictures above show two organisms. Measure their body

lengths to the nearest tenth of a centimeter. What is the difference
between the body lengths of the grasshopper and the cricket to the
nearest tenth?
A
B
C
D

2.0 cm
2.4 cm
6.0 cm
3.6 cm

2B
Bio
H
11/04

Which of these will give the most precise measure of a

10-millimeter volume?

2B Bio
D
11/04

The illustration shows volume levels of a liquid in a graduated cylinder before and after a
sample was removed. According to this information, what was the volume of the sample to the
nearest millimeter?
A 38
B 47
C 11
D 9

2B Bio
D 1004

Which of the following procedures should be used in

finding the mass of crystals?
A Pour the excess crystals back into the original
container
B Put the crystals on the outer part of the balance
pan for massing
C Pour wastes down the sink with plenty of water
D Use weighing paper on the balance pan

2B
Bio
A
11/04

What is the volume reading for the solution in the pipette?

A
B
C
D

19.4 mL
19.6 mL
20.4 mL
20.6 mL

2B
BIO
B 10-04

The cloud conditions above are typical of locations near a

warm front. According to these data, what are the most
likely sky conditions for waco?
A
B
C
D

Cirrus clouds
Altostratus clouds
Stratus clouds
Clear skies

2C
Bio
D

Which graph best shows the comparison of the elements to the total composition of the copper ore?

2C
BIO
A
10/04

The graph shows this distance traveled by a vehicle over a

certain period of time. Which segment of the graph shows the
vehicle moving with the greatest speed?
A
B
C
D

L
M
N
O

2C
BIO
200
11/06

The graph shows how the momentum of a given mass change

during a period of motion. According to the information, what
is the momentum in kg m/s at 2.75 seconds?
A
B
C
D

230
200
150
100

2C
BIO
D 11/06

The graph shows how the voltage needed to maintain a

constant current of 1.5 amps through a wire conductor varies
with the length of the wire. If the trend continues, what is the
most likely voltage needed to maintain a 1.5-amp current
through 80 meters of the wire?
A
B
C
D

10 volts
18 volts
250 volts
400 volts

2C
BIO
D
11/05

According to the periodic table and the information above,

which element has this electron configuration?
A
B
C
D

Sodium
Neon
Magnesium
Argon

2C
BIO
A
11/06

The bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis produce protein crystals

that are toxic to the digestive system of insects. How can
these bacteria be used to control insects in crops?
A
B
C
D

Apply the bacteria to growing plants.

Expose the bacteria to low levels of light.
Remove plants from areas containing the bacteria
Treat the bacteria with a solution of the protein crystals.

2C

A researcher determined the percentage of electrical energy transformed into

different forms of energy by a toaster. The best way to communicate these
results is to display the data using a ---

A
B
C
D

histogram
circle graph
line graph
box-whisker graph

BIO
B
11/05

Use the information below and your knowledge

of science to answer the next question

Gas Sylvestre
Early alchemists were able to produce various kinds of gases by
mixing different substances together. However, it was not until the early
1600s that a Belgian physician, J.B. van Helmont, first used the term
gas.
Van Helmont concentrated his study on a gas he obtained from
burning wood. He called this substance gas sylvestre, which means
gas from wood. He demonstrated that gas sylvestre also formed
when limestone reacted with an acid solution. Van Helmont determined
that the gas was denser than air and occurred naturally in the lower
chambers of the Grotto del Cane, a cave in Italy. He noticed that the
atmosphere in the lower cave did not support animal life. He also
observed that the process of fermentation produced gas sylvestre.
Today gas sylvestre is known by a more familiar name carbon dioxide.
Center for Microscale Gas Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Creightion University
Omaha, Nebraska 68178. http://mattson.creighton.edu/History_Gas_Chemistry/vanHelmont.html

2C IPC
11/06

Properties of Some Gases

Gas

Hydrogen

Oxygen

Carbon Dioxide

Chlorine

Molecular Mass
(amu)

