The Sun, Moon, and Earth

As Earth orbits the Sun, the seasons slowly change from one to the other. Which of the following statements explains the occurrence of summer in the Northern Hemisphere?

• Earth is closest to the Sun in summer.

• The Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun in summer.

• The Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun in summer.

• All parts of Earth receive more sunlight in summer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

The diagram shows the Earth in different positions in its orbit. In which location would it be the coldest in the Northern Hemisphere?

• P

• Q

• R

• S

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

The diagram shows the Earth in different positions in its orbit. In which location would the leaves be changing color and falling in the Southern Hemisphere?

• P

• Q

• R

• S

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Why does the Sun appear to rise in the east and set in the west?

• The Sun revolves around Earth causing it to rise in the east and set in the west.

• Earth rotates toward the west causing the Sun to appear to rise in the east and set in the west.

• Light reflected from the Moon causes the Sun to appear to rise in the east and set in the west.

• Earth rotates toward the east causing the Sun to appear to rise in the east and set in the west.

Students, investigating what causes the change in seasons, decided to model the movement of Earth as it revolves around the Sun. They placed a lamp in the center of the room and stuck toothpicks into opposite ends of a Styrofoam ball. What should they do next to accurately model the movement of Earth?

 

• Using the toothpicks tilt the Styrofoam ball so it models the tilt of Earth on its axis.

• Hold the Styrofoam ball upright and start walking around the lamp.

• Spin the Styrofoam ball using the toothpicks while standing still.

• Turn the lamp off and on.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

The Southern Hemisphere experiences the coldest seasonal weather during what portion of the Earth’s orbit?

• When the orbital speed of the Earth is the fastest

• During the time when the Earth passes Jupiter.

• When the South Pole tilts away from the Sun.

• During the time when both hemispheres have a full moon.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The period of daylight experienced each day on every part of Earth would be shorter if which one of the following changes occurred?

• Earth had a greater diameter.

• The mass of the Sun was greater.

• Earth rotated more quickly on its axis.

• The Sun was farther away from Earth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

An illustration is provided showing the the relative motions of Earth and the Sun. Seasonal variations on Earth would be significantly changed if which of the following were changed?

• The speed of rotation of Earth.

• The direction of orbit of Earth.

• The speed of rotation of the Sun.

• The angle of tilt of Earth’s axis.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

The speed of the rotation of Earth has the greatest effect on which of the following?

• Length of day and night

• Path of the Moon’s orbit

• Length of a year

• Path of orbit around the Sun

Which of the following would cause the seasons on Earth to change more gradually?

• Increasing the amount of time it takes Earth to orbit the Sun.

• Increasing the number of times Earth rotates on its axis.

• Decreasing the speed of the Moon’s orbit around Earth.

• Decreasing the amount of energy the Sun emits per year.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1