Think you could pass the fifth-grade reading FCAT? How about the eighth-grade science test?

Now you can try it, and see whether your answers are right, by visiting the state Department of Education FCAT web site. Commissioner Jeanine Blomberg released a set of the 2007 tests today, as part of what she called the department's "mission of providing an open and transparent education
assessment and accountability system."

The released tests are identical to those that students took, except for any questions that will be reused. The DOE started posting past FCAT exams on its web site in 2005. It plans to continue the initiative "as funds permit."

To see a couple of questions, read on.

Eighth-grade science:
Tycho Brahe (1546–1601) was a Danish astronomer who observed the planets and stars without the benefit of a telescope. He kept records of planetary motion. His assistant, Johannes Kepler, used these records to formulate his three laws, which accurately predicted planetary motion. What does this suggest is the most important aspect of scientific study?

F. control over the variables of interest  G. access to modern equipment and research methods H. ability to make observations and accurately record data I. sufficient time to conduct a study and the amount of data recorded

Sixth-grade math:
In a party room, 20 workers will decorate 70 tables. Each table will be decorated with 10 silver balloons and 15 gold balloons. Which equation could be used to find t, the total number of silver and gold balloons needed to decorate all the tables?

A.t = 70(10 + 15) B. t = 15(70 + 10)  C. t = 70 + (10 x 15) D. t = 20(70 + 10 + 15)

(Answers: H, A)