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100+ Free OSTP Science Grade 5 Practice Questions

Prepare for the Oklahoma School Testing Program — Science, Grade 5 exam with instant access — no signup required.

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Not applicable — no pass/fail mark; OSDE reports performance levels rather than a pass rate. Pass Rate
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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: OSTP Science Grade 5 Exam

OSDE

Administering agency

Oklahoma State Department of Education

Cognia

Testing vendor

OSDE Assessment Materials

15 clusters (~45 items)

Operational clusters

Grade 5 Science Test Blueprint

Earth and Space Sciences, 33-40%

Largest reporting category

Grade 5 Science Test Blueprint

OPI 200-399; 300 = Proficient

Score scale

OSDE Understanding OSTP Results

Practise for the OSTP Grade 5 Science test with 100 free questions weighted to the official OSDE blueprint, where Earth and Space Sciences leads at 33-40%. The real test uses three-item phenomenon clusters; this English-language MCQ bank is a study aid, not a format simulation.

Sample OSTP Science Grade 5 Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your OSTP Science Grade 5 exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A student places 10 grams of white sugar into a glass containing 100 grams of warm water and stirs until the sugar crystals disappear. The liquid remains completely clear. The student then measures the total mass of the glass and liquid. Which statement best describes the properties of the sugar in this phenomenon?
A.The sugar dissolved in the water, forming a clear solution, and its mass was conserved.
B.The sugar was destroyed by the warm water, decreasing the total mass of the system.
C.The sugar underwent a chemical change because it became an invisible gas.
D.The sugar settled at the bottom of the glass because it is insoluble in water.
Explanation: When sugar dissolves in water, it breaks down into individual molecules that fit between water molecules, creating a clear mixture (solution). Dissolving is a physical change where matter is conserved, so the total mass equals the mass of the water plus the mass of the sugar.
2Students tested four solid metal objects using a bar magnet to classify them by their physical properties. They recorded their observations in the table below: [Data Table: Magnetic Testing] - Object 1 (Iron Nail): Attracted to magnet - Object 2 (Aluminum Foil): Not attracted - Object 3 (Copper Wire): Not attracted - Object 4 (Steel Paperclip): Attracted to magnet Based on these observations, which conclusion is supported by the evidence?
A.Magnetism is a characteristic physical property that can separate iron and steel from aluminum and copper.
B.All metal objects are attracted to magnets regardless of what metal they are made from.
C.Magnetism is a chemical property because the magnet permanently changes the metals.
D.Aluminum and copper are non-metals because they are not attracted to a magnet.
Explanation: Magnetism is a physical property that depends on the specific type of metal present (such as iron or nickel). As shown in the data table, iron and steel are magnetic while aluminum and copper are not, allowing magnetism to be used to identify and separate different metals.
3A student drops a wooden block and a solid iron cube of identical volume into a tub of fresh water. The wooden block floats at the surface, while the iron cube sinks to the bottom. What physical property explains why the wooden block floats while the iron cube sinks?
A.The wooden block has a lower density than water, while the iron cube has a higher density than water.
B.The iron cube has a larger surface area than the wooden block.
C.The wooden block is attracted upward by Earth's gravitational pull.
D.The iron cube absorbs water and increases its total volume.
Explanation: Density determines whether an object floats or sinks in a liquid. Objects with a density less than water (like wood) float because the buoyant force equals their weight before full submersion, whereas objects with a density greater than water (like solid iron) sink.
4During an electrical conductivity investigation, a student connects four test materials into a simple circuit with a 1.5V battery and a light bulb. The results are shown below: [Data Table: Electrical Circuit Testing] - Material A (Copper Strip): Light bulb shines brightly - Material B (Plastic Straw): Light bulb does not light - Material C (Salt Water Solution): Light bulb shines brightly - Material D (Dry Wooden Stick): Light bulb does not light Which statement correctly classifies these materials based on their physical properties?
A.Copper and salt water solution are electrical conductors, while plastic and dry wood are electrical insulators.
B.All solid materials act as electrical insulators, while all liquids act as electrical conductors.
C.Plastic and dry wood undergo a chemical change when placed in an electrical circuit.
D.Material C is an insulator because dissolved solids block electric current.
Explanation: Materials that allow electric current to flow through them easily (causing the light bulb to shine) are electrical conductors, such as copper metal and salt water solution. Materials that prevent current flow (bulb remains unlit) are electrical insulators, such as plastic and dry wood.
