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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.

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California Grade 5 CAST Science Practice Questions

A 10-question California Grade 5 CAST Science practice set on earth and space science, 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

What causes day and night on Earth?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is Earth rotates on its axis..

  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: As Earth rotates, different parts face toward or away from the Sun.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the observation or model and is supported by the evidence.

As Earth rotates, different parts face toward or away from the Sun.

2. QuestionMultiple choice

Why does the Moon appear to have different shapes during a month?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is We see different portions of its sunlit side as it orbits Earth..

  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: The Moon is always partly lit, but its position changes the visible portion from Earth.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the observation or model and is supported by the evidence.

The Moon is always partly lit, but its position changes the visible portion from Earth.

3. QuestionMultiple choice

Which process changes liquid water into water vapor?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: C

The correct answer is Evaporation.

  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: Evaporation occurs when liquid water gains energy and becomes a gas.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the observation or model and is supported by the evidence.

Evaporation occurs when liquid water gains energy and becomes a gas.

4. QuestionMultiple choice

Clouds form when water vapor cools and changes into tiny liquid droplets. What is this process?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: D

The correct answer is Condensation.

  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: Condensation changes water vapor into liquid droplets that can form clouds.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the observation or model and is supported by the evidence.

Condensation changes water vapor into liquid droplets that can form clouds.

5. QuestionMultiple choice

What is the main energy source that drives the water cycle?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is The Sun.

  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: Solar energy causes evaporation and helps drive movement through the water cycle.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the observation or model and is supported by the evidence.

Solar energy causes evaporation and helps drive movement through the water cycle.

6. QuestionMultiple choice

A rock breaks into smaller pieces because of wind and water. What process is occurring?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is Weathering.

  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: Weathering breaks rocks into smaller pieces at Earth’s surface.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the observation or model and is supported by the evidence.

Weathering breaks rocks into smaller pieces at Earth’s surface.

7. QuestionMultiple choice

What is one way sediment can move from one place to another?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: C

The correct answer is Flowing water can carry it..

  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: Running water, wind, ice, and gravity can transport sediment.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the observation or model and is supported by the evidence.

Running water, wind, ice, and gravity can transport sediment.

8. QuestionMultiple choice

Why do shadows change length during the day?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: D

The correct answer is The Sun’s apparent position changes as Earth rotates..

  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: Changing light angle changes the direction and length of a shadow.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the observation or model and is supported by the evidence.

Changing light angle changes the direction and length of a shadow.

9. QuestionMultiple choice

Which event is caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun on Earth’s oceans?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is Tides.

  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: The gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun contributes to rising and falling ocean tides.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the observation or model and is supported by the evidence.

The gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun contributes to rising and falling ocean tides.

10. QuestionMultiple choice

Which observation provides evidence that Earth’s surface changes over time?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is A canyon becomes deeper as running water removes rock..

  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: Erosion by water can gradually change the shape of Earth’s surface.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the observation or model and is supported by the evidence.

Erosion by water can gradually change the shape of Earth’s surface.

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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.