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Delaware State Assessments · DeSSA · Science · Grades 5, 8, and High School

Delaware DeSSA Science Practice Test

Build Delaware DeSSA Science readiness with five focused 10-question practice sets for Grades 5, 8, and high school, covering physical science, life science, Earth science, environmental systems, biology, data, and evidence.

Delaware DeSSA Science practice sets

This Delaware DeSSA Science Practice Test page provides five short practice sets with 10 original multiple-choice questions each. The sets are organized across Grade 5, Grade 8, and high school science themes so learners can review concepts, models, data, and evidence at an appropriate level.

Grade-band skills covered

  • Grade 5: matter, forces, energy, ecosystems, photosynthesis, weather, the water cycle, rocks, erosion, and Earth-Sun-Moon patterns
  • Grade 8 physical and Earth science: particles, thermal energy, circuits, forces, waves, chemical reactions, plate movement, rocks, currents, and measurement quality
  • Grade 8 life and environmental science: cells, DNA, specialization, food webs, variation, natural selection, water quality, biodiversity, and carrying capacity
  • High school biology: cellular respiration, gene expression, enzymes, inheritance, trophic energy, experimental controls, meiosis, mutations, and restoration evidence

How to use this page

Choose the practice set that matches your grade band. Read the scenario, identify the evidence, explain the scientific relationship, and review the solution after each response.

This is supplemental State Test Practice, State Assessment Practice, and Standardized Test Practice. It does not replace current Delaware Department of Education guidance, official DeSSA materials, accommodations, or testing policies.

For the Delaware assessment hub, visit Delaware State Assessments.

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Delaware DeSSA Science Practice Questions

A 10-question Delaware DeSSA Science practice set on grade 8 life and environmental science, with answers and explanations.

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

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

Which structure controls many activities of a eukaryotic cell?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is The nucleus.

  1. Identify the evidence: Read the observation, model, data table, or description and identify the scientific relationship being tested.
  2. Apply the concept: The nucleus contains genetic material and helps direct many cell activities.
  3. Check the claim: Choose the explanation best supported by the Delaware DeSSA Science practice task.

The nucleus contains genetic material and helps direct many cell activities.

2. QuestionMultiple choice

Why are cells in a multicellular organism specialized?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is Different cells perform particular functions that support the organism..

  1. Identify the evidence: Read the observation, model, data table, or description and identify the scientific relationship being tested.
  2. Apply the concept: Cell specialization allows tissues and organs to carry out different jobs efficiently.
  3. Check the claim: Choose the explanation best supported by the Delaware DeSSA Science practice task.

Cell specialization allows tissues and organs to carry out different jobs efficiently.

3. QuestionMultiple choice

What is the main role of DNA in cells?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: C

The correct answer is It stores instructions for building and operating an organism..

  1. Identify the evidence: Read the observation, model, data table, or description and identify the scientific relationship being tested.
  2. Apply the concept: DNA stores genetic information that cells use to make proteins and carry out functions.
  3. Check the claim: Choose the explanation best supported by the Delaware DeSSA Science practice task.

DNA stores genetic information that cells use to make proteins and carry out functions.

4. QuestionMultiple choice

A plant grows toward a window. What stimulus is the plant responding to?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: D

The correct answer is Light.

  1. Identify the evidence: Read the observation, model, data table, or description and identify the scientific relationship being tested.
  2. Apply the concept: The directional growth toward a light source is a response to light.
  3. Check the claim: Choose the explanation best supported by the Delaware DeSSA Science practice task.

The directional growth toward a light source is a response to light.

5. QuestionMultiple choice

In a food web, what could happen if a major predator is removed?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is The prey population may increase and affect other organisms..

  1. Identify the evidence: Read the observation, model, data table, or description and identify the scientific relationship being tested.
  2. Apply the concept: Removing a predator can alter prey numbers and cause cascading effects through the food web.
  3. Check the claim: Choose the explanation best supported by the Delaware DeSSA Science practice task.

Removing a predator can alter prey numbers and cause cascading effects through the food web.

6. QuestionMultiple choice

Why can genetic variation help a population survive environmental change?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is Some individuals may have traits that improve survival or reproduction in the new conditions..

  1. Identify the evidence: Read the observation, model, data table, or description and identify the scientific relationship being tested.
  2. Apply the concept: Different inherited traits create a greater chance that some individuals are suited to changed conditions.
  3. Check the claim: Choose the explanation best supported by the Delaware DeSSA Science practice task.

Different inherited traits create a greater chance that some individuals are suited to changed conditions.

7. QuestionMultiple choice

Which statement describes natural selection?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: C

The correct answer is Traits that improve survival and reproduction can become more common over generations..

  1. Identify the evidence: Read the observation, model, data table, or description and identify the scientific relationship being tested.
  2. Apply the concept: Natural selection changes trait frequencies when inherited differences affect reproductive success.
  3. Check the claim: Choose the explanation best supported by the Delaware DeSSA Science practice task.

Natural selection changes trait frequencies when inherited differences affect reproductive success.

8. QuestionMultiple choice

A pond receives excess fertilizer runoff and develops a large algae bloom. What is a likely consequence?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: D

The correct answer is Decomposition can reduce dissolved oxygen and harm aquatic organisms..

  1. Identify the evidence: Read the observation, model, data table, or description and identify the scientific relationship being tested.
  2. Apply the concept: When algae die and decompose, oxygen can be consumed faster than it is replaced.
  3. Check the claim: Choose the explanation best supported by the Delaware DeSSA Science practice task.

When algae die and decompose, oxygen can be consumed faster than it is replaced.

9. QuestionMultiple choice

Which practice best conserves biodiversity in a local habitat?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is Protecting connected native habitats and reducing harmful disturbances.

  1. Identify the evidence: Read the observation, model, data table, or description and identify the scientific relationship being tested.
  2. Apply the concept: Connected native habitats provide food, shelter, and movement routes for many species.
  3. Check the claim: Choose the explanation best supported by the Delaware DeSSA Science practice task.

Connected native habitats provide food, shelter, and movement routes for many species.

10. QuestionMultiple choice

A population grows rapidly and then levels off. What most likely explains the leveling?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is Resources and other limiting factors reduce the growth rate..

  1. Identify the evidence: Read the observation, model, data table, or description and identify the scientific relationship being tested.
  2. Apply the concept: Food, space, disease, and competition can limit growth near carrying capacity.
  3. Check the claim: Choose the explanation best supported by the Delaware DeSSA Science practice task.

Food, space, disease, and competition can limit growth near carrying capacity.

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Frequently asked questions about Delaware DeSSA Science Practice

Which grades are covered?

This page includes science practice sets for Grade 5, Grade 8, and high school biology and integrated science review.

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 DeSSA questions?

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