Index

No.

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, SINGAPORE

PRIMARY SCHOOL LEAVING EXAMINATION

0009/2 (A) PSLE

3 OCTOBER 2017

SCIENCE
(BOOKLET A)

Additional Materials: Optical Answer Sheet (OAS) Total Time for Booklets A and B :1 h 45 min

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES

1. Write your Index No. in the boxes at the top right hand corner.
2. Do not turn over this page until you are told to do so.
3. Follow all instructions carefully.
4. Answer all questions.
5. Shade your answers on the Optical Answer Sheet (OAS) provided.

This booklet consists of 20 printed pages.

SEAI3

1Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board

. Lv
i

© MOE 2017
 2
For each question from 1 to 28, four options are given. One of them is the correct answer. Make
your choice (1, 2, 3 or 4) and shade your answer on the Optical Answer Sheet.
(56 marks)

1 Which of the following is a function of the human skeletal system?

(1) protects organs in the body

(2) protects the muscular system

(3) transports blood around the body

(4) transports food in the digestive system

2 Study the chart below.

insect

bird

mammal

Which of the following shows the characteristics represented by A and B?

Characteristics

A B

(1) has fur has a beak

(2) has six legs has feathers

(3) has wings has fur

(4) has hard body covering gives birth to young

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3 Which one of the following organisms is not a fungus?

(1) fern

(2) yeast

(3) mould

(4) mushroom

4 Which of the following correctly describes the transfer of energy in a community of

organisms?

(1) Energy is transferred from predators to prey in a food web.

(2) Energy is transferred from one plant-eater to another in a population.

(3) Energy is transferred from producers to consumers in the same habitat.

(4) Energy is transferred from decomposers to producers in the same community.

5 Halim found an animal in a stream deep in a forest.

Which of the following characteristics should he use to identify it as amphibian, fish or reptile?

(1) presence of gills

(2) type of body covering

(3) method of reproduction

(4) whether it can live both on land and in water

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6 The food relationship between three organisms is shown.

S ►T

The following took place when a large number of organism T died.

A The number of R decreased.

B The number of S increased.

C The number of S decreased.

D There was insufficient food for S.

Which of the following shows the correct sequence of events?

(1) A, B, D, C

(2) A, D, C, B

(3) B, A, D, C

(4) B, D, C, A

7 Two cells A and B are shown.

A
B

Which of the following gives the correct classification of the cells and the function of part J?

Plant Animal
Function of part J
cell cell
(1) - A, B controls movement of substances in and out of the cell

(2) B A controls movement of substances in and out of the cell

(3) B A gives the cell a shape

(4) A, B - gives the cell a shape

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8 The diagram shows plant P growing on a tree trunk. Its roots grip the surface of the trunk but
do not reach the ground.

flower
leaf

tree trunk

When tiny, dust-like substance from plant P land on other tree trunks, they grow into new
plants.

Which statement about plant P is correct?

(1) Wind is used for the dispersal of its spores.

(2) P grows on a tree trunk so that it can avoid insects.

(3) Its roots can absorb water droplets formed from condensation.

(4) Fertilisation takes place after the dust-like substance are dispersed.

9 Which of the following are correct?

A carrying out reforestation helps to reduce soil erosion and floods

B preventing disposal of waste into water helps to reduce pollution and haze

C using less fuel helps to reduce haze and global warming

(1) A and B only

(2) A and C only

(3) B and C only

(4) A, B and C

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10 Jack grew some seeds of a plant on four trays inside a room. The experimental conditions
and results are shown below.

Presence
Tray Soil Appearance of seeds on Day 5
of light

A dry no 0 0 0

B wet no
0
1

C dry yes 0 0 0

D wet yes
0
,.........- „ 04: %
>,0
Based only on the results shown above, what is the correct conclusion for the germination
of the seeds?

(1) light is required

(2) water is required

(3) light, water and air are required

(4) air, water and warmth are required

11 A student made three statements about sexual reproduction in plants and humans:

A Fertilisation occurs in a female reproductive part.

B Reproductive cells are produced in the anthers.
C The fertilised egg is found in the ovary.

Which of the following is correct?

Plants Humans

(1) B A, C

(2) A, C C

(3) A, B, C A

(4) A, B, C A, C

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12 A farmer has two different plots of land, X and Y, growing similar tomato plants as shown
below.

a A a one tomato plant

a A a a

He predicts that more tomatoes will be produced by adding 5 g of fertiliser to the soil around
each plant.

