Patterns of Earth

In an activity, students stand in the same location, facing the same direction at different times of the day. Why do the shadows change at different times of the day?

• As Earth rotates on its axis, the direction from which sunlight reaches Earth changes.

• As the sun rotates, the direction from which sunlight reaches Earth changes.

• As Earth revolves around the sun, the direction from which sunlight reaches Earth changes.

• As the sun moves around Earth during the day, the direction from which sunlight reaches Earth changes.

According to the chart, what moon phase will occur on September 20?

• Second Quarter

• Third Quarter

• New Moon

• Full Moon

A scientist who studies the moon and space is called -

• a meteorologist

• a geologist

• an astronomer

• a philosopher

This diagram shows the Earth's tilted axis creates our seasons. The first day of each season for a particular year is labeled on the diagram. Which of the following would most likely be the first day of summer?

• May 21

• October 21

• June 21

• February 21

What season is Forth Worth, Texas, experiencing in Month 1?

• Spring, because Earth orbits the sun 10 times in spring

• Fall, because the hours of daylight begin decreasing in Month 3

• Winter, because Earth's tilt causes less hours of daylight in the winter

• Summer, because more daylight hours mean there will also be more hours of darkness

According to the calendar, which illustration below shows the way the moon will appear on Saturday, June 11?

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It takes 29.5 days to complete one lunar cycle, known as a lunar moon. Why does the moon appear to change shape each lunar month?

• Each month, Earth rotates on its axis once, so only portions of the bright side of the moon are visible.

• Each month, the moon rotates around the sun, so only portions of the bright side of the moon are visible.

• Each month, the sun rotates around the moon, so only portions of the bright side of the moon are visible.

• Each month, the moon revolves around Earth, so only portions of the bright side of the moon are visible.

Which activity would be best for mapping the position of a shadow during the afternoon?

• Place a penny on a sidewalk. Draw the shadow made by the penny once every hour for five hours.

• Place a chair outside. Sit in the chair for five hours and watch the shadows of buildings, trees, and other objects change shape.

• Place a tall object outside. Use sunglasses to protect your eyes while recording the shadow made by the object. Draw the shadow on a piece of paper every hour for five hours.

• Stand in one place for five hours. Observe the shadow changes over time.