32

44

71

Density
(g/L, at 0C)

0.09

1.43

1.98

3.21

Boiling Point
(C)

-253

-183

-78*

-35

Solubility in Water
(L/L H2O; at 20C)

0.02

0.03

0.88

2.30

2C IPC
B
11/06

*sublimes
(changes directly
from solid into gas)

Which of these statements is best supported by the information

in the table?
A. Carbon dioxide an oxygen have similar chemical properties.
B. The density of the gases increases as their molecular mass
increases.
C. Chlorine and hydrogen boil at the same temperature.
D. The solubility of the gases decreases as their density
increases.

2C
BIO
C
11/04

2C
BIO
C
11/04

2C
BIO
A
10/04

2C
BIO

D
11/04

2C BIO
D
10/04

2C BIO

Enzyme X
Pathway in
Neurospora

Precursor

Enzyme Y

Ornithine

Enzyme Z

Citrulline

B 10/04

Arginine

Group 1

Group 2

Group 3

Group 4

Supplement to
Minimal Medium

No supplement
added

Ornithine added

Citrulline added

Arginie added

Growth to Mutant
Neurospora

No growth

No growth

Growth present

Growth present

The diagram above shows the biochemical pathway that

produces arginine, an amino acid required by an organism
called Neurospora. The table shows the response of a mutant
strain of Neurospora to supplements in its food supply. This
mutant strain must lack the enzyme that acts on --A
B
C
D

the precursor
ornithine
citrulline
arginine

2C BIO
H
10/04

Observing an approaching thunderstorm and

using a stopwatch, a student finds that it takes
8.40 seconds for thunder to be heard after a
lightning bolt strikes. The student has learned
that it takes 3.0 seconds for sound to travel
1000 m. How far away is the storm?

www.weatherstreet.com
www.weatherquestions.com/what_causes_lightning.htm

A
B
C
D

119 m
185 m
2800 m
8400 m

2C BIO
B
10/06

The graph shows mercury levels found in sediments, prey animals, and
adult shorebirds in a bay along the Gulf Coast. Which inference can
best be drawn from these data?

A. Mercury levels are elevated by the presence of shorebirds.

B. Mercury concentrations are highest in shorebirds.
C. Mercury is produced by sediments.
D. Mercury assures the survival of prey animals.

Average Radius of Trees in a

Forest
Age of trees
Average Radius
(years
(cm)
1

2.2

2.6

2C BIO
C
10/06

3
4
5
6

4.4

The data table shows how the thickness of tree trunks in a certain forest
is related to tree age. Use these data to plot points on a graph. Draw a
straight line to show a linear relationship for the data. According to these
data, what is the most likely average radius of 4-year-old trees in this
forest?

A. 3.0 cm
B. 3.3 cm
C. 3.6 cm
D. 3.9 cm

2C BIO
B
11/04

According to this information, what is the best

prediction for the boiling point of the sevencarbon alcohol?
A 169oC
B 178oC
C 186oC
D 192oC

Mass of Remaining Carbon-14

(grams)

Decay of a 10-Gram Sample of Carbon-14

Time
(thousands of years)

According to the graph, what is the approximate half-life of

carbon-14?
A 5.7 years
B 5,700 years
C 23,000 years
D 1,000,000 years

2C BIO
B 11/04

2C
BIO

Enzyme X
Base
Substance

Enzyme Y
Ornithine

Enzyme Z
Citrulline

D 11/04

Arginine

This diagram shows the biochemical pathway that produces

arginine in Neurospora, a mold. Neurospora is easily grown
on a simple jelly-like medium. Different substances can be
added to the medium. A mutant Neurospora lacking Enzyme
Y would have to have which of these added to its medium in
order to survive?
A
B
C
D

Enzyme X
Ornithine
Enzyme Z
Citrulline

Spring Stretch
Force
(N)

L
(cm)

