CRESTON COLLEGE
NATURAL SCIENCE – LIFE SCIENCE
GRADE 8
Standardised Test Term 1
EXAMINER: N du Plessis
MODERATOR: M Naidu
TIME: 1 HOUR
50 MARKS
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
1. This question paper consists of 5 pages, 1 graph paper and a cover sheet. Please
check that your question paper is complete.
2. Read all questions carefully.
3. Title your script with your name, surname and class.
4. Write only in black or blue ink. It is in your own interest to write legibly and to present
your work neatly.
5. Pay attention to mark allocation and use your time carefully.
6. Originality and insight are encouraged, be critical but remember to substantiate your
viewpoint.
ALL THE BEST!
Name:___________________________________
Class:________
Question 1 – Multiple choice – (12 Marks)
From the options provided, choose the most correct answer.
Read the following statement to answer 1.1 – 1.3.
“The greater the volume of water, the longer it will take to cool down.”
1.1
The statement above is an example of a/an:
a. Hypothesis
b. Focus question
c. Experimental aim
d. None of the above
1.2
The correct focus question for the statement above would be:
a. How does temperature affect volume of water?
b. Does the volume of water affect the time it takes the water to cool down?
c. The larger volume of water will cool down the quickest.
d. How can I test to see if water volume affects its cooling rate?
1.3
The aim of the experiment for the above statement is:
a. To see how temperature affects the volume of water.
b. To test whether volume of water affects its cooling rate.
c. To investigate how quickly different volumes of water cool down.
d. Both b. and c.
1.4
Which of the following options correctly indicates the reactants and products
of photosynthesis?
Reactants - Products
a. Carbon dioxide Glucose - Oxygen Water
b. Glucose Water - Carbon dioxide Oxygen
c. Water Carbon dioxide - Oxygen Glucose
d. Oxygen Carbon dioxide - Glucose Water
1.5
Which of the following is not a leaf adaptation to optimise the rate of
photosynthesis?
a. Flat and large to enlarge the surface area of the leaf.
b. Stomata at the bottom of the leaf to ensure efficient exchange of gases.
c. A leaf’s top surface is transparent.
d. Most of the cells containing the chlorophyll is situated at the bottom of the
leaf.
1.6
When drawing a graph, the independent variable should always be placed on
the:
a. Y-axis
b. X-axis
c. It doesn’t matter which axis
d. None of the above
Question 2 – (20 Marks)
John conducted an experiment to investigate the effect of carbon dioxide
concentration on the rate of photosynthesis.
He placed several plants in controlled environments, each environment with a
different concentration (mixture of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide).
He measured the rate of photosynthesis by counting the amount of bubbles
produced by each plant per minute.
The table below summarises the results he obtained.
CO2
Amount of
concentration bubbles produced
per minute
(bubbles/minutes)
(g/ml)
Test 1
0.5
2
1.0
3
1.5
3
2.0
3
2.5
7
2.1
2.2
2.3
Amount of
bubbles produced
per minute
(bubbles/minutes)
Test 2
1
2
2
4
8
Amount of
Amount of
bubbles produced bubbles produced
per minute
per minute
(bubbles/minutes) (bubbles/minutes)
Test 3
Average
1
1
3
5
6
Calculate the averages amount of bubbles for each carbon dioxide concentration and
fill the answers in on the table above.
(7 marks)
Provide a possible hypothesis for this experiment.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________(2 marks)
Using the graph paper provided, draw a graph to display the trends and patterns in the
data collected in this experiment.
Use the checklist below as a guide.
Heading
Axis labeled with correct units
Independent variable on x-axis
Scales correct
Bar/line graph correctly used
Two points plotted correctly
Spaces (bar graph) / line drawn (line graph)
012
012
01
012
01
012
01
(11 marks)
Question 3 – (18 Marks)
3.1
Jess examined the leaves of a plant she had grown. She noticed
the leaf had various features.
Explain how each of the features below enables leaves to carry out its
function.
Leaves are TRANSPARENT
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________(2 Marks)
Small openings called STOMATA
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________(2 Marks)
3.2
Looking at the picture below. Explain the main functions of the roots of each picture.
Tree with roots
Broadleaf with roots
Main functions of the roots for
Tree ___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________(3 Marks)
Broadleaf ___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________(3 Marks)
3.3
Plants manufacture their own energy. This energy is then transferred through to
consumers. What is this process called?
____________________________________________________________(1 Mark)
3.4
Give the word equation for this process.
___________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________(5 Marks)
3.5
Another process where CO2 are a product is called?
____________________________________________________________(1 Mark)
3.6
Give one example where this process in Q 3.5, takes place.
____________________________________________________________(1 Mark)
TOTAL
[50 Marks]