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California CAST · Grade 8 · Science

California Grade 8 CAST Science Practice Test

Build Grade 8 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 8 CAST Science practice sets

This California Grade 8 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 systems, heredity, physical science, Earth and space processes, engineering practices, environmental systems, and data analysis.

Science skills covered

  • Cell transport, cell division, heredity, natural selection, genes and proteins, ecosystems, reproduction, mutations, common ancestry, and adaptation
  • Conservation of matter, gas particles, motion, energy, thermal transfer, circuits, physical and chemical change, forces, friction, and waves
  • Earthquakes, plate boundaries, rocks, ocean currents, Moon motion, paleoclimate, water cycle, seasons, and glaciers
  • Controlled variables, models and limitations, engineering trade-offs, reaction data, reliable measurement, prototypes, and scientific explanations
  • Drought, urban heat, pollution, invasive species, recycling, groundwater, populations, biodiversity, carbon emissions, and seasonal data

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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5 Tests
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3. Test

California Grade 8 CAST Science Practice Questions

A 10-question California Grade 8 CAST Science practice set on earth and space processes, 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 most earthquakes near tectonic plate boundaries?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is Sudden movement along faults as plates release stored energy..

  1. Identify the science idea: Determine whether the task focuses on life, physical, Earth and space, engineering, or systems science.
  2. Use the evidence: Earthquakes often occur when stress is released as rocks move along faults.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the mechanism, pattern, or evidence rather than only repeating a detail.

Earthquakes often occur when stress is released as rocks move along faults.

2. QuestionMultiple choice

Why do oceanic plates often sink beneath continental plates at a convergent boundary?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is Oceanic crust is generally denser..

  1. Identify the science idea: Determine whether the task focuses on life, physical, Earth and space, engineering, or systems science.
  2. Use the evidence: Denser oceanic crust can subduct beneath less dense continental crust.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the mechanism, pattern, or evidence rather than only repeating a detail.

Denser oceanic crust can subduct beneath less dense continental crust.

3. QuestionMultiple choice

Which process turns sediment into sedimentary rock?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: C

The correct answer is Compaction and cementation..

  1. Identify the science idea: Determine whether the task focuses on life, physical, Earth and space, engineering, or systems science.
  2. Use the evidence: Pressure compacts sediment and minerals cement it together over time.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the mechanism, pattern, or evidence rather than only repeating a detail.

Pressure compacts sediment and minerals cement it together over time.

4. QuestionMultiple choice

How can a volcanic eruption affect nearby soil over time?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: D

The correct answer is Weathered volcanic material can add minerals and nutrients..

  1. Identify the science idea: Determine whether the task focuses on life, physical, Earth and space, engineering, or systems science.
  2. Use the evidence: Volcanic material can weather and contribute minerals to soil after conditions become safe for life.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the mechanism, pattern, or evidence rather than only repeating a detail.

Volcanic material can weather and contribute minerals to soil after conditions become safe for life.

5. QuestionMultiple choice

What is one major cause of ocean currents?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is Differences in temperature and salinity create density differences..

  1. Identify the science idea: Determine whether the task focuses on life, physical, Earth and space, engineering, or systems science.
  2. Use the evidence: Temperature and salinity affect water density and help drive deep and surface currents.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the mechanism, pattern, or evidence rather than only repeating a detail.

Temperature and salinity affect water density and help drive deep and surface currents.

6. QuestionMultiple choice

Why does the same side of the Moon generally face Earth?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is The Moon rotates once for each orbit around Earth..

  1. Identify the science idea: Determine whether the task focuses on life, physical, Earth and space, engineering, or systems science.
  2. Use the evidence: The Moon’s rotation period matches its orbital period, producing synchronous rotation.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the mechanism, pattern, or evidence rather than only repeating a detail.

The Moon’s rotation period matches its orbital period, producing synchronous rotation.

7. QuestionMultiple choice

What evidence can scientists use to infer that Earth’s climate changed in the past?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: C

The correct answer is Ice cores, fossils, and tree rings preserve records of past conditions..

  1. Identify the science idea: Determine whether the task focuses on life, physical, Earth and space, engineering, or systems science.
  2. Use the evidence: Natural records such as ice cores and tree rings contain evidence of past climate conditions.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the mechanism, pattern, or evidence rather than only repeating a detail.

Natural records such as ice cores and tree rings contain evidence of past climate conditions.

8. QuestionMultiple choice

Which process moves water from plant leaves into the atmosphere?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: D

The correct answer is Transpiration.

  1. Identify the science idea: Determine whether the task focuses on life, physical, Earth and space, engineering, or systems science.
  2. Use the evidence: Transpiration is the release of water vapor from plant leaves.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the mechanism, pattern, or evidence rather than only repeating a detail.

Transpiration is the release of water vapor from plant leaves.

9. QuestionMultiple choice

Why are seasons different in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is Earth’s tilted axis causes each hemisphere to receive different sunlight during its orbit..

  1. Identify the science idea: Determine whether the task focuses on life, physical, Earth and space, engineering, or systems science.
  2. Use the evidence: Earth’s tilt changes the angle and duration of sunlight received by each hemisphere.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the mechanism, pattern, or evidence rather than only repeating a detail.

Earth’s tilt changes the angle and duration of sunlight received by each hemisphere.

10. QuestionMultiple choice

A glacier melts and leaves behind a ridge of sediment. What feature may form?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is A moraine.

  1. Identify the science idea: Determine whether the task focuses on life, physical, Earth and space, engineering, or systems science.
  2. Use the evidence: Glaciers can transport and deposit sediment in ridges called moraines.
  3. Check the choice: Make sure the answer explains the mechanism, pattern, or evidence rather than only repeating a detail.

Glaciers can transport and deposit sediment in ridges called moraines.

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Frequently asked questions about California Grade 8 CAST Science Practice Test

Which Science skills are covered?

The page covers Grade 8 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.