0.98

3.5

1.96

7.0

2.94

10.5

According to the data in the table, about how far can a spring
be expected to stretch when a force of 3.92 N is applied?
A
B
C
D

10.5 cm
13.6 cm
14.0 cm
17.3 cm

2C BIO
C 1104

2C BIO
C 1105

2C
BIO
A 1003

2C
BIO
C 1004

2C Bio
F
10-04

2C Bio
B
10/04

Watersheds

2C Bio
The San Antonio-Nueces Coastal Basin, shown in the map below, consists mainly of flatland. The soil in D
10/06

the area is mostly sandy and porous. Rainfall that collects in this area drains into the Gulf of Mexico by a
series of waterways.

The San Antonio-Nueces Coastal Basin is one of more than 20 major watersheds in Texas. A watershed
is a geographic area that drains water collected on its surface. Watersheds provide a way for water to move
from areas of higher elevation to areas of lower elevation. Sediment and dissolved materials are also moved
to lower elevations.
Rivers and streams form a general pattern within a watershed. The map shows this general pattern within
the San Antonio-Nueces Coastal Basin. This type of pattern is called a dendritic pattern and can be observed
in many natural structures, including the network of nerves in the human nervous system and branching
patterns in trees.
Watersheds can change as the geography and other features of an area change. Some of the causes of
change are more obvious than others. For example, the clearing of wooded areas for the construction of
buildings may change the way rainfall collects and drains from an area.

In which general direction do rivers flow

in this watershed?
A. North
B. West
C. Northwest
D. Southeast

2C Bio
C
11/05

2C Bio
G
11/06

2C Bio
A
11/05

2C Bio
A
11/06

2C Bio
D
11/05

2C
Bio
B
11/04

2C
Bio
B

2D
Bio
F 1004

2D
Bio
J
10/0
3

2D
Bio
A
11/0
6

2D Bio
A
10/06

A Student prepared this graph of tornadoes reported

over a 50-year period in a mid-western state. Which
statement is supported by these data?
A. Tornadoes are less frequent in the morning.
B. Darkness increases the strength of tornadoes.
C. Tornadoes occurring at night are brief.
D. The probability of a tornado is the same throughout the day.

2D
Bio
A/F
11/0
6

2D
Bio
A
11/0
6

2D
Bio
F
10/0
5

2D
Bio
H
11/06

2D
Bio
G
11/06

2D
Bio
F
10/0
5

2D
Bio
F
11/0
5

2D
Bio
J
11/0
5

2D
Bio
J
11/0
5

Time
(min)

Mass of Alcohol
and beaker
(g)

73.97

73.46

10

72.94

20

71.91

30

70.88

40

69.85
Mass of beaker = 59.02
g

These data show how the mass of an undisturbed beaker of

alcohol varied during a class period. Which of the following is
the best conclusion that can be made about the investigation?
A. The beaker absorbed moisture from the air.
B. A chemical change occurred in the beaker.
C. The beaker experienced a change of state.
D. Some material evaporated from the beaker.

2D Bio
D
10/06

2D
Bio
C
11/0
5

2D
Bio
C
11/0
5

2D Bio
A 11/04

2D Bio
G
11/05

2D
Bio
F
11/04

A certain commercial product used for cleaning ovens must be handled with
rubber gloves. The product is slippery and turns litmus paper blue. It probably
contains ---

A
B
C
D

an acid
a base
a salt
an isotope

2D
Bio
B
11/04

2D
Bio
C
1104

2D
Bio
H 1003

2D
Bio
J 1003

2D
Bio
C

2D
Bio
H

2D
Bio
B 1003

3. Scientific Processes
Integrated Physics and Chemistry

The student uses critical thinking and scientific

problem solving to make informed decisions.
The student is expected to:
A) analyze, review, [and critique] scientific
explanations, including hypotheses and
theories, as to their strengths and weaknesses
using scientific evidence and information
B) draw inferences based on data related to
[promotional materials for] products and
services