5A teacher places three spoons made of different materials—metal, wood, and plastic—into a bowl of hot soup (85°C). Small dots of butter are stuck to the top handle of each spoon outside the bowl. After 3 minutes, the butter on the metal spoon melts completely, while the butter on the wooden and plastic spoons remains solid. What does this investigation demonstrate about thermal conductivity?
A.Metal is a good thermal conductor that transfers heat energy rapidly, while wood and plastic are poor thermal conductors.
B.Wood and plastic absorb heat energy and destroy it before it reaches the top of the handle.
C.Metal spoons produce their own heat energy when placed into hot liquids.
D.Butter melts only when it comes into direct chemical contact with metal.
Explanation: Thermal conductivity is the property of a material to conduct heat energy. Metals have high thermal conductivity, allowing heat energy from the soup to travel quickly up the metal handle to melt the butter. Wood and plastic have low thermal conductivity (thermal insulators), so heat transfers very slowly.
6A science class measures the mass and volume of four unknown solid samples to determine their physical properties. They record the data in the table below: [Data Table: Mass and Volume Measurements] - Sample 1: Mass = 27.0 g, Volume = 10.0 cm³ - Sample 2: Mass = 78.0 g, Volume = 10.0 cm³ - Sample 3: Mass = 11.3 g, Volume = 1.0 cm³ - Sample 4: Mass = 27.0 g, Volume = 3.0 cm³ Given that pure aluminum has a density of 2.7 g/cm³ (Density = Mass ÷ Volume), which sample is most likely made of pure aluminum?
A.Sample 1
B.Sample 2
C.Sample 3
D.Sample 4
Explanation: Density is calculated by dividing mass by volume. For Sample 1, 27.0 g ÷ 10.0 cm³ = 2.7 g/cm³, which matches the known physical property density of pure aluminum.
7A student pumps air into an empty, deflated basketball until it becomes firm and round. The student measures the mass of the ball before and after pumping air into it, as shown below: [Scenario Data] - Mass of deflated ball: 570 grams - Mass of fully inflated ball: 584 grams Which statement is best supported by this phenomenon?
A.Air is matter because it has mass and expands to fill the volume of its container.
B.Air is weightless energy that increases the pressure without adding mass.
C.Pumping air into the ball causes a chemical reaction that creates solid matter inside.
D.The ball gained mass because the rubber stretched and created new atoms.
Explanation: All gases, including air, are matter because they take up space (fill the container) and have mass. The 14-gram increase in mass (584 g - 570 g) proves that air particles were added into the basketball.
8A lab technician investigates four clear liquids to determine their physical properties. The data collected is presented in the table below: [Data Table: Properties of Clear Liquids] - Liquid W: Boiling Point = 100°C, Density = 1.00 g/mL, Freezing Point = 0°C - Liquid X: Boiling Point = 78°C, Density = 0.79 g/mL, Freezing Point = -114°C - Liquid Y: Boiling Point = 100°C, Density = 1.00 g/mL, Freezing Point = 0°C - Liquid Z: Boiling Point = 290°C, Density = 1.26 g/mL, Freezing Point = 18°C Based on these physical properties, which two samples are most likely the exact same substance?
A.Liquid W and Liquid Y
B.Liquid W and Liquid X
C.Liquid X and Liquid Z
D.Liquid Y and Liquid Z
Explanation: Substances have characteristic physical properties (boiling point, freezing point, density) that do not depend on sample size. Liquid W and Liquid Y share identical values across all three properties, indicating they are the same substance (pure water).
9A student is given a dry mixture containing iron filings, table salt, and coarse sand. The student needs to separate all three components using their physical properties. [Proposed Separation Procedure] Step 1: Pass a strong magnet over the mixture. Step 2: Add water to the remaining mixture and stir thoroughly. Step 3: Filter the mixture through filter paper. Step 4: Evaporate the liquid collected from the filter. Which statement correctly evaluates this plan?
A.The plan works: Magnetism separates iron filings; solubility separates sand (retained on filter) from salt (dissolved in water, recovered by evaporation).
B.The plan fails because the magnet will attract both iron filings and salt crystals simultaneously.
C.The plan fails because evaporating the water will destroy the salt particles.
D.The plan works, but Step 1 should be omitted because iron filings dissolve in water.
Explanation: This plan successfully uses physical properties to separate the mixture: magnetism removes iron filings, solubility in water allows salt to dissolve while insoluble sand is filtered out, and boiling/evaporating water leaves pure salt behind.
10A student pours 20 mL of vinegar into a zipper plastic bag and places a small scoop of baking soda into the corner before sealing the bag tightly. When the student tilts the bag to mix the powders, bubbles vigorously form, the bag inflates like a balloon, and the bottom feels cold to the touch. What evidence indicates that a chemical change occurred?
A.Formation of gas bubbles, inflation of the sealed bag, and a temperature change.
B.The powders dissolved in water to make a clear solution without new substances.
C.The total mass of the bag decreased because liquid turned into energy.
D.The plastic bag changed state from a solid to a liquid.
Explanation: Evidence of a chemical change includes the formation of a new substance (carbon dioxide gas creating bubbles and inflating the bag) and an unexpected temperature change (endothermic cooling).

