Set up your
paper like
this:
Diagnostic Test
Last, First
Date
Subject, Period
You are going to take a “diagnostic” exam. Just as a doctor
diagnoses a patient, I am going to “diagnose” your level of
knowledge.
This test will not be graded, but I will use the results to
determine where you will sit in the class. Try your best!
1. A cube of ice melts on a hot day. Identify this as a physical
change or chemical change, and explain why.
2. A molecule of CO2 is made of one atom of carbon and two
atoms of oxygen. Identify CO2 as a pure element or a
compound, and explain why.
O
C
O
3. List the subatomic particles found in the nucleus of every
atom.
4. State the chemical formula and the common name of
molecule A.
C
B
A
5. Identify the producer in this diagram, and explain why it is
considered a producer.
6. A decrease in the number of grasshoppers would result in a
decrease in the number of
(list all that
apply).
7. List two organisms that are in competition for the same
resource.
8. List all of the herbivores in the diagram.
9. What is the original source of energy for this food web?
10. All animals need oxygen to live, even animals that live in
water. What is the main source of oxygen in this ecosystem?
11. If you look at onion skin under a microscope, you will see
rows of tiny boxes. Explain why.
12. Explain why there are dark circles visible in each of the
“boxes.”
13. Describe what is occurring in the circle. Try to use
scientific vocab.
14. In the animal cell below, identify structure A.
A
15. Identify the squiggly black substance inside structure A.
A
16. Aside from its shape and color, list two ways you can tell
that this is a plant cell.
17. Describe the role of mitochondria in cells.
18. Explain what a cell must do to its DNA before it divides.
19. Identify the process that is shown in this diagram.
20. Identify the gas that plants absorb during this process.
1. A cube of ice melts on a hot day. Identify this as a physical
change or chemical change, and explain why.
Physical change because it’s still water (same substance.)
Physical change because it changes from a solid to a liquid
state (melts)
2. A molecule of CO2 is made of one atom of carbon and two
atoms of oxygen. Identify CO2 as a pure element or a
compound, and explain why.
Compound because it’s made from different atoms.
Compound because it’s made from different elements.
O
C
O
3. List the subatomic particles found in the nucleus of every
atom.
Protons
Neutrons
4. State the chemical formula and the common name of
molecule A.
H2O; water
C
B
A
5. Identify the producer in this diagram, and explain why it is
considered a producer.
Grass, because it produces food. The others have to eat to
obtain food.
6. A decrease in the number of grasshoppers would result in a
decrease in the number of
(list all that
apply).
Lizards
Hawks
7. List two organisms that are in competition for the same
resource.
Lizards and hawks (in competition for grasshoppers)
Snakes and hawks (in competition for mice)
Grasshoppers, rabbits, and mice (in competition for grass)
8. List all of the herbivores in the diagram.
Grasshoppers, rabbits, and mice
9. What is the original source of energy for this food web?
The Sun.
10. All animals need oxygen to live, even animals that live in
water. What is the main source of oxygen in this ecosystem?
The plants.
11. If you look at onion skin under a microscope, you will see
rows of tiny boxes. Explain why.
They are the onion’s cells.
12. Explain why there are dark circles visible in each of the
“boxes.”
Each dark circle is a nucleus inside the cell.
13. Describe what is occurring in the circle. Try to use
scientific vocab.
The cell is dividing (mitosis).
14. In the animal cell below, identify structure A.
The nucleus.
A
15. Identify the squiggly black substance inside structure A.
DNA
A
16. Aside from its shape and color, list two ways you can tell
that this is a plant cell.
17. Describe the role of mitochondria in cells.
Gives energy to the cell (the “powerhouse”)
18. Explain what a cell must do to its DNA before it divides.
Replicate its DNA
19. Identify the process that is shown in this diagram.
Photosynthesis
20. Identify the gas that plants absorb during this process.
CO2