3A
IPC
B
10/04

3A
IPC
A 11/05

3A
IPC
H
11/05

3A
IPC
C
11/06

4B
IPC
11/05

Ancient Greeks and Science

The ancient Greeks developed a set of assumptions,
based on observations to explain how the universe works.
These observations led the Greeks to believe that the
universe was composed of four elements: earth, water,
fire, and air. The theory of natural place was based on
their observations of those four elements. The theory
stated that anything not in its natural place would move
toward its natural place as soon as an opportunity arose.
The theory of natural place was the foundation for the
modern understanding of the elements. The following
chart describes some observations and assumptions
made by the ancient Greeks.

Object

Observation

Assumption

Rock

Found in or on the ground; if not on the

ground, rocks move toward it at first
opportunity

Rocks are made of earth and seek the ground,

their natural place.

Water

Flows over land

Water has its natural place on the ground.

Fire

Flames flicker upward; the greater the fire, the

higher the flames

Fires natural place is in the heavens, above

the atmosphere.

Air

Blows across the land; if trapped in water,

escapes at first opportunity

Airs natural place is in the space above the

ground.

Burning
wood

Gives off smoke, heat and ash

Tree limbs are made of fire, earth, and air.

Smoke

Found in fires; if not confined, rises or moves

across the land

Smoke is made of fire and air.

Feather

Floats to the ground

Feathers are made of air and earth.

4B
IPC
D
11/05

Which of these fails to support the idea that waters natural place
is on the ground?

A
B
C
D

hailstones
rain
waterfalls
clouds

3A
IPC
A 1003

3A IPC
F 1004

3A IPC
D
11/06

Watersheds
The San Antonio-Nueces Coastal Basin, shown in the map below, consists mainly of flatland. The soil in the
area is mostly sandy and porous. Rainfall that collects in this area drains into the Gulf of Mexico by a series of
waterways.

3A IPC
D
10/06

The San Antonio-Nueces Coastal Basin is one of more than 20 major watersheds in Texas. A watershed is a
geographic area that drains water collected on its surface. Watersheds provide a way for water to move from areas
of higher elevation to areas of lower elevation. Sediment and dissolved materials are also moved to lower
elevations.
Rivers and streams form a general pattern within a watershed. The map shows this general pattern within the
San Antonio-Nueces Coastal Basin. This type of pattern is called a dendritic pattern and can be observed in many
natural structures, including the network of nerves in the human nervous system and branching patterns in trees.
Watersheds can change as the geography and other features of an area change. Some of the causes of
change are more obvious than others. For example, the clearing of wooded areas for the construction of buildings
may change the way rainfall collects and drains from an area.

Results of a Scientific Study

In natural areas such as forests, about 50% of the rain seeps into
the ground and becomes groundwater. In some large cities only
about 30% of the rain becomes groundwater.

The information above could be used most effectively in

arguing against which of these proposals?
A. Adding chemicals to a local water supply
B. Permitting a water well to be drilled in a state
park
C. Limiting the use of waterways for recreation
D. Paving a meadow to create a parking area

3A
IPC
G 1003

The smell of an ammonia solution used to clean a floor can

quickly be detected throughout a house. Scientists explain
this phenomenon by theorizing that gas molecules from the
ammonia are in continuous random high-speed motion,
drifting rapidly and permeating the air. Which statement
best demonstrates the strength of this theory?
A. Scientists have observed tiny smoke particles moved by
unseen particles in a rapid, irregular fashion.
B. Scientists have unanimously agreed on this theory since
Thomas Grahams experiments in the 1820s.
C. The possibility of another theory being formed to explain
the phenomenon as well is very remote.
D. Reason, as opposed to experimentation, is superior to
any explanation found through chemical testing.

3A
IPC

The smell of an ammonia solution used to clean a floor can

quickly be detected throughout a house. Scientists explain
this phenomenon by theorizing that gas molecules from the
ammonia are in continuous random high-speed motion,
drifting rapidly and permeating the air. Which statement
best demonstrates the strength of this theory?