About the OSTP Science Grade 5 Exam

The OSTP Grade 5 Science assessment measures proficiency against the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science using a three-dimensional, phenomenon-based cluster format. Two physical science standards are deliberately reported outside Physical Sciences: 5.PS3.1 is reported in Life Sciences and 5.PS2.1 in Earth and Space Sciences, reflecting how they are usually taught.

Assessment

Online cluster-based test delivered in two sections. Each of the 15 operational clusters aligns to one Oklahoma Academic Standard with its Disciplinary Core Idea(s), Science and Engineering Practice and Crosscutting Concept. Blueprint: Earth and Space Sciences 33-40%, Physical Sciences 27-33%, Life Sciences 27-33%.

Time Limit

Approximately 125 minutes across two sections of 45-55 minutes each (suggested maximum 250 minutes); not strictly timed

Passing Score

No pass/fail mark. Reported on the Oklahoma Performance Index (OPI) 200–399 scale, where 300 is always Proficient, in four performance levels: Below Basic, Basic, Proficient, Advanced.

Exam Fee

No fee to students (Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE); delivered under contract by Cognia)

OSTP Science Grade 5 Exam Content Outline

33-40%

Earth and Space Sciences

Apparent brightness of stars, patterns of shadows and sky objects, interactions of the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere, distribution of Earth's water, protecting Earth's resources, and gravity as a downward force (5.ESS1-5.ESS3, 5.PS2.1a).

27-33%

Physical Sciences

Matter made of particles too small to see, conservation of matter when heating, cooling or mixing, identifying materials by their properties, and investigating whether mixing substances forms new substances (5.PS1.1-5.PS1.4).

27-33%

Life Sciences

Plants obtaining materials for growth from air and water, movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers and the environment, factors that upset ecosystem stability, and energy in food tracing back to the sun (5.LS1-5.LS2, 5.PS3.1a).

How to Pass the OSTP Science Grade 5 Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: No pass/fail mark. Reported on the Oklahoma Performance Index (OPI) 200–399 scale, where 300 is always Proficient, in four performance levels: Below Basic, Basic, Proficient, Advanced.
  • Assessment: Online cluster-based test delivered in two sections. Each of the 15 operational clusters aligns to one Oklahoma Academic Standard with its Disciplinary Core Idea(s), Science and Engineering Practice and Crosscutting Concept. Blueprint: Earth and Space Sciences 33-40%, Physical Sciences 27-33%, Life Sciences 27-33%.
  • Time limit: Approximately 125 minutes across two sections of 45-55 minutes each (suggested maximum 250 minutes); not strictly timed
  • Exam fee: No fee to students

Keys to Passing

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

OSTP Science Grade 5 Study Tips from Top Performers

1Earth and Space Sciences carries the most weight (33-40%) — study shadow and sky patterns, Earth's spheres, and the distribution of fresh water versus salt water.
2Practise reasoning from data tables and graphs: the test rewards using evidence from a stimulus rather than recalling a definition.
3For physical science, focus on the particle model of matter, conservation of weight when substances are heated, cooled or mixed, and identifying materials by measurable properties.
4For life science, trace matter and energy through food webs back to the sun, and explain what destabilises a local ecosystem.
5Try the free OSTP practice test on the Cognia Oklahoma Help & Support site so the cluster layout and technology-enhanced tools are familiar.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the official OSTP Grade 5 Science test?

The operational test contains 15 clusters. Each cluster has three items — either three multiple-choice items, or two multiple-choice items plus a technology-enhanced item — so about 45 operational items in total.

What is a science cluster?

A cluster is a set of items linked to one common stimulus, usually a real-world phenomenon. Each cluster aligns to a single Oklahoma Academic Standard with its Disciplinary Core Idea, Science and Engineering Practice and Crosscutting Concept.

Why do some physical science standards appear under other categories?

The blueprint states that 5.PS3.1 is reported in Life Sciences and 5.PS2.1 in Earth and Space Sciences, because that is how those standards are typically incorporated into classroom units.

Is there a passing score?

No. Results are reported on the Oklahoma Performance Index scale of 200–399, where 300 is always Proficient, and in four performance levels: Below Basic, Basic, Proficient and Advanced.

Is the Grade 5 Science test available in Spanish?

Yes. Cognia offers Spanish online forms for Grades 5 and 8 Science, along with Spanish text-to-speech; students must be scheduled for the Spanish test.