100+ Free CAST Grade 8 Practice Questions
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Key Facts: CAST Grade 8 Exam
Grades 5, 8, HS
CAST administered in grade 5, grade 8, and once in high school
cde.ca.gov CAASPP science
~2 hours
Untimed; estimated about two hours for three segments
caaspp-elpac.org CAST
32–34 + PTs
Segment A discrete items plus 2 performance tasks for student scores
Revised CAST Blueprint
3 domains
Physical, Life, Earth & Space Sciences with integrated ETS
CAST Blueprint
CA NGSS
Aligned to California Next Generation Science Standards grades 6–8
CDE CAST page
Free
State-funded CAASPP assessment; no family exam fee
Statewide assessment program
4 levels
Minimal, Developing, Proficient, Advanced; Grade 8 Proficient is 415–432
CDE CAST Range ALDs (2025–26 labels)
59 PEs
Item specifications cover 59 Performance Expectations for grade 8 form
CDE CAST Item Specifications
CAST Grade 8 is California’s free statewide CA NGSS science test (CDE/CAASPP), untimed (~2 hours), three science domains plus integrated engineering, four achievement levels.
Sample CAST Grade 8 Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your CAST Grade 8 exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1In the middle school model of matter, which description of an atom is most accurate?
2Which example is a molecule?
3Which process is a chemical change?
4Baking soda and vinegar react in a sealed, flexible container and produce a gas. If no mass escapes, how does the total mass after the reaction compare with the mass before?
5Which particle is negatively charged and occupies the region outside the nucleus in common middle school atom models?
6Plastic water bottles and synthetic fabrics are examples of synthetic materials. What does synthetic mean in this context?
7Kinetic energy is the energy of
8A ball rests on a high shelf. Which type of energy is mainly associated with its position above the floor?
9Heat flows from a hot metal spoon into cooler soup mainly by which process when they are in contact?
10A force of 12 N to the right and a force of 5 N to the left act on the same object along a straight line. What is the net force?
About the CAST Grade 8 Exam
The California Science Test (CAST) Grade 8 is California’s statewide CAASPP science assessment for grade 8 students. It measures the California Next Generation Science Standards (CA NGSS) for grades 6–8 across Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Earth and Space Sciences, with Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science integrated by context. The computer-based form uses discrete items and performance tasks and is untimed (about two hours estimated). OpenExamPrep free MCQ practice is an English-language study aid aligned to CAST domains and CA NGSS—not official secure content or a full simulation of multi-part performance tasks.
Assessment
Question count not published by the exam provider
Time Limit
Untimed; estimated about two hours for all three segments (CDE/CAASPP).
Passing Score
No pass/fail score. Four overall achievement levels: Level 1 Minimal, Level 2 Developing, Level 3 Proficient, Level 4 Advanced (labels adopted by the SBE and used from 2025–26 reporting; formerly Standard Not Met / Nearly Met / Met / Exceeded). Cut scores unchanged: Grade 8 scale 350–450, Proficient 415–432, Advanced 433–450. Domain results use Above Proficient / At or Near Proficient / Below Proficient.
Exam Fee
Free to students and families; CAST is state-funded and administered through California public schools as part of CAASPP. (California Department of Education (CAASPP); operational delivery via the CAASPP contractor (ETS))
CAST Grade 8 Exam Content Outline
Physical Sciences (with integrated ETS)
Matter and chemical reactions, forces and motion, energy, and waves at middle school depth; Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science items assigned by stimulus context.
Life Sciences (with integrated ETS)
Cells and organisms, ecosystems, heredity, and biological evolution with SEPs and CCCs at grades 6–8 depth.
Earth and Space Sciences (with integrated ETS)
Earth’s place in the universe, Earth’s systems, weather and climate, and Earth and human activity, including Environmental Principles and Concepts context where appropriate.
How to Pass the CAST Grade 8 Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: No pass/fail score. Four overall achievement levels: Level 1 Minimal, Level 2 Developing, Level 3 Proficient, Level 4 Advanced (labels adopted by the SBE and used from 2025–26 reporting; formerly Standard Not Met / Nearly Met / Met / Exceeded). Cut scores unchanged: Grade 8 scale 350–450, Proficient 415–432, Advanced 433–450. Domain results use Above Proficient / At or Near Proficient / Below Proficient.
- Assessment: Question count not published by the exam provider
- Time limit: Untimed; estimated about two hours for all three segments (CDE/CAASPP).
- Exam fee: Free to students and families; CAST is state-funded and administered through California public schools as part of CAASPP.
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
CAST Grade 8 Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CAST Grade 8?
CAST is California’s statewide science assessment in the CAASPP System. Grade 8 assesses CA NGSS Performance Expectations from grades 6–8 using three-dimensional items that integrate practices, core ideas, and crosscutting concepts.
Who takes CAST?
Students in grades 5 and 8 and once in high school (grade 10, 11, or 12) take CAST unless their IEP designates the California Alternate Assessment for Science.
How long is CAST?
CAST is untimed. CDE/CAASPP estimate about two hours for all three segments.
What domains are scored?
Students receive an overall score and domain scores for Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Earth and Space Sciences. Engineering items are assigned to a science domain based on stimulus context (CAST blueprint).
Is CAST free?
Yes. CAST is state-funded and administered through public schools at no cost to families for standard administration.
What language is the CAST given in?
The CAST is delivered in English. Eligible students may receive the Spanish stacked–dual language designated support, which displays a full Spanish translation of each item above the English version, and CDE publishes non-embedded translated CAST test directions in sixteen additional languages. OpenExamPrep practice questions are English-language only.
Are these practice questions official CAST items?
No. OpenExamPrep questions are English-language MCQ study adaptations aligned to CA NGSS and CAST domains. They do not reproduce secure items or fully simulate multi-part performance tasks and technology-enhanced item types.