However, his wife predicts that adding 10 g of the same fertiliser will give better results.

Which of the following arrangements should the farmer use to provide a correct test for both
their predictions?

5 g of fertiliser added

10 g of fertiliser added

(1) (2)

rA :A.: :4:: 'FrilA.

:A•: A

ra
•

X Y X Y

(3) (4)

A A a a A
zA
r

a ..4. a a
lir, 3
A 4:: •A •

X Y Y

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13 A scientist studied the effect of light on plant S. His observations are shown below.

average number average height

of leaves
of plant (cm)

amount of amount of
light (units) light (units)

Which of the following will he most likely observe when plant S is grown under different
amounts of light?

(1) (2)

low amount of light high amount of light low amount of light high amount of light

0
,)
tr -\--N (
ii7IVANN
61"0"?‘4%
,I.

(3) (4)

low amount of light high amount of light low amount of light high amount of light

lf
A
il Cst\
Iir-,7 I

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14 Minah built a small pond in a garden on Day 1.

Minah observed three types of animals, mosquito, butterfly and frog living in the garden.
The number of days needed for their eggs to hatch is shown below.

Characteristic mosquito butterfly frog

Number of days needed for eggs to hatch 1 3 21

On Day 15, what would Minah most likely find in the pond?

(1) mosquito larvae and butterfly larvae

(2) mosquito larvae and tadpoles

(3) frog eggs and mosquito larvae

(4) frog eggs and butterfly larvae

15 The diagram shows a cylinder and a plunger. Ahmad filled the cylinder with some water as
shown.

cylinder
plunger
air
- -

water

Why is Ahmad able to push the plunger downwards without air or water escaping?

(1) air has weight

(2) air occupies space

(3) air has no definite shape

(4) air has no definite volume

0009102(A)12017 (Go on to the next page)
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16 The diagram shows the change of state of water.

r -.— gas

liquid

solid 4--)

What are processes X and Y?

X Y
(1) freezing evaporation
(2) condensation freezing
(3) freezing condensation
(4) condensation melting

17 An insect is covered in a shell that supports its body and protects its organs. This shell is
made of material C.

shell of material C

Which property of material C allows the shell to perform the functions described?

(1) strength

(2) flexibility

(3) waterproof

(4) ability to float

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18 Aisha conducted an experiment by heating substance P. At the start, P was a solid at 30°C.
After 15 minutes of heating, P reached a temperature of 100°C as shown.

• •

After 15 minutes
to-

solid P liquid P
(30°C) (100 °C)

heat

Based on Aisha's experiment, which one of the following is possible?

Melting point of P (°C) Boiling point of P (°C)

(1) 20 105

(2) 25 100

(3) 30 95

(4) 50 110

19 A ball tied to a string was released. It swung and hit the plastic bottle. The bottle fell down.

floor

Which of the following shows the correct conversion of energy?

(1) kinetic energy of ball —> potential energy of ball —> kinetic energy of bottle

(2) potential energy of ball --- kinetic energy of ball -- kinetic energy of bottle

(3) kinetic energy of ball ---› kinetic energy of bottle potential energy of bottle

(4) potential energy of ball --> potential energy of bottle ---+ kinetic energy of bottle

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20 Which of the following is a possible effect on the water cycle when the temperature of the
environment increases?

(1) Condensation of water vapour decreases resulting in more rain.

(2) Condensation of water vapour increases resulting in less clouds.

(3) Evaporation of water increases resulting in more rain.

(4) Evaporation of water decreases resulting in less water vapour in the air.

21 Two magnets A and B were placed close together with their north poles as shown.

When B was released, it moved along the surface of the floor.

Which of the following shows the direction of the magnetic force acting on A and the direction
of frictional force acting on B?

Magnetic force acting on A Frictional force acting on B

(1) —4. 4--

(2) 4-- 4—

(3) —4. ---4.

(4) ill__ xassisomm*

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22 An engineer set up a system using light bulb P and alarm Q to alert him when the temperature
of an oven is too high. He used a metal rod that expands easily when temperature increases.

The table shows his results at different temperatures.

Temperature of the oven (°C) Light bulb P Alarm Q

26 off off
100 on off
300 on on

Which of the following is his set-up?

(1)

metal contact

electrical
contact
metal rod
wall of oven

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23 Bulbs A, B, C and D were connected in a circuit hidden in a wooden box shown below.
All the light bulbs lit when the circuit was closed.

