NumicornNumicornLearn, solve, progress

Colorado CMAS · Science · Grades 5, 8, and 11

Colorado CMAS Science Practice Test: Grades 5, 8, and 11

Build CMAS Science readiness with five focused 10-question practice sets covering life science, physical science, Earth and space, environmental systems, and scientific practices.

CMAS Science practice sets

This Colorado CMAS Science Practice Test page provides five short practice sets with 10 original multiple-choice questions each. The sets offer supplemental practice for Grades 5, 8, and 11 across life science, physical science, Earth and space science, environmental systems, and scientific investigation.

Science skills covered

  • Living organisms, food and nutrients, roots, cells, populations, relationships, heredity, food chains, biodiversity, and reproduction
  • States and properties of matter, friction, energy, conductors, thermal transfer, forces, chemical change, circuits, and light absorption
  • Earth rotation, solar energy, runoff, erosion, shadows, the Moon, volcanoes, precipitation, fossils, and planetary orbits
  • Clean water, waste reduction, fish populations, forests, renewable resources, invasive species, trees, electricity, sediment, and pollinators
  • Investigation planning, tools, variables, observations, graphs, repeated measurements, models, reliability, and evidence-based explanations

How to use this page

Complete one 10-question set at a time. Identify the evidence, choose the best-supported answer, 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 Colorado Department of Education guidance, official CMAS blueprints, accommodations, or testing policies.

For the Colorado assessment hub, visit Colorado State Assessments.

Select a test

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

3. Test

Colorado CMAS Science Practice Questions

A 10-question Colorado CMAS 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: Read the situation and identify the observable process, pattern, or system.
  2. Use the evidence: Earth’s rotation turns different areas toward and away from the Sun.
  3. Check the choice: Choose the answer that best matches the evidence in the task.

Earth’s rotation turns different areas toward and away from the Sun.

2. QuestionMultiple choice

What is the main source of energy for Earth’s surface systems?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is The Sun.

  1. Identify the science idea: Read the situation and identify the observable process, pattern, or system.
  2. Use the evidence: Solar energy drives many surface and atmospheric processes.
  3. Check the choice: Choose the answer that best matches the evidence in the task.

Solar energy drives many surface and atmospheric processes.

3. QuestionMultiple choice

How does rain become part of a river or lake?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: C

The correct answer is Water flows over land or through streams..

  1. Identify the science idea: Read the situation and identify the observable process, pattern, or system.
  2. Use the evidence: Runoff and streams carry water into rivers and lakes.
  3. Check the choice: Choose the answer that best matches the evidence in the task.

Runoff and streams carry water into rivers and lakes.

4. QuestionMultiple choice

What can happen when wind and water wear away rock?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: D

The correct answer is Erosion moves sediment to another place..

  1. Identify the science idea: Read the situation and identify the observable process, pattern, or system.
  2. Use the evidence: Erosion transports weathered material.
  3. Check the choice: Choose the answer that best matches the evidence in the task.

Erosion transports weathered material.

5. QuestionMultiple choice

Why do shadows change length during the day?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

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

  1. Identify the science idea: Read the situation and identify the observable process, pattern, or system.
  2. Use the evidence: Changing light angle changes shadow length and direction.
  3. Check the choice: Choose the answer that best matches the evidence in the task.

Changing light angle changes shadow length and direction.

6. QuestionMultiple choice

What is the Moon’s surface made mostly of?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is Rock and dust..

  1. Identify the science idea: Read the situation and identify the observable process, pattern, or system.
  2. Use the evidence: The Moon has a rocky, dusty surface.
  3. Check the choice: Choose the answer that best matches the evidence in the task.

The Moon has a rocky, dusty surface.

7. QuestionMultiple choice

Which event can change Earth’s surface quickly?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: C

The correct answer is A volcanic eruption.

  1. Identify the science idea: Read the situation and identify the observable process, pattern, or system.
  2. Use the evidence: An eruption can add lava and ash and change landforms.
  3. Check the choice: Choose the answer that best matches the evidence in the task.

An eruption can add lava and ash and change landforms.

8. QuestionMultiple choice

What type of weather includes falling drops of liquid water?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: D

The correct answer is Rain.

  1. Identify the science idea: Read the situation and identify the observable process, pattern, or system.
  2. Use the evidence: Rain is liquid precipitation falling from clouds.
  3. Check the choice: Choose the answer that best matches the evidence in the task.

Rain is liquid precipitation falling from clouds.

9. QuestionMultiple choice

Why are fossils useful to scientists?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is They provide evidence about past organisms and environments..

  1. Identify the science idea: Read the situation and identify the observable process, pattern, or system.
  2. Use the evidence: Fossils preserve information about past life and conditions.
  3. Check the choice: Choose the answer that best matches the evidence in the task.

Fossils preserve information about past life and conditions.

10. QuestionMultiple choice

What do planets do as they move around the Sun?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is They orbit the Sun..

  1. Identify the science idea: Read the situation and identify the observable process, pattern, or system.
  2. Use the evidence: Planets travel around the Sun in orbits.
  3. Check the choice: Choose the answer that best matches the evidence in the task.

Planets travel around the Sun in orbits.

Previous testNext test

Choose your next study path

Elementary School Tests

Build foundational reading, math, science, and social studies skills for Grades 1–5.

Middle School Tests

Review grade-level ELA, math, science, and social studies skills for Grades 6–8.

High School Tests

Explore course and assessment preparation for Grades 9–12.

Pomodoro Timer

Use focused study intervals to work through your next practice set.

Frequently asked questions about Colorado CMAS Science Practice Test

Which Science skills are covered?

The page covers supplemental life science, physical science, Earth and space science, environmental systems, and scientific practices for Grades 5, 8, and 11.

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 CMAS Science questions?

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