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Illinois State Assessments · ISA Science

Illinois ISA Science Practice Test

Build Illinois science assessment readiness with five focused 10-question practice sets covering life science, physical science, Earth and space science, engineering, data, and scientific reasoning.

Illinois ISA Science practice sets

This Illinois ISA Science Practice Test page provides five short practice sets with 10 original multiple-choice questions each. The sets cover life science, physical science, Earth and space science, engineering and scientific practices, and integrated evidence-based review.

ISA Science skills

The Illinois State Board of Education describes the Illinois Science Assessment as an online assessment for Grades 5 and 8 aligned with the Illinois Learning Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards. These supplemental sets practice explaining phenomena, using models, interpreting data, analyzing evidence, and evaluating solutions.

How to use this page

Complete one 10-question set at a time. Read every diagram, model, table, and evidence statement carefully, then review the explanation after each response.

This is supplemental State Test Practice, State Assessment Practice, and Standardized Test Practice. It does not replace current Illinois State Board of Education guidance, official materials, accommodations, or testing procedures.

For broader grade-level study paths, explore Elementary School Tests, Middle School Tests, and High School Tests.

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Illinois ISA Science Practice Questions

A 10-question Illinois ISA Science practice set on engineering and scientific practices, with answers and explanations.

Read each phenomenon, model, data table, or investigation 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 is the purpose of a scientific model?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is To represent and explain a system or process.

  1. Read the ISA science task: Identify the system, evidence, variables, or model described in the question.
  2. Use the evidence: Models help scientists represent parts of systems that may be too large, small, slow, or complex to observe directly.
  3. Check the claim: Confirm that the answer is supported by the information in the question and matches the scientific concept.

Models help scientists represent parts of systems that may be too large, small, slow, or complex to observe directly.

2. QuestionMultiple choice

A student repeats a measurement three times. Why?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is To improve confidence in the result.

  1. Read the ISA science task: Identify the system, evidence, variables, or model described in the question.
  2. Use the evidence: Repeated measurements help reveal variation and make the result more reliable.
  3. Check the claim: Confirm that the answer is supported by the information in the question and matches the scientific concept.

Repeated measurements help reveal variation and make the result more reliable.

3. QuestionMultiple choice

Which graph is usually best for showing how temperature changes over time?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: C

The correct answer is A line graph.

  1. Read the ISA science task: Identify the system, evidence, variables, or model described in the question.
  2. Use the evidence: A line graph shows trends in numerical data collected at ordered time points.
  3. Check the claim: Confirm that the answer is supported by the information in the question and matches the scientific concept.

A line graph shows trends in numerical data collected at ordered time points.

4. QuestionMultiple choice

A conclusion is supported by evidence when the evidence does what?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: D

The correct answer is Directly relates to the claim.

  1. Read the ISA science task: Identify the system, evidence, variables, or model described in the question.
  2. Use the evidence: Evidence should be relevant and sufficient to support the claim being made.
  3. Check the claim: Confirm that the answer is supported by the information in the question and matches the scientific concept.

Evidence should be relevant and sufficient to support the claim being made.

5. QuestionMultiple choice

An engineer tests three materials for a bridge model. What should be measured to compare strength?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is The load each material supports before failing.

  1. Read the ISA science task: Identify the system, evidence, variables, or model described in the question.
  2. Use the evidence: A strength test should measure a relevant outcome such as the load supported before failure.
  3. Check the claim: Confirm that the answer is supported by the information in the question and matches the scientific concept.

A strength test should measure a relevant outcome such as the load supported before failure.

6. QuestionMultiple choice

Why should a procedure identify the tools and measurements used?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is So another person can repeat the investigation..

  1. Read the ISA science task: Identify the system, evidence, variables, or model described in the question.
  2. Use the evidence: Clear procedures allow others to repeat the investigation and compare results.
  3. Check the claim: Confirm that the answer is supported by the information in the question and matches the scientific concept.

Clear procedures allow others to repeat the investigation and compare results.

7. QuestionMultiple choice

A data table has one value far from all the others. What should a scientist do first?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: C

The correct answer is Check the measurement and procedure..

  1. Read the ISA science task: Identify the system, evidence, variables, or model described in the question.
  2. Use the evidence: An unusual value should be checked for measurement or recording error before deciding how to use it.
  3. Check the claim: Confirm that the answer is supported by the information in the question and matches the scientific concept.

An unusual value should be checked for measurement or recording error before deciding how to use it.

8. QuestionMultiple choice

Which design constraint could affect a water filter project?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: D

The correct answer is The filter must clean water within a limited budget..

  1. Read the ISA science task: Identify the system, evidence, variables, or model described in the question.
  2. Use the evidence: Cost is a constraint because available resources limit possible designs.
  3. Check the claim: Confirm that the answer is supported by the information in the question and matches the scientific concept.

Cost is a constraint because available resources limit possible designs.

9. QuestionMultiple choice

A student claims fertilizer caused a plant to grow taller, but the fertilized plants also received more light. What is the problem?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is More than one variable changed..

  1. Read the ISA science task: Identify the system, evidence, variables, or model described in the question.
  2. Use the evidence: Changing fertilizer and light together makes it difficult to identify which variable caused the difference.
  3. Check the claim: Confirm that the answer is supported by the information in the question and matches the scientific concept.

Changing fertilizer and light together makes it difficult to identify which variable caused the difference.

10. QuestionMultiple choice

Which statement is an observation rather than an inference?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is The liquid turned blue..

  1. Read the ISA science task: Identify the system, evidence, variables, or model described in the question.
  2. Use the evidence: The color change is directly observed; the other statements interpret or predict information.
  3. Check the claim: Confirm that the answer is supported by the information in the question and matches the scientific concept.

The color change is directly observed; the other statements interpret or predict information.

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Frequently asked questions about Illinois ISA Science Practice

Which grades are covered by the Illinois Science Assessment?

The Illinois State Board of Education identifies ISA science assessments for Grades 5 and 8. Check the official ISA page for current assessment information.

Which science skills are included?

The practice sets include life science, physical science, Earth and space science, engineering design, scientific practices, data interpretation, evidence, models, and explanations.

Are these official ISA questions?

No. These are original supplemental practice questions. Check the official Illinois State Board of Education ISA page for current resources, standards, accommodations, and testing procedures.