3A
IPC

A. Scientists have observed tiny smoke particles moved

by unseen particles in a rapid, irregular fashion.
B. Scientists have unanimously agreed on this theory since
Thomas Grahams experiments in the 1820s.
C. The possibility of another theory being formed to explain the
phenomenon as well is very remote.
D. Reason, as opposed to experimentation, is superior to any
explanation found through chemical testing.

3A
IPC
C 03

3A
IPC
J
11/06

3A IPC
D 10/06

Conclusion: Food poisoning by botulism

is increasing in the United States.

The graph shows data for botulism, a form of blood poisoning.

The conclusion in the box is based on these data. Which of the
following is the best reason this conclusion may be unreliable?
A. The greatest number of reported cases was 50.
B. The number of reported botulism cases remained relatively constant
from 1988 to 1995.
C. More botulism cases were reported in the 1980s than in the 1990s.
D. The number of reported botulism cases decreased after 1994.

3A
IPC
G
11/06

3B
IPC
G

3B
IPC
D
10/06

3B
IPC
F
10/06

3B
IPC
B
10/06

3B
IPC
D
11/06

Save Our Species Poster: Black-Footed Ferret

This slender animal depends mainly on prairie dogs for food and shelter. The ferret
lives in prairie dogs underground tunnels and
hunts them at night. When prairie dogs
became scarce, so did black-footed ferrets.
In 1986 the 18 ferrets known to be alive were
moved to a Wyoming research institute. The
number of ferrets has increased, and recently
a few were released into managed wildlife areas.

According to the information above, which of these is

responsible for the decrease in the black-footed ferret
population?
A. Competition with prairie dogs for
resources
B. Reduced numbers of prairie dogs
C. Activity of research institutes
D. Development of managed wildlife areas

3B
IPC
B
10/06

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: Facts About the Flu Vaccine

1. The vaccine may be administered either as a nasal spray or as an
injection.
2. Prior to administration, nasal-spray vaccines must be stored at 15oC
or lower.
3. In an experiment, vaccine recipients had 85% fewer flu episodes
than non-recipients.
4. The vaccine virus is heat sensitive and fails to replicate at
temperatures of 38oC 39oC.

Which statement above makes the most valid

argument in favor of receiving the flu vaccine?
A. Statement 1
B. Statement 2
C. Statement 3
D. Statement 4

3B
IPC
C
10/06

3B
IPC
C
11/06

3B
IPC
J
11/05

3B
IPC
D
11/06

3B
IPC
A
11/06

3B
IPC
A
11/04

3B
IPC
G
11/05

3B
IPC
C
11/04

3B
IPC
F 1003

3B IPC
H 1003

3B
IPC

Many doctors recommend 800 g of

vitamin B12, and 50 mg of vitamin B6 per
day to improve cardiovascular health.
Based on this information and the
nutrition label, the cardiovascular health
benefit of a 1-ounce serving of this cereal
is --A. Doubtful because it provides insufficient
folate and vitamin B6 and lacks vitamin B12
B. Superb because it contains only 22 g of
carbohydrates and 75 mg of sodium
C. Excellent because it provides all needed
vitamins and is low in fat and cholesterol
D. Poor because it raises blood cholesterol
levels with its high fat and cholesterol
content

3B
IPC

Many doctors recommend 800 g of

vitamin B12, and 50 mg of vitamin B6 per
day to improve cardiovascular health.
Based on this information and the
nutrition label, the cardiovascular health
benefit of a 1-ounce serving of this cereal
is --A. Doubtful because it provides
insufficient folate and vitamin B6 and
lacks vitamin B12
B. Superb because it contains only 22 g of
carbohydrates and 75 mg of sodium
C. Excellent because it provides all needed
vitamins and is low in fat and cholesterol
D. Poor because it raises blood cholesterol
levels with its high fat and cholesterol
content