2006 MCAS Practice Questions
Technology/Engineering - Grade 8

ANSWERS

Question 5: Multiple-Choice Reporting Category: Technology/Engineering
Objective(s): Materials, Tools, and Machines - 1.1
The illustration below shows a cloth banner made to advertise a county fair. This sign will be hung across the main street of a town between two metal utility poles. Which of the following materials would be the best to use to attach the sign to the poles?
	A. nails B. ropes C. staples D. tape

Question 13: Multiple-Choice Reporting Category: Technology/Engineering
Objective(s): Bioengineering Technologies - 7.2
From year to year, farmers rotate different crops in the fields to improve soil nutrients. Why is crop rotation also an effective pest management method?
	A. It allows chemicals to kill more pests. B. It creates crops that are pest-resistant. C. It interrupts the life cycles of pests. D. It allows pests to overpopulate.

Question 14: Multiple-Choice Reporting Category: Technology/Engineering
Objective(s): Engineering Design - 2.2
The diagram below illustrates a step in the assembly process for a swing set. Which of the following is the best reason to use this type of drawing when assembling this swing set?
	A. to indicate the tools needed B. to warn of potential hazards C. to increase the scale of the parts D. to show how the parts go together

Question 17: Multiple-Choice Reporting Category: Technology/Engineering
Objective(s): Engineering Design - 2.6
The picture below shows an iron. When considering an iron as an example of a system, what is the input?
	A. electricity B. temperature C. motion on clothes D. steam from the plate

Question 18: Open-Response Reporting Category: Technology/Engineering
Objective(s): Manufacturing Technologies - 4.3
A new type of sneaker is being designed for athletes who play on hard surfaces. List three divisions of the manufacturing organization involved in the design, manufacture, and promotion of this new style of sneaker. Describe the general role of each division you identified in part (a).

Question 21: Multiple-Choice Reporting Category: Technology/Engineering
Objective(s): Transportation Technologies - 6.3
Which of the following is the best example of a part of the propulsion system of a tractor?
	A. engine B. front headlight C. hood D. steering wheel

Question 36: Multiple-Choice Reporting Category: Technology/Engineering
Objective(s): Engineering Design - 2.2
The illustration below shows an architect's model of an office building. Which of the following is most likely the purpose of this model?
	A. to guide the drafting of the building's plans B. to test the strength of the construction technique C. to inventory the materials needed for construction D. to show some of the characteristics of the finished structure

Question 39: Open-Response Reporting Category: Technology/Engineering
Objective(s): Construction Technologies - 5.1
The diagram below shows several labeled parts of a house. Describe the function of the house's foundation. The framing, insulation, and siding make up the wall system of this house. Explain the function of each of these parts.

Question 3: Multiple-Choice Reporting Category: Technology/Engineering
Objective(s): Bioengineering Technologies - 7.1
The drawing below shows an entrance to a building with both steps and a ramp. The ramp in front of this building most likely functions as which of the following?
	A. an assistive device B. a structural support C. a prosthetic device D. a suspension system

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