Free Practice Questions for NYS Grade 5 Science
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Key Facts: NYS Grade 5 Science Exam
The New York State Grade 5 Elementary-Level Science Test is administered by the New York State Education Department as a required state assessment.
The test was first administered in spring 2024 and replaced the former Grade 4 science test.
The test measures the New York State P-12 Science Learning Standards, which are based on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
The Elementary-level Science Test assesses science standards across grades 3 to 5, with a foundation in preK-2.
Each test form contains about 36 to 43 questions organized into 7 to 9 question clusters (NYSED educator guide).
About 60 percent of the test is multiple-choice and about 40 percent is constructed-response, including Technology Enhanced Items.
The test is given in a single computer-based session, with schools allocating a minimum of 90 minutes and most students finishing in about 120 minutes.
Results are reported in four performance levels, where Level 3 indicates the student is proficient in the grade-level standards.
Questions integrate three dimensions: Science and Engineering Practices, Disciplinary Core Ideas, and Crosscutting Concepts.
The test is free to students and administered by New York public school districts.
The NYS Grade 5 Elementary-Level Science Test is New York's free, computer-based state assessment that measures fifth-grade mastery of the NGSS-aligned P-12 Science Learning Standards across physical, life, and earth and space science, reported in four performance levels where Level 3 is proficient.
Sample NYS Grade 5 Science Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to review concepts for the NYS Grade 5 Science exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1A student dissolves sugar in a glass of warm water until it disappears. Even though the sugar can no longer be seen, the water tastes sweet. What is the best evidence this provides about matter?
2Two identical toy cars start at the same line. One is pushed gently and the other is pushed hard. What will most likely happen?
3A ball is dropped from a table and falls straight down to the floor. Which force causes the ball to fall toward the ground?
4In a meadow ecosystem, grass uses sunlight to make its own food. What role does the grass play in this ecosystem?
5A food chain shows: grass to grasshopper to frog to snake. If the grass were removed, what would most likely happen first?
6The Sun appears to rise in the east, move across the sky, and set in the west each day. What actually causes this apparent motion of the Sun?
7Most of the water on Earth's surface is found in which location?
8When water in a puddle disappears on a sunny day, the liquid water has changed into water vapor. What is this process called?
9A magnet can pick up paper clips made of iron but not a pencil eraser. What does this observation show?
10A scientist wants to identify an unknown white powder. Which property would be most useful for telling it apart from other white powders?
About the NYS Grade 5 Science Exam
The New York State Grade 5 Elementary-Level Science Test is a state assessment that measures how well fifth graders have learned the New York State P-12 Science Learning Standards, which are based on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). First administered in spring 2024, it replaced the former Grade 4 science test and assesses science standards across grades 3-5. The test is given as a single, computer-based session near the end of the school year and is built around question clusters that present real-world phenomena. Each form contains about 36 to 43 questions, with roughly 60 percent multiple-choice and 40 percent constructed-response (including Technology Enhanced Items). Items integrate the three dimensions of the standards: Science and Engineering Practices, Disciplinary Core Ideas, and Crosscutting Concepts, across physical science, life science, and earth and space science. Results are reported in four performance levels, where Level 3 means proficient. The test is free to students and administered by New York public school districts.
Exam sponsor: New York State Education Department (NYSED), Office of State Assessment. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.
Questions
100 questions
Time Limit
Given in a single session on one day; schools allocate a minimum of 90 minutes, and most students complete the test in about 120 minutes. Students may have as much time as needed within the regular school day, plus accommodations per IEPs and 504 plans.
Passing Score
Results are reported in four performance levels: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4. Level 3 indicates the student is proficient in the grade-level standards.
Exam / Certification Fees
Free for students; the assessment is funded by New York State and administered by public school districts.
Exam sponsor websiteFees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.
Our practice resources: topics covered
We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.
Physical Science
Properties of matter, particles too small to see, changes that form new substances, conservation of matter, forces and motion, gravity, magnets, and light and sound as energy (5-PS1, 5-PS2, 5-PS3, 3-PS2, 4-PS3, 4-PS4).
Life Science
Producers, consumers, and decomposers, food webs and one-way energy flow from the Sun, structure and function, life cycles, inherited traits, and environmental effects on organisms (5-LS1, 5-LS2, 3-LS, 4-LS1).
Earth and Space Science
Weather and the water cycle, water distribution, Earth's interacting spheres, weathering and erosion, conservation, the Sun and stars, gravity and orbits, and patterns such as day, night, and shadows (5-ESS1, 5-ESS2, 5-ESS3, 3-ESS2, 4-ESS1, 4-ESS2).
Preparing for the NYS Grade 5 Science Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Results are reported in four performance levels: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4. Level 3 indicates the student is proficient in the grade-level standards.
- Exam length: 100 questions
- Time limit: Given in a single session on one day; schools allocate a minimum of 90 minutes, and most students complete the test in about 120 minutes. Students may have as much time as needed within the regular school day, plus accommodations per IEPs and 504 plans.
- Exam / certification fees: Free for students; the assessment is funded by New York State and administered by public school districts. Official sources
Using Our Practice Resources
- Work through all 100 available questions
- Review every answer and explanation
- Track weak areas and revisit them
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
NYS Grade 5 Science: Suggested Study Strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the New York State Grade 5 Science Test?
It is New York's state science assessment for fifth graders, given near the end of the school year to measure mastery of the New York State P-12 Science Learning Standards. First administered in spring 2024, it replaced the former Grade 4 science test and is a single, computer-based session.
What topics are on the NYS Grade 5 Science Test?
The test covers physical science (matter, forces, gravity, light, and sound), life science (ecosystems, food webs, structure and function, and heredity), and earth and space science (weather, the water cycle, Earth's systems, the Sun, and stars), along with science and engineering practices.
How is the NYS Grade 5 Science Test scored?
Student results are reported in one of four performance levels. Level 1 is below proficient, Level 2 is partially proficient, Level 3 is proficient, and Level 4 means the student excels in the grade-level standards.
How long is the NYS Grade 5 Science Test?
The test is given in a single session on one day. Schools allocate a minimum of 90 minutes, and most students complete it in about 120 minutes. Students may take as much time as they need within the regular school day, plus accommodations.
How many questions are on the test and what types are used?
Each form has about 36 to 43 questions arranged in 7 to 9 question clusters. Roughly 60 percent are multiple-choice and 40 percent are constructed-response questions, including Technology Enhanced Items that use tools like drag-and-drop.
Is the NYS Grade 5 Science Test free?
Yes. The test is free to students because it is funded by New York State and administered through public school districts as part of New York's required state assessments.