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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

4. Test

California Grade 5 CAST Science Practice Questions

A 10-question California Grade 5 CAST Science practice set on engineering and scientific practices, 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

An engineer designs a shade structure for a playground. Which is a constraint?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is The structure must cost less than 500 dollars..

  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: A cost limit restricts the possible design solutions and is therefore a constraint.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the observation or model and is supported by the evidence.

A cost limit restricts the possible design solutions and is therefore a constraint.

2. QuestionMultiple choice

A student tests which paper towel absorbs the most water. What should remain the same for each brand?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is The size of the towel and amount of water used..

  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: Keeping size and water amount constant makes the brand the factor being compared.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the observation or model and is supported by the evidence.

Keeping size and water amount constant makes the brand the factor being compared.

3. QuestionMultiple choice

Why should a student repeat measurements when testing the length of a shadow?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: C

The correct answer is Repeated measurements help identify a consistent pattern..

  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: Repeated measurements make it easier to distinguish a pattern from a one-time error.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the observation or model and is supported by the evidence.

Repeated measurements make it easier to distinguish a pattern from a one-time error.

4. QuestionMultiple choice

A student predicts that a heavier paper airplane will fly farther, but the data do not support the prediction. What should the student do?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: D

The correct answer is Use the data to revise the explanation or test another design..

  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: Scientific explanations should be revised when evidence does not support the original prediction.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the observation or model and is supported by the evidence.

Scientific explanations should be revised when evidence does not support the original prediction.

5. QuestionMultiple choice

Which design would best protect an egg dropped from a small height?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is A padded container that slows the egg when it lands..

  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: Padding increases stopping time and reduces the force transferred during impact.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the observation or model and is supported by the evidence.

Padding increases stopping time and reduces the force transferred during impact.

6. QuestionMultiple choice

A student records plant height every three days. Which tool is most appropriate?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is A ruler or measuring tape..

  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: A ruler or measuring tape measures length and can track plant height.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the observation or model and is supported by the evidence.

A ruler or measuring tape measures length and can track plant height.

7. QuestionMultiple choice

A model shows arrows from the Sun to plants and from plants to animals. What does the model represent?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: C

The correct answer is The movement of energy through a food system..

  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 arrows can represent energy moving from sunlight to plants and then to consumers.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the observation or model and is supported by the evidence.

The arrows can represent energy moving from sunlight to plants and then to consumers.

8. QuestionMultiple choice

Which evidence would best support a claim that a new filter cleans muddy water?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: D

The correct answer is Water samples before and after filtering are compared for clarity and particles..

  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: Comparing before-and-after samples provides direct evidence about the filter’s performance.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the observation or model and is supported by the evidence.

Comparing before-and-after samples provides direct evidence about the filter’s performance.

9. QuestionMultiple choice

An engineer improves a bridge design after it bends under a test load. What does this show?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is The design process uses testing and revision..

  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: Engineers use test results to improve designs and address failures.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the observation or model and is supported by the evidence.

Engineers use test results to improve designs and address failures.

10. QuestionMultiple choice

Why should a graph include labels and units?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is Readers need to know what each number measures..

  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: Labels and units explain the variables and scale so the data can be interpreted.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the observation or model and is supported by the evidence.

Labels and units explain the variables and scale so the data can be interpreted.

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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.