Year 8 ICAS Science 5-Question Sample

Question 1 of 5 Observing and measuring

During a fair-test discussion using the comparison observation from the results record, use the growth data. Which interpretation is best supported?

Seedling growth after 10 days

Tray	Starting height	Final height
Fertiliser tray	9 cm	22 cm
Plain-water tray	9 cm	15 cm

A The fertiliser tray grew 22 cm more because 22 cm is its final height. B Both trays grew the same amount because they started at the same height. C The fertiliser tray grew 7 cm more than the plain-water tray. D The plain-water tray grew more because it used less material.

Question 2 of 5 Investigating

During a measure-and-record activity using the morning observation from the results record, use the investigation plan. Which setup is the fairest test?

Fair-test planning

Investigation question	Factor to change
Does ramp height affect the distance a trolley rolls?	ramp height

A Change the trolley, ramp height and floor surface B Change the ramp height and keep the same trolley and same floor surface. C Keep the ramp height the same and change only the trolley D Change the floor surface and keep every ramp height the same

Question 3 of 5 Natural and processed materials

For a results-and-conclusions question using the afternoon observation from the results record, use the observations. Which description best fits copper?

Material test observations

Material	Observation
copper	conducted electricity and heat strongly
plastic	did not conduct electricity and softened near heat
glass	let light pass through but did not conduct electricity
rubber	stretched and did not conduct electricity

A Copper is best described as a metal conductor. B Copper is best described as a liquid sample. C Copper is best described only by its colour. D Copper cannot be classified from observations.

Question 4 of 5 Predicting and concluding

During a hands-on science session using the checked observation from the results record, use the shadow observations. Which conclusion is best supported?

Shadow observations

Time	Shadow length
9 am	72 cm
12 noon	34 cm
3 pm	74 cm

A The Sun appeared lowest at 12 noon because the shadow was shortest then. B The Sun stayed in exactly the same position all day. C The Sun appeared highest at 12 noon because the shadow was shortest then. D The 12 noon shadow proves the object became taller.

Question 5 of 5 Energy and change

For a scientific-thinking check using the updated observation from the results record, use the magnet data. Which conclusion is best supported?

Paper clips lifted by a magnet

Distance from clips	Clips lifted
1 cm	19
3 cm	12
6 cm	6

A The magnetic effect was stronger when the magnet was farther from the clips. B Distance had no effect because the same magnet was used. C The magnet stopped being magnetic after the first trial. D The magnetic effect was weaker when the magnet was farther from the clips.

Year 8 Science sample

Answer the sample questions