9th grade Science practice sheet
Washington State Learning Standards · from Gradelings · Name: ______________________
Question 1
Before a cell divides, the DNA is…
- removed from the cell
- copied, so each new cell gets a full set
- split into random pieces
- destroyed
copied, so each new cell gets a full set
Hint: DNA replication ensures each daughter cell receives complete instructions.
Question 2
What is fertilization?
- When a sperm cell and an egg cell join
- When a plant makes sugar
- When a seed is planted
- When a cell divides in two
When a sperm cell and an egg cell join
Hint: Fertilization combines genetic material from two parents into a new cell.
Question 3
How many electron shells (energy levels) are used by a neutral fluorine atom?
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
2
Hint: Fluorine has 9 electrons arranged 2-7, so 2 shells are in use.
Question 4
Ionic or covalent? Sort each compound.
Sort into: ⚡ Ionic · 🤝 Covalent
- 🔥CH₄ (methane)
- 🧂NaCl (table salt)
- ⚗️MgO (magnesium oxide)
- 🧪KBr (potassium bromide)
- 🌫️CO₂ (carbon dioxide)
- 💧H₂O (water)
- 🧴NH₃ (ammonia)
- 🧊CaCl₂ (calcium chloride)
⚡ Ionic: NaCl (table salt), MgO (magnesium oxide), KBr (potassium bromide), CaCl₂ (calcium chloride) · 🤝 Covalent: CH₄ (methane), CO₂ (carbon dioxide), H₂O (water), NH₃ (ammonia)
Hint: Ionic compounds are usually a metal plus a non-metal (like NaCl). Covalent compounds are usually two or more non-metals sharing electrons (like H₂O).
Question 5
In 6 CO₂, how many oxygen atoms are there altogether?
answer box
12
Hint: Each CO₂ has 2 oxygen atoms, and 6 × 2 = 12.
Question 6
Lithium has electrons arranged 2, 1. Which period (row) is it in?
answer box
2
Hint: The number of occupied shells is the period number: 2.
Question 7
A cold pack gets cold when the chemicals inside are mixed. This is an example of…
- a physical change only
- an exothermic reaction
- an endothermic reaction
- combustion
an endothermic reaction
Hint: Endothermic reactions take in energy from the surroundings, so the surroundings get cooler.
Question 8
Older fossils are usually found in…
- water only
- higher layers
- deeper rock layers
deeper rock layers
Hint: Rock layers settle in order, with the oldest at the bottom (unless disturbed).
Question 9
A bar magnet has how many poles?
- 2, a north and a south
- 4
- 1
2, a north and a south
Hint: Opposite poles attract, like poles repel.
Question 10
A rocket moves forward because…
- gravity pushes it up
- gases pushed backward push the rocket forward
- it has no mass
- air pulls it
gases pushed backward push the rocket forward
Hint: Action and reaction.
Answer key
- 1. copied, so each new cell gets a full set (Cells from Cells)
- 2. When a sperm cell and an egg cell join (Reproduction)
- 3. 2 (Atoms & Electrons)
- 4. ⚡ Ionic: NaCl (table salt), MgO (magnesium oxide), KBr (potassium bromide), CaCl₂ (calcium chloride) · 🤝 Covalent: CH₄ (methane), CO₂ (carbon dioxide), H₂O (water), NH₃ (ammonia) (Electrons & Compounds)
- 5. 12 (Photosynthesis & Respiration)
- 6. 2 (The Periodic Table)
- 7. an endothermic reaction (Chemical Change)
- 8. deeper rock layers (Evolution & Selection)
- 9. 2, a north and a south (Energy & Magnetism)
- 10. gases pushed backward push the rocket forward (Forces, Motion & Momentum)
Want more than 10 questions?
In Gradelings the questions change every time and adjust to your child, with hints and kind feedback. See all science units.