BO

wooden box

DO
Melissa removed one light bulb from the circuit each time and observed what happened to
the rest of the light bulbs. Her observations are recorded in the table below.

Bulb removed Bulb(s) lit

A B, C and D
B None
C A and B
D A and B

Which of the following correctly shows the circuit hidden in the wooden box?

(1) (2)

(3) (4)

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24 Sulaiman placed two empty identical containers, K and M, both initially at room temperature,
on a table. He poured 500 cm3 of boiling water into container K and 250 cm3 of boiling water
into container M.

J i
container K container M

The temperatures of water in K and M were recorded every minute for some time.

Which one of the following is the correct graph for his results?

(1) (2)
temperature (°C) temperature (°C)

100

time (minutes) time (minutes)

(3) (4)
temperature (°C) temperature (°C)

time (minutes) time (minutes)

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25 A compass has a small magnet that can rotate freely as shown.

north pole of
small magnet

Four bar magnets were arranged such that they were attracted to one another. A compass
was then placed near end P and the direction of the compass needle is as shown
below.

P compass

„....,
iQ)
••••••••

What would be the direction of the needle when the compass was placed at Q?

(1) (2) (3) (4)

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26 A spring is compressed and released at A. It moves to B as shown.

The graph shows the amount of different types of energy of the spring at A.
I-1
I
/ ►
►
Energy (units)
/ 1 A
/ 1
/ 1

►
►

►
Types of
I
I elastic gravitational kinetic energy
potential potential energy
energy energy
ground

Which of the following graphs shows the amounts of different types of energy for the spring
at B before it hits the ground?

(1) (2)

Energy (units) Energy (units)

A

E E

a
Types of
elastic gravitational kinetic energy elastic gravitat'onal
potential potential energy
Types of
kinetic energy
potential potential energy
energy energy energy energy

(3) (4)

Energy (units) Energy (units)

A

■ Types of
elast c gravitational kinetic energy
Types of
elastic gravitational kinetic energy
potential potential energy potential potential energy
energy energy energy energy

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27 Weishen has three sheets of different materials with different shapes cut in the middle.
Only one sheet is made of a material that allows light to pass through.

sheet L sheet M sheet P

He conducted an experiment in a dark room using the setup below.

screen
P

L
\-,

--,.,,.,

torchlight(5::) a

Which of the following could be seen on the screen?

(1) (2)

(3) (4)

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28 Wenkang sat on a ride at an amusement park.

elastic rope

Diagram 1 Diagram 2

When released, the stretched elastic ropes pulled Wenkang upwards as shown in
Diagram 1. The elastic ropes stretched to a maximum length when he was at the highest
point Q as shown in Diagram 2.

Which one of the following correctly explains why Wenkang was slowing down as he moved
from P to Q?

(1) Elastic potential energy was converted to heat by friction.

(2) Elastic potential energy was converted to gravitational potential energy.

(3) Elastic force was increasing as he was moving upwards.

(4) Elastic force was pulling him in opposite direction to his weight.

0009/02(A)12017 (Go on to Booklet B)

 20

The information contained in this booklet is the property of the Government of the Republic
of Singapore. Action will be taken against any person who makes unauthorised release or
reproduction of this information, whether in whole or in part and in whatever format.

Those seeking permission to release or reproduce this information, in whole or in part and
in whatever format, must direct their request in writing to the Chief Executive, Singapore
Examinations and Assessment Board.

Any person who comes across this booklet must return it to the Chief Executive,
Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board without delay.

Copyright Acknowledgements:

The Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board has made every effort to trace
copyright holders, but if we have inadvertently overlooked any, we will be pleased to make
the necessary arrangements at the first opportunity.

0009/02(A)/2017
 Index
No.

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, SINGAPORE

PRIMARY SCHOOL LEAVING EXAMINATION

0009/2 (B) PSLE

3 OCTOBER 2017

SCIENCE
(BOOKLET B)

Total Time for Booklets A and B :1 h 45 min

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES

1. Write your Index No. in the boxes at the top right hand corner.
2. Do not turn over this page until you are told to do so.
3. Follow all instructions carefully.
4. Answer all questions.
5. Write your answers in this booklet.

FOR MARKERS' USE FOR CSM / SM / ASM's USE

Question Marker ID Supervisor ID / Signature
No. Marker 1 Marker 2
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36 FOR RECORDER'S USE
37 Total Max Recorder ID /
Mark Mark Signature
38
39
44
40

SEAB This booklet consists of 16 printed pages.

V)Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board

© MOE 2017
 2

For questions 29 to 40, write your answers in this booklet.

The number of marks available is shown in brackets [ ] at the end of each question or part question.
(44 marks)

29 (a) The diagram shows half a seed. Part Q protects the baby plant.

baby plant

State another function of part Q.

(b) Melvin observed stages in the life of fish T and fish W as shown.

e - 0 -100- : ,dig
7".--
-*44 ic„iiicci(iii"
--0' ........0 zx .....catc - (ii c
0 ---- ..) ,
--
.'-p. ("
Fish T
stored food
egg young (stage 1) young (stage 2) adult

Fish W 4

young adult (gives birth to young)

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(i) Based on Melvin's observation, state a characteristic of the young of fish T that helps
it to survive in stage 1. [1]

(ii) State a characteristic of the young of fish W which gives it an advantage to survive
compared to the young of fish T at stage 1. Explain your answer. [1]

(iii) Fish T lays its eggs inside a cave as shown. It is known to protect its eggs.

••••••,,,,.....,„..
.....^.....,........-,_..... .....,..j,....^•^.
••••••••\,-,_...-,...... ^.........,\.....,1,...... •-•,.....,•,......,_.-.
..............,
1„....,_,....
./ .....I1/..N. ...1
, -,.
......--..

Explain how laying eggs in a cave helps fish T to protect its eggs. [1]

(Go on to the next page)

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30 (a) Bacteria M can cause illness when it is present in large numbers. Rahim conducted an
experiment to find out how quickly bacteria M can reproduce when it is kept at different
temperatures. His results are shown below.

Temperature at which Amount of bacteria M (unit)

bacteria M is kept (°C) At the start of experiment 24 hours later
30 1 120
35 1 250
40 1 130
45 1 60

(i) Describe how the amount of bacteria M changes with temperature. [1]

(ii) Bacteria M can be found on raw food. The human body temperature is 37 °C. Based
on the information given, suggest why bacteria M will reproduce quickly in the human
intestines when raw food is eaten. [1]

(b) Rahim carried out a second experiment to find out if bacteria M can be killed at high
temperatures. He heated the same amount of bacteria at different temperatures for 15
seconds. His results are shown below.

Amount of bacteria M
left after 15 seconds

amount of bacteria
at start of experiment

o. Temperature (°C)
80 90 100
He cooked some raw food to 100 °C. The cooked food was left at 30 °C for several
hours. Based on the results of Rahim's two experiments, explain why the cooked food
may no longer be safe to eat. [2]

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31 A farmer observed a food relationship on his farm:

plant E ► insect B

The farmer learnt that another insect, L, is a predator of insect B. Insect L also likes to feed on
pollen. Using this information, he grew plant E between rows of plant D, as shown.

flowers

leaves
Plant D

Based on the information above, explain how this farming method allows the farmer to grow
plant E without pesticides. [2]

(Go on to the next page)

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32 (a) The diagram shows cells during a process H in the reproduction of an animal.

Part C controls all the activities of the cell. Name part C. [1]

(b) Process H also occurs in plant P. The diagram shows how a fruit is formed from the
flower of plant P. The fruit of plant P has been cut open.

Process G Process H

flower fruit

(i) Describe process G. [1]

(ii) State the part of the flower that J developed from. [1]

(c) In a population of plant K, each plant has only red flowers or only white flowers.

A farmer collected seeds from plant K with red flowers to grow new plants. Explain why
the new plants will have only red flowers. [1]

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33 A scientist carried out an experiment to measure the volume of blood supplied per minute to
different parts of the human body during two activities: resting and running.

Activities
Volume of blood resting
supplied per
minute (cm3) running

ZA
legs small intestine

(a) Describe how oxygen in the environment reaches the legs. [2]

(b) Using the graph above, explain how running after a meal affects the absorption of
digested food in the small intestine. [1]

(Go on to the next page)

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34 (a) Four parts of a plant are shown below. Draw arrows (-►) in the diagram below to
show how water is transported in a plant. [1]

stem leaves

roots flowers

(b) (i) Describe the process of photosynthesis in green plants. [1]

(ii) Insect R eats its way into a tree trunk. This affects the growth of the roots of the tree.
Explain why. [1]

(c) Plant T grows in a desert. It is able to store air in the leaves.

Carl observed the cells of a leaf of plant T during the day and at night as shown.

tiny opening

Day (45 °C) Night (9 °C)

Based on Carl's observations, explain how plant T is adapted for photosynthesis in a

desert. [2]

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35 A metal lid was fitted tightly onto an empty glass jar. Mary placed the lid in hot water.

glass jar

metal lid

hot water - _ -

(a) After a while, she found it easier to remove the lid. Explain why. [1]

thick glass wall

boiling water

.i

(b) When Mary took a cold thick-walled glass from a refrigerator and placed it in boiling
water as shown above, the glass cracked. Explain why. [2]

(Go on to the next page)

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36 (a) State a difference between evaporation and boiling. [1]

(b) Fatimah fried some bananas and put two pieces each in box R and box S as shown
below.
hole in the lid
hot fried bananas

Box R Box S

She observed that the bananas in box R became slightly wet after some time, but not
those in box S.

Explain why the bananas in box R became wet. [2]

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37 Dingwei wanted to investigate how the number of batteries affects the number of paper clips
attracted by a rod using the set-up below.

battery

switch

rod

paper clip
1 cm •110

He placed the rod 1 cm from some paper clips and counted the number of paper clips that
were attracted to it.

His results are shown below.

number of paper clips

2
0 I I *- number of batteries
3 4

(a) Name one suitable material for the rod. [1]

(b) Suggest two reasons why the number of paper clips attracted did not increase when
the number of batteries was increased from three to four. [2]

(Go on to the next page)

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38 Muthu performed an experiment on two different types of springs, P and Q, of the same length
using the set-up shown in Diagram 1.

spring

ruler
pin
(taped to spring)

mass

Diagram 1

He measured the extension of the spring after adding a mass.

His results are shown in Table 1 below.

Spring P Spring Q
Mass (g)
extension (cm) extension (cm)
100 2.9 1.9
200 6.1 4.0
300 9.0 5.9
400 12.1 8.1

Table 1

(a) Based on his results, state the relationship between the mass and extension of spring P.
[1]

(b) Explain the purpose of the pin in the set-up. [1]

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Muthu used spring P to make a dish rack as shown in Diagram 2.

plate

C tretched spring P
B
A— metal disc

Diagram 2

(c) When Muthu removed a few plates quickly from the top, the metal disc moved up
continuously from A to C. Name the main forms of energy of the metal disc at B. [1]

(d) Next, Muthu changed all the spring P to spring Q. He put back all the plates on the metal
disc.
Based on the results in Table 1, describe one difference Muthu will observe of the new
dish rack with spring Q when he removes a plate from the top. Explain your answer. [2]

(Go on to the next page)

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39 John wanted to compare how fast a wooden block can move on different planks using the set-
up below. He released the block, measured the distance moved by the block down the plank
and the time taken.
wooden block
plastic plank R

(a) A shorter plank made of the same material as R was placed at the same height, h.
Will the block take a shorter, longer or the same time to reach the bottom of the plank?
Explain your answer in terms of energy changes. [2]

(b) John's results for plank R are shown below.

distance (cm)
A
80

► time (s)
0 1.0 2.0

John repeated the experiment with a wooden plank of the same length. The wooden
block moved down the plank more slowly.

(i) State which graph, J, K, L or M shows the correct results for the wooden plank.
[1]
distance (cm) graph K graph L
graph J
80
/ \ ,.,"--"-
:
' raph M
,--........,
. , ..0
.---
.... ---- ---
....... .:......--

0
----------'
f-- time (s)
10 2.0

Graph:

(ii) Besides the height, h and the length of the plank, state two other variables that
John must keep constant for the comparison. [1]

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40 Poh Lee wants to remove water from the ground using a water pump when it rains heavily. He
uses the set-up shown below to turn on the water pump.

metal rods

metal container

metal sheet

wooden block

Rain water enters the container through a hole at G.

(a) State a property of rubber that allows the set-up to work properly. [1]

(b) Describe and explain how the water pump is turned on when it rains heavily. [2]

(c) Without using different apparatus, suggest one way to turn on the water pump when it
rains less heavily. Explain your answer. [1]

End of Paper

SCORE
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 16

The information contained in this booklet is the property of the Government of the Republic
of Singapore. Action will be taken against any person who makes unauthorised release or
reproduction of this information, whether in whole or in part and in whatever format.

Those seeking permission to release or reproduce this information, in whole or in part and
in whatever format, must direct their request in writing to the Chief Executive, Singapore
Examinations and Assessment Board.

Any person who comes across this booklet must return it to the Chief Executive, Singapore
Examinations and Assessment Board without delay.

Copyright Acknowledgements:

The Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board has made every effort to trace copyright holders,
but if we have inadvertently overlooked any, we will be pleased to make the necessary arrangements
at the first opportunity.

0009/02(6)/2017
PSLE Yearly Science — Answers

(c) Use a stiffer spring. The stiffer 5. (2)

spring will exert a stronger Explanation:
pulling force on the iron rod Both the fish and the young of the
when the switch is opened, hence amphibian have gills. The amphibian
striking plate R harder to produce has moist skin while the fish has
a louder 'dong' sound. scales and the reptile has dry scales.
Explanation: Amphibians, fishes and reptiles
— A stiffer spring exerts a stronger reproduce by laying eggs. Both the
elastic spring force. amphibian and reptile can live both
on land and in water.

2017
6. (3)
Explanation:
Booklet A
(B) T is the predator of S. When the
number of predator decreased, the
1. (1)
number of S increased. (A) S is the
Explanation:
predator of R. When the number of S
The skull and ribcage are parts of the
increased, the number of R decreased.
skeletal system. The skull protects the
(D) As a result, there was a shortage
brain while the ribcage protects the
of food for S. (C) When less food
heart and lungs.
was available for S, the number of S
decreased eventually.
2. (2)
Explanation:
7. (2)
An insect has six legs and a hard
body covering. A bird has a beak and Explanation:
feathers. Thus, the correct answer is Cell A is an animal cell as it does not
(2). have a cell wall. Cell B is a plant cell
as it has a cell wall. Part J is the cell
3. (1) membrane of the cell. It controls the
Explanation: movement of substances in and out
The fern is a plant, not a fungus. of the cell. The cell wall of the plant
Yeast, mould and mushroom are cell gives the cell its regular shape.
fungi.
8. (3)
4. (3) Explanation:
Explanation: Plant P is a flowering plant so it
Energy is transferred from prey reproduces through seeds, not
to predator and not predator to through spores.
prey. Plant-eaters do not feed Growing on the tree trunk does not
on one another, so energy help plant P to avoid insects.
cannot be transferred from one The roots of plant P are above the
plant-eater to another. When ground so they cannot absorb water
plant-eaters (consumers) feed on from the soil. The other way for it to
plants (producers), energy is obtain water is by absorbing water
transferred from producers to droplets formed from condensation.
consumers. When decomposers The dust-like substances are the seeds
feed on dead organisms, energy is of plant P. Dispersal of seeds occurs
transferred from dead organisms to after fertilisation.
decomposers.

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 PSLE Yearly Science - Answers

9. (2) 13. (2)

Explanation: Explanation:
Reforestation is the planting of trees The bar graph shows that a plant in
in order to regrow a deforested area. lower amount of light will have fewer
With roots of trees to hold on to the leaves than a plant in higher amount
topsoil, less soil will be washed off by of light.
rain. The line graph shows that a plant in
Disposal of waste into water will lead lower amount of light will be taller
to water pollution. Preventing it does than a plant in higher amount of
not reduce haze. light.
Using less fuel will release less exhaust
fumes. This helps to reduce haze and 14. (3)
release lesser carbon dioxide into Explanation:
the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is a Butterfly larvae live on land, not in
greenhouse gas that absorbs the Sun's water. On day 15, the mosquito eggs
heat. Releasing less greenhouse gas would have hatched and become
helps to reduce global warming. larvae and the frog eggs have not
hatched.
10. (2)
Explanation: 15. (4)
Seeds require water, air and warmth Explanation:
for germination. Light is not required Air consists of gases, which do not
for germination as the seeds in have definite volume and so can be
tray B and tray D germinated. From compressed. Water is a liquid, which
the experiment, we cannot conclude has a definite volume, so it cannot
that air or warmth is needed for be compressed. As Ahmad pushes the
germination. plunger down, the air is compressed
while the water is not compressed.
11. (3)
Explanation: 16. (4)
In plants, fertilisation occurs in the Explanation:
ovary. In humans, fertilisation occurs The change of state from gas to liquid
in the fallopian tubes. The ovary is condensation. The change of state
and fallopian tubes are female from solid to liquid is melting.
reproductive parts. The anthers
produce pollen grains, which contain 17. (1)
male reproductive cells of plants. In Explanation:
plants, the fertilised egg is in the Strength is the ability to withstand
ovary while in humans, the fertilised forces without breaking. Material C
egg is found outside the ovary. of the shell needs to withstand forces
without breaking.
12. (2)
Explanation:
In a fair experiment, only one variable
can be changed. Since X and Y are
different plots of land, the same
arrangement is used for both plots.

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18. (4) 22. (4)

Explanation: Explanation:
P is a solid at 30°C. When heated, it As the oven heats up, the metal rod
melts, hence the melting point of P expands and increases in length.
is higher than 30°C. P is a liquid at When the temperature is 100°C, the
100°C, thus its boiling point is higher first electrical contact is closed. The
than 100°C. first loop must contain the dry cell and
light bulb P. When the temperature is
19. (2) 300°C, the second electrical contact is
Explanation: closed. The second loop must contain
At the highest position, the ball alarm Q only.
possessed potential energy. As the
ball moved, the potential energy 23. (3)
was converted into kinetic energy. Explanation:
The kinetic energy of the ball was In circuit (1), when bulb A is removed,
then transferred to the bottle upon only bulbs C and D are lit. Bulb B is
collision. not lit.
In circuit (2), when bulb C is removed,
20. (3) bulbs A, B and D remain lit.
Explanation: In circuit (4), when bulb B is removed,
When the temperature of the bulbs A, C and D remain lit.
environment increases, water bodies
gain more heat thus increasing the 24. (4)
rate of evaporation. When there is Explanation:
more water vapour in the air, more Both containers start from 100°C
water droplets can be condensed. This and cool to room temperature. The
results in more clouds and rain. temperature of water in container K
decreases slower than the temperature
21. (2) of water in container M as it contains
Explanation: more water.
When magnet B was released, it
exerted a repulsion force onto 25. (3)
magnet A, the direction of the Explanation:
magnetic force on magnet A was Unlike poles attract. The North pole
towards the left while the direction of the compass needle faces P, so
of the magnetic force on magnet B end P of the magnet is the South pole.
was towards the right. Friction acts in
N
a direction opposite to the direction
of motion, hence the direction of
S N S compass
frictional force acting on B was -,"
towards the left.
S N S N t
End P

N
S

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26. (4) (b) (i) Instead of having to find

Explanation: food, the young of fish T in
At B, the spring is uncompressed and stage 1 can use the food that
should have zero elastic potential is stored in its body to grow.
energy and the spring is near to the (ii) The young of fish W has a
ground. Hence, the gravitational streamlined body while the
potential energy of the spring is low. young of fish T in stage 1 does
not. The streamlined body of
27. (3) the young of fish W allowed
Explanation: it to swim faster and escape
If sheet P allows light to pass through, from danger.
the light ray travels into the circular Explanation:
hole in sheet L and casts a circular
light spot that is bigger than the Young of fish T (stage 1) Young of fish W

triangular shape on sheet M. broad

large round
body part
narrow narrow

torchlight (iii) The cave prevents the eggs

from dispersing and becoming
easily visible to predators.
28. (3)
Explanation: 30. (a) (i) The amount of bacteria M
As Wenkang moved up, the elastic increases differently with
rope exerted an elastic force onto different temperature.
Wenkang. The elastic force increased The intestine provides the
as the elastic rope stretched to a right temperature, water
longer length. The elastic force was and food for bacteria M to
pulling him in the same direction as reproduce quickly.
his weight. Explanation:
- Rahim's results show that
Booklet B bacteria M grow the fastest
at around 35°C.
29. (a) Part Q provides food for the baby (b) When Rahim heated the food at
plant to grow. 100°C for 15 s, there was still a
Explanation: small amount of bacteria M left
- Part Q is called the seed leaf, in the food. At 30°C, this small
which is a food store. During amount of bacteria M would
germination, the baby plant reproduce after several hours
uses the food in the seed leaf making the food unsafe to eat.
to grow.

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31. Plants D bear flowers and hence will 34. (a)

produce pollen which attract insects
L. Insects L control the population of
insects B so that there are fewer pests
that destroy plants E.

32. (a) Nucleus

Explanation: (b) (i) In the presence of light,
- Process H refers to fertilisation. carbon dioxide from the air
(b) (i) Pollen are transferred from and water from the soil are
the anther of a flower to the converted into sugar and
stigma of another flower. oxygen in green plants.
Explanation: (ii) Insect R feeds on food
- Process G is pollination. from the food-carrying tubes
(ii) Ovules and hence, there will be
Explanation: less food transported from
- The fruit is developed from the leaves to the roots. /
the ovary of the flower. Insect R destroys the
(c) The seeds inherit genetic food-carrying tubes and
information from plant K, which hence, there will be no food
bears red flowers. transported from the leaves
to the roots.
33. (a) During breathing, air in the (c) During the night, the tiny
environment enters the lungs openings allow air to enter
where oxygen in the air is plant T. In the day, plant T carries
absorbed into the bloodstream. out photosynthesis by absorbing
Through the circulatory system, carbon dioxide from the trapped
the heart pumps the oxygen-rich air.
blood to the legs.
(b) When running after a meal, more 35. (a) The metal lid expands more than
blood is pumped to the legs and the glass jar.
less blood is pumped to the small Explanation:
intestine. Therefore, less food is - From the diagram, we could
absorbed by the small intestine. see that both the metal lid and
Explanation: jar gained heat from the hot
water. This would cause both
More blood
is pumped to
to expand.
the legs when

running. Less blood

is pumped
Activities
to the small
Volume of blood intestine when I 1 resting
supplied per
minute (cm,) running. LE°3 running

legs small intestine

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 PSLE Yearly Science — Answers

(b) The outer layer of the glass was 38. (a) As the mass added increases, the
in contact with the boiling water extension of the spring increases.
and gained more heat than the (b) The pin helps in taking readings
inner layer. The outer layer of the on the ruler accurately.
glass expanded more than the (c) Gravitational potential energy
inner layer, so the glass cracked. and kinetic energy
Explanation: Explanation:
- The metal disc is not fixed in
position. The metal disc moved
inner— up because the stretched
thick glass wall
layer
spring P pulled it up.
of glass
- The metal disc gained
outer layer
boiling water — gravitational potential energy
of glass
as it moved up. It possesses
kinetic energy as it moved.
(d) Spring Q extends less than
36. (a) Evaporation occurs at any spring P when the same mass
temperature below the boiling is added, so spring Q possesses
point while boiling occurs only at more elastic potential energy
than spring P for the same
the boiling point. / Evaporation
amount of extension. When
occurs at the surface of the liquid
Muthu removes a plate from the
while boiling occurs throughout
rack with spring Q, the metal disc
the liquid. (Any one)
will gain more kinetic energy and
(b) Without holes in the lid, water
hence, will move faster.
vapour was trapped inside
box R. As the fried bananas
39. (a) The wooden block will take a
cooled down, the trapped water
shorter time to reach the bottom
vapour condensed onto the
of the plank. This is because the
bananas causing the bananas to
plank becomes steeper and the
become wet.
block's weight has more effect
over the friction between the
37. (a) Iron
block and plank.
Explanation:
(b) (i) Graph: M
- Iron can be easily magnetised
Explanation:
and easily demagnetised.
- Since the wooden block
(b) The battery added could be flat.
moved more slowly, it
/ The rod could have already
would take more time to
reached its maximum magnetic
strength when there were reach the bottom of the
three batteries in the circuit. plank for the same length
Any increase in the number of of plank.
batteries does not increase the (ii) Mass/Weight of the wooden
number of paper clips attracted. block
/ The other paper clips that were Material of the block
not attracted could be made of
non-magnetic materials. (Any
two)

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PSLE Yearly Science — Answers

40. (a) Rubber is a poor conductor of

electricity / an electrical insulator.
Explanation:
- Without the rubber, electric
current would be able to flow
between the metal rods.
(b) When it rains heavily, more
water enters the metal container
through G and the rising water
level brings the wooden block up.
Eventually, the metal sheet makes
contact with the metal rods and
this will complete the circuit.
Hence, electric current flows in
the circuit and the water pump
is turned on.
(c) Lower the position of the metal
rods.
Explanation:
- When it rains less heavily, less
water enters the container, so
the water will rise to a lower
level. In order for the metal
sheet at a lower position to
make contact with the metal
rods, the metal rods can be
moved to a lower position.

The answers in this booklet are provided by the publisher, Educational Publishing House
Pte Ltd. Any queries or comments on the answers should be directed to the publisher at
eph@[Link].

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