Science Power Review Packet
Science Power Review
Matter, Ecosystems, & Earth Systems
Name:
Date:
The Interconnected World
Our world is a giant machine where everything is connected. From the tiny particles that make up your desk to the massive oceans that cover our planet, science helps us understand how it all works together. This is called a system.
In Physical Science, we look at matter—anything that has mass and takes up space. Matter can be a solid, liquid, or gas. Even though we can't see them, matter is made of tiny particles too small to be seen with just our eyes. When we mix substances, they might undergo a chemical change, creating something entirely new!
In Life Science, we see how this matter moves through ecosystems. Plants take in energy from the Sun and matter from the air and soil to grow. Animals then eat those plants, and the energy moves up the food web. When plants and animals die, decomposers break them down, returning that matter back to the Earth to start the cycle again.
Finally, Earth Science shows us the Water Cycle. Water moves between the hydrosphere (oceans), the atmosphere (air), and the geosphere (land). As water evaporates and falls back as rain, it provides the essential resource that all living things need to survive.
Reading Check-In
1. Based on the passage, what is a "system"?
2. How are matter and ecosystems connected according to the text?
3. List the three spheres of Earth mentioned in the passage regarding the water cycle:
Matter Masters
Identifying Changes
Label each: (P) Physical or (C) Chemical:
Ice cube melting into water
Iron nail rusting in the rain
Tearing a piece of paper
Baking a cake in the oven
Conservation of Matter
A scientist mixes 15g of vinegar with 5g of baking soda in a sealed bag. A reaction occurs and bubbles form.
What is the total mass after?
Explain why:
The Particle Model
Draw what particles look like in a Solid vs. a Gas:
Particles in a Solid
Particles in a Gas
Eco Explorers
Energy Flow Diagram
Fill in: Sun, Producer, Primary Consumer, Secondary Consumer.
Energy Source
(Ex: Grass)
(Ex: Rabbit)
(Ex: Hawk)
The Role of Decomposers
What would happen to an ecosystem if all decomposers (fungi/bacteria) disappeared? Why are they vital?
Plant Growth Puzzle
Plants get their mass from Air and Water. Check the boxes that plants need for growth:
Sunlight for energy
Carbon Dioxide (from air)
Water (from soil/rain)
Soil Nutrients
Note: The actual bulk of a plant's weight comes from carbon in the air and hydrogen in water!
Blue Planet
The Water Cycle
Define these cycles in your own words:
Evaporation:
Condensation:
Precipitation:
Collection:
Earth's Spheres Interaction
Match the sphere to its description by drawing a line:
Biosphere
Geosphere
Hydrosphere
Atmosphere
All the gases surrounding Earth (the air)
All the water on Earth (oceans, rivers, ice)
All living things on the planet
The solid part of Earth (rocks, soil)
Science Showdown
1. Which of the following is evidence that a chemical change has occurred?
A gas is produced (bubbles)
A substance changes shape
A solid melts into a liquid
A liquid freezes into a solid
2. In a food web, where does the initial energy for all living things come from?
Decomposers
The Sun
Soil minerals
Water
3. What percentage of Earth's water is salt water found in the oceans?
About 3%
About 50%
About 75%
About 97%
4. Which process describes water vapor cooling and turning into liquid (clouds)?
Evaporation
Condensation
Precipitation
Transpiration
Finished? Check your work and then read quietly!
Science Power Review Answer Key
Answer Key
Science Power Review Packet
Teacher Use Only
Page 1: Reading Check-In
1. System: A set of connected things or parts forming a complex whole (everything working together).
2. Connection: Plants take in matter to grow; animals eat plants to move energy/matter; decomposers return matter to soil.
3. Spheres: Hydrosphere, Atmosphere, Geosphere.
Page 2: Matter Masters
Changes: Melting (P), Rusting (C), Tearing (P), Baking (C).
Conservation: 20g. Matter is conserved in a sealed system; weight of reactants = weight of products.
Particles: Solids have particles packed tight/vibrating; Gases have particles far apart/moving fast.
Page 3: Eco Explorers
Energy Flow: Sun → Producer → Primary Consumer → Secondary Consumer.
Decomposers: Vital for recycling matter; without them, nutrients wouldn't return to soil and waste would pile up.
Plant Growth: Plants need Sunlight, Air (CO2), and Water. Mass mostly from Air/Water.
Page 4: Blue Planet
Water Cycle: Evaporation (Liquid to Gas), Condensation (Gas to Liquid), Precipitation (Rain/Snow), Collection (Gathering).
Spheres Matching: Biosphere (Living), Geosphere (Rocks), Hydrosphere (Water), Atmosphere (Gases).
Page 5: Science Showdown
1. A (Gas Produced)
2. B (The Sun)
3. D (97%)
4. B (Condensation)
