Patterns on Earth

1. The average length of daylight hours in Houston, Texas, for each month is given in this graph. The data for October are missing. Which of the following is the most reasonable prediction for the average number of daylight hours in October?

• Less than 8 hours

• Approximately 9 hours

• Less than 10 hours

• Approximately 12 hours

A student placed a stick in the ground and recorded the position of its shadow throughout the day as the Sun moved through the sky. Which outline, on the student’s recorded observations, represents where the shadow was at 6:00 in the afternoon?

• A

• B

• C

• D

The graph shows the amount of daylight during different months. Which season tends to have the shortest periods of daylight?

• Spring

• Summer

• Fall

• Winter

The position of the Sun above a city skyline is shown for three different months. The position of the Sun indicated by the arrow is most likely its position at noon during which month?

• July

• September

• November

• January

The appearance of the Moon for just a two week period in June is given in this table. The FULL moon occurred on June 13th. What is the most reasonable prediction for the date of the next NEW moon?

• June 20

• June 27

• June 30

• June 13