Free Elementary Education: Science Subtest Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Elementary Education: Science Subtest practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1Which atmospheric layer begins at Earth's surface and contains almost all weather?

   1. A.TroposphereCorrect answer: A
   2. B.Stratosphere
   3. C.Mesosphere
   4. D.Thermosphere

   Explanation: The source states: "Known as the lower atmosphere, almost all weather occurs in this region. The troposphere begins at the Earth's surface, but the height of the troposphere varies." Troposphere answers the question.

   Reference: Layers of the Atmosphere — Troposphere

2. 2Which structure separates a human cell from its environment and regulates entry and exit of materials?

   1. A.Plasma membraneCorrect answer: A
   2. B.Nuclear envelope
   3. C.Ribosome
   4. D.Mitochondrion

   Explanation: The source explains: "The plasma membrane is the outer lining of the cell. It separates the cell from its environment and allows materials to enter and leave the cell." Therefore, plasma membrane is correct.

   Reference: What is a cell? — Plasma membrane

3. 3What determines the atomic number assigned to a chemical element?

   1. A.Its number of protonsCorrect answer: A
   2. B.Its number of neutrons
   3. C.Its total number of nucleons
   4. D.Its number of electron shells

   Explanation: The source states: "The number of protons in an atom determines its atomic number in the Periodic Table of Elements." Thus, its number of protons.

   Reference: DOE Explains...Protons — DOE Explains...Protons

4. 4Which atmospheric layer lies directly above the stratosphere?

   1. A.Troposphere
   2. B.MesosphereCorrect answer: B
   3. C.Thermosphere
   4. D.Exosphere

   Explanation: The source states: "Both the stratosphere (next layer down) and the mesosphere are considered the middle atmosphere." Mesosphere answers the question.

   Reference: Layers of the Atmosphere — Mesosphere

5. 5Which organelle converts energy from food into a form a human cell can use?

   1. A.Ribosome
   2. B.MitochondrionCorrect answer: B
   3. C.Golgi apparatus
   4. D.Nuclear envelope

   Explanation: The source explains: "Mitochondria are complex organelles that convert energy from food into a form that the cell can use." Therefore, mitochondrion is correct.

   Reference: What is a cell? — Mitochondria

6. 6Two atoms of the same element have different numbers of neutrons. What are they called?

   1. A.IsotopesCorrect answer: A
   2. B.Ions
   3. C.Different elements
   4. D.Molecules

   Explanation: The Department of Energy states: "However, the number of neutrons may vary. The different numbers of neutrons determine isotopes of the element." Atoms of the same element with different neutron counts are isotopes.

   Reference: The Harnessed Atom: Teacher's Edition — Lesson 3, Atoms and Isotopes

7. 7Which description correctly compares Earth's inner and outer core?

   1. A.Both are solid.
   2. B.Both are liquid.
   3. C.The inner core is solid and the outer core is liquid.Correct answer: C
   4. D.The inner core is liquid and the outer core is solid.

   Explanation: The source states: "a 2,200 km-thick liquid outer core and a 1,250 km-thick solid inner core." The inner core is solid and the outer core is liquid. answers the question.

   Reference: Inside the Earth — Inside the Earth, core

8. 8Which cell structure uses genetic instructions to make proteins?

   1. A.RibosomeCorrect answer: A
   2. B.Plasma membrane
   3. C.Lysosome
   4. D.Cytoskeleton

   Explanation: The source explains: "Ribosomes are organelles that process the cell’s genetic instructions to create proteins." Therefore, ribosome is correct.

   Reference: What is a cell? — Ribosomes

9. 9Which particle has no electrical charge in ordinary atomic matter?

   1. A.NeutronCorrect answer: A
   2. B.Proton
   3. C.Electron
   4. D.Positive ion

   Explanation: The source states: "Protons carry a positive electrical charge (+). Neutrons have no electrical charge." Thus, neutron.

   Reference: The Harnessed Atom: Teacher's Edition — Lesson 3, What are the parts of an atom?

10. 10Which parts of Earth together form the rigid lithosphere?

    1. A.The crust and uppermost mantleCorrect answer: A
    2. B.The crust and outer core
    3. C.The mantle and entire core
    4. D.The outer core and inner core

    Explanation: The source states: "The upper part of the mantle is cooler and more rigid than the deep mantle; in many ways, it behaves like the overlying crust. Together they form a rigid layer of rock called the lithosphere" The crust and uppermost mantle answers the question.

    Reference: Inside the Earth — Inside the Earth, lithosphere