Earth's Rotation

The sun goes across the sky from east to west because the Earth is rotating/spinning and sometimes we face the sun and sometimes we don't!

• true

• false

What is the invisible line between the North Pole and South Pole called?

• rotation

• orbit

• axis

• gravity

Shadows cast by objects change throughout the day. The picture shows the shadow cast by a tree at 3 pm. Which picture shows how the tree's shadow most likely looked at 9 am? (5.8C)

• 
• 
• 
• 

A student draws diagrams of her house and the location of the sun in the sky. Which diagram does not correctly represent the location of the sun at the time indicated? (5.8C)

• 
• 
• 
• 

A student is looking for evidence that Earth is always rotating on its axis. Which of the following would provide the best evidence? (5.8C)

• The different amount of rain that falls each day

• The appearance of shadows changing throughout the day

• The presence of other planets in the night sky

• The different phases of the moon in a month

A student draws a model showing the movements of Earth, the moon, and the sun. Which arrow shows the movement that causes day and night on Earth? (5.8C)

• Arrow 1, because it shows the rotation of the sun

• Arrow 2, because it shows the orbit of Earth around the sun

• Arrow 3, because it shows the orbit of the moon around Earth

• Arrow 4, because it shows the rotation of Earth

A student builds a model of the solar system that includes a sphere representing Earth. The sphere turns in a full circle on its axis. By using a model of Earth that spins on its axis, the student can best demonstrate--- (5.8C)

• the cycle of the four seasons

• the aging of a star

• the passing of a year

• the cycle of day and night

The graph shows changes in the length of the shadow of a tree during part of a day. If this day continues to be sunny, what will most likely happen to the length of the shadow from 2 pm to 4 pm? (4.8C)

• The length of the shadow will stay the same.

• The length of the shadow will decrease and then increase.

• The length of the shadow will increase.

• The length of the shadow will decrease.

Which best describes Earth’s rotation?

• 24 hours, causes changing length of shadows and day and night

• 24 hours, causes day and night and tides

• 29 ½ days, causes orbiting around the Sun and day and night

• 29 ½ days, causes Moon phases and tides

Look at the pictures in order from left to right.

Which best explains what happens at Point X as Earth rotates?

• Night becomes day.

• Fall becomes winter.

• A full moon appears

• A solar eclipse occurs.