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California CAST · Grade 5 · Science

California Grade 5 CAST Science Practice Test

Build Grade 5 California CAST Science readiness with five focused 10-question practice sets covering life science, physical science, Earth and space science, engineering, and environmental data.

Grade 5 CAST Science practice sets

This California Grade 5 CAST Science Practice Test page provides five short practice sets with 10 original multiple-choice questions each. The sets support supplemental review across life science, physical science, Earth and space science, engineering and design, environmental systems, and data analysis.

Science skills covered

  • Plant structures, responses, food chains, decomposers, adaptations, populations, body systems, life cycles, and ecosystem change
  • Chemical change, dissolving, thermal energy, forces, circuits, motion, material properties, matter conservation, and light absorption
  • Earth rotation, Moon phases, the water cycle, weathering, erosion, shadows, tides, and changing Earth surfaces
  • Engineering constraints, controlled tests, repeated measurements, models, impact protection, tools, evidence, iteration, and graph labels
  • Environmental resources, food-web interactions, recycling, biodiversity, water conservation, data patterns, and energy efficiency

How to use this page

Complete one 10-question set at a time. Identify the evidence, describe the mechanism, and review every explanation before moving to the next set.

This is supplemental State Test Practice, State Assessment Practice, and Standardized Test Practice. It does not replace current California Department of Education guidance, official CAST blueprints, accommodations, or testing schedules.

For the broader California assessment hub, visit California State Assessments.

Select a test

5 Tests
1. Test2. Test3. Test4. Test5. Test

1. Test

California Grade 5 CAST Science Practice Questions

A 10-question California Grade 5 CAST Science practice set on life science and ecosystems, with answers and explanations.

Read each science task carefully, choose one answer, and review the explanation after responding.

10 Questions
0/10 Questions0 %
Correct 0
Incorrect 0
Unanswered 10
1. QuestionMultiple choice

A plant bends toward a sunny window. What does this observation show?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is The plant responds to light..

  1. Identify the science idea: Determine whether the task focuses on life science, physical science, Earth and space science, engineering, or data.
  2. Use the evidence: Bending toward light is a response that helps the plant receive more energy for growth.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the observation or model and is supported by the evidence.

Bending toward light is a response that helps the plant receive more energy for growth.

2. QuestionMultiple choice

Which part of a plant absorbs most water from the soil?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is Roots.

  1. Identify the science idea: Determine whether the task focuses on life science, physical science, Earth and space science, engineering, or data.
  2. Use the evidence: Roots take in water and minerals from the soil.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the observation or model and is supported by the evidence.

Roots take in water and minerals from the soil.

3. QuestionMultiple choice

In a food chain, grass is eaten by a rabbit and the rabbit is eaten by a fox. What role does the grass have?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: C

The correct answer is Producer.

  1. Identify the science idea: Determine whether the task focuses on life science, physical science, Earth and space science, engineering, or data.
  2. Use the evidence: Grass makes its own food using sunlight, so it is a producer.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the observation or model and is supported by the evidence.

Grass makes its own food using sunlight, so it is a producer.

4. QuestionMultiple choice

Why are decomposers important in an ecosystem?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: D

The correct answer is They break down dead matter and return materials to the environment..

  1. Identify the science idea: Determine whether the task focuses on life science, physical science, Earth and space science, engineering, or data.
  2. Use the evidence: Decomposers recycle matter from dead organisms so it can be used again.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the observation or model and is supported by the evidence.

Decomposers recycle matter from dead organisms so it can be used again.

5. QuestionMultiple choice

A group of birds has different beak shapes. How could this variation help the group?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is Different beaks may help birds use different food sources..

  1. Identify the science idea: Determine whether the task focuses on life science, physical science, Earth and space science, engineering, or data.
  2. Use the evidence: Different structures can help individuals use different resources in an environment.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the observation or model and is supported by the evidence.

Different structures can help individuals use different resources in an environment.

6. QuestionMultiple choice

Which change would most likely reduce the number of rabbits in a grassland?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is A long drought that reduces available grass..

  1. Identify the science idea: Determine whether the task focuses on life science, physical science, Earth and space science, engineering, or data.
  2. Use the evidence: Less grass means less food, which can reduce the rabbit population.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the observation or model and is supported by the evidence.

Less grass means less food, which can reduce the rabbit population.

7. QuestionMultiple choice

What is the main function of the skeleton?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: C

The correct answer is It supports the body and protects some organs..

  1. Identify the science idea: Determine whether the task focuses on life science, physical science, Earth and space science, engineering, or data.
  2. Use the evidence: Bones provide support and protect organs such as the brain and heart.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the observation or model and is supported by the evidence.

Bones provide support and protect organs such as the brain and heart.

8. QuestionMultiple choice

A student observes that a caterpillar changes into a butterfly. What kind of change is this?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: D

The correct answer is A change in life cycle stage..

  1. Identify the science idea: Determine whether the task focuses on life science, physical science, Earth and space science, engineering, or data.
  2. Use the evidence: Metamorphosis is a stage change in an organism’s life cycle.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the observation or model and is supported by the evidence.

Metamorphosis is a stage change in an organism’s life cycle.

9. QuestionMultiple choice

Why do animals need food?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is Food provides matter and energy for life processes..

  1. Identify the science idea: Determine whether the task focuses on life science, physical science, Earth and space science, engineering, or data.
  2. Use the evidence: Animals obtain matter and energy from food to grow, move, and maintain their bodies.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the observation or model and is supported by the evidence.

Animals obtain matter and energy from food to grow, move, and maintain their bodies.

10. QuestionMultiple choice

A pond receives extra fertilizer from a nearby field. What may happen first?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is Algae may grow rapidly and reduce oxygen for other organisms..

  1. Identify the science idea: Determine whether the task focuses on life science, physical science, Earth and space science, engineering, or data.
  2. Use the evidence: Extra nutrients can cause algae growth, which may later reduce available oxygen.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the observation or model and is supported by the evidence.

Extra nutrients can cause algae growth, which may later reduce available oxygen.

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Frequently asked questions about California Grade 5 CAST Science Practice Test

Which Science skills are covered?

The page covers Grade 5 life science, physical science, Earth and space science, engineering practices, environmental systems, and data analysis.

How many questions are included?

There are five practice sets with 10 questions each, for 50 questions in total. Each set can be completed separately.

Are these official CAST questions?

No. These are original supplemental practice questions. Check the latest California Department of Education information for official materials, standards, accommodations, and policies.