Sun, Moon, Earth Test

During a school science fair, Scarlett, Ethan, and Nora are presenting a model that demonstrates natural phenomena. They ask, 'What causes the occurrence of tides, lunar phases, and eclipses?'

• The rotation of Earth on its axis

• The gravitational pull between the Sun, Moon, and Earth

• The revolution of Earth around the Sun

• The atmospheric conditions on Earth

Answer explanation

The gravitational pull between the Sun, Moon, and Earth causes the occurrence of tides, lunar phases, and eclipses.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

While on a field trip, Aria, Avery, and Samuel observe a layer of loose, heterogeneous material covering solid rock. They discuss what this layer, which includes dust, soil, broken rock, and