Hawaii State Assessments · HSA Science · NGSS

Hawaii Statewide Science Assessment Practice Test

Build Hawaii science assessment readiness with five focused 10-question practice sets for physical science, life science, Earth and space science, data analysis, engineering, and environmental systems.

Hawaii Statewide Science Assessment practice sets

This Hawaii Statewide Science Assessment Practice Test page provides five short practice sets with 10 original multiple-choice questions each. The sets cover physical science, life science, Earth and space science, scientific investigation, data interpretation, engineering design, and environmental systems.

Science skills covered

  • Explaining matter, density, forces, motion, energy, waves, circuits, chemical reactions, and conservation of matter
  • Analyzing cells, heredity, natural selection, ecosystems, energy flow, homeostasis, biodiversity, and carrying capacity
  • Using Earth and space systems, water cycles, plate tectonics, seasons, climate, rocks, greenhouse gases, erosion, and ocean currents
  • Planning investigations with variables, controls, repeated trials, graphs, measurements, hypotheses, models, criteria, and constraints
  • Evaluating coral reefs, ocean acidification, habitat fragmentation, energy efficiency, carbon cycling, climate models, eutrophication, and coastal risk

How to use this page

Complete one 10-question set at a time. Identify the system, use evidence from the prompt, distinguish correlation from causation, track units, and review each explanation after answering.

This is supplemental State Test Practice, State Assessment Practice, and Standardized Test Practice for Hawaii science assessment preparation. Hawaii assessment grades, item formats, testing windows, performance expectations, and accommodations can change, so check current Hawaii Department of Education guidance before test day.

Hawaii science assessment information includes science testing for Grades 5 and 8, with additional high-school course assessment pathways. Review the official Hawaii Department of Education science assessment information for current scope and procedures.

2. Test

Hawaii Statewide Science Assessment Practice Questions

A 10-question Hawaii Statewide Science Assessment practice set on life science: cells, genetics, and ecosystems, with answers and explanations.

Read each science situation carefully, identify the evidence or system relationship, choose the best answer, and review the explanation after responding.

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

Which cell structure controls what enters and leaves the cell?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is Cell membrane.

  1. Identify the science concept: Determine whether the question focuses on physical science, life science, Earth and space science, or scientific and engineering practices.
  2. Use evidence and relationships: The selectively permeable cell membrane regulates movement of materials into and out of the cell.
  3. Check the conclusion: Confirm that the selected answer matches the data, model, process, or system described in the Hawaii Statewide Science Assessment task.

The selectively permeable cell membrane regulates movement of materials into and out of the cell.

2. QuestionMultiple choice

What is the main result of mitosis?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is Two genetically similar daughter cells.

  1. Identify the science concept: Determine whether the question focuses on physical science, life science, Earth and space science, or scientific and engineering practices.
  2. Use evidence and relationships: Mitosis produces two cells used for growth, repair, and replacement with the same chromosome number as the parent cell.
  3. Check the conclusion: Confirm that the selected answer matches the data, model, process, or system described in the Hawaii Statewide Science Assessment task.

Mitosis produces two cells used for growth, repair, and replacement with the same chromosome number as the parent cell.

3. QuestionMultiple choice

Which process allows green plants to store light energy in glucose?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: C

The correct answer is Photosynthesis.

  1. Identify the science concept: Determine whether the question focuses on physical science, life science, Earth and space science, or scientific and engineering practices.
  2. Use evidence and relationships: Photosynthesis uses light energy to build glucose from carbon dioxide and water.
  3. Check the conclusion: Confirm that the selected answer matches the data, model, process, or system described in the Hawaii Statewide Science Assessment task.

Photosynthesis uses light energy to build glucose from carbon dioxide and water.

4. QuestionMultiple choice

Why is less energy available to organisms at higher trophic levels?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: D

The correct answer is Energy is used for life processes and much is released as heat at each level..

  1. Identify the science concept: Determine whether the question focuses on physical science, life science, Earth and space science, or scientific and engineering practices.
  2. Use evidence and relationships: Only a fraction of energy transfers between trophic levels because organisms use energy and release heat.
  3. Check the conclusion: Confirm that the selected answer matches the data, model, process, or system described in the Hawaii Statewide Science Assessment task.

Only a fraction of energy transfers between trophic levels because organisms use energy and release heat.

5. QuestionMultiple choice

What is carrying capacity?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is The largest population an environment can support over time.

  1. Identify the science concept: Determine whether the question focuses on physical science, life science, Earth and space science, or scientific and engineering practices.
  2. Use evidence and relationships: Carrying capacity depends on resources and limiting factors in a particular environment.
  3. Check the conclusion: Confirm that the selected answer matches the data, model, process, or system described in the Hawaii Statewide Science Assessment task.

Carrying capacity depends on resources and limiting factors in a particular environment.

6. QuestionMultiple choice

A population contains inherited variation, and a drought favors individuals with deeper roots. What may happen over generations?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is Individuals with deeper roots may leave more offspring..

  1. Identify the science concept: Determine whether the question focuses on physical science, life science, Earth and space science, or scientific and engineering practices.
  2. Use evidence and relationships: Natural selection can increase the frequency of inherited traits that improve survival and reproduction in the environment.
  3. Check the conclusion: Confirm that the selected answer matches the data, model, process, or system described in the Hawaii Statewide Science Assessment task.

Natural selection can increase the frequency of inherited traits that improve survival and reproduction in the environment.

7. QuestionMultiple choice

Which molecule carries hereditary information in most living organisms?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: C

The correct answer is DNA.

  1. Identify the science concept: Determine whether the question focuses on physical science, life science, Earth and space science, or scientific and engineering practices.
  2. Use evidence and relationships: DNA stores the nucleotide sequence used to pass hereditary information and direct protein production.
  3. Check the conclusion: Confirm that the selected answer matches the data, model, process, or system described in the Hawaii Statewide Science Assessment task.

DNA stores the nucleotide sequence used to pass hereditary information and direct protein production.

8. QuestionMultiple choice

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: D

The correct answer is They break down dead material and recycle nutrients..

  1. Identify the science concept: Determine whether the question focuses on physical science, life science, Earth and space science, or scientific and engineering practices.
  2. Use evidence and relationships: Decomposers return nutrients to the environment by breaking down organic matter.
  3. Check the conclusion: Confirm that the selected answer matches the data, model, process, or system described in the Hawaii Statewide Science Assessment task.

Decomposers return nutrients to the environment by breaking down organic matter.

9. QuestionMultiple choice

Which response helps an organism maintain homeostasis during a change in its environment?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is Sweating when body temperature rises.

  1. Identify the science concept: Determine whether the question focuses on physical science, life science, Earth and space science, or scientific and engineering practices.
  2. Use evidence and relationships: Sweating helps cool the body and maintain a stable internal temperature.
  3. Check the conclusion: Confirm that the selected answer matches the data, model, process, or system described in the Hawaii Statewide Science Assessment task.

Sweating helps cool the body and maintain a stable internal temperature.

10. QuestionMultiple choice

Why can greater biodiversity make an ecosystem more resilient?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is More species can provide different roles and responses when conditions change..

  1. Identify the science concept: Determine whether the question focuses on physical science, life science, Earth and space science, or scientific and engineering practices.
  2. Use evidence and relationships: A variety of species and ecological roles can help an ecosystem continue functioning after disturbance.
  3. Check the conclusion: Confirm that the selected answer matches the data, model, process, or system described in the Hawaii Statewide Science Assessment task.

A variety of species and ecological roles can help an ecosystem continue functioning after disturbance.

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Frequently asked questions about Hawaii Statewide Science Assessment Practice

Which science areas are covered?

The page covers physical science, life science, Earth and space science, data analysis, scientific investigation, engineering design, and environmental systems.

Which grades are associated with Hawaii science assessments?

Hawaii Department of Education information identifies science assessments for Grades 5 and 8, with additional high-school course assessment pathways. Check official guidance for current administration details.

Are these official Hawaii science assessment questions?

No. These are original supplemental practice questions and do not reproduce secure assessment content. Check the Hawaii Department of Education for current performance expectations, testing windows, standards, accommodations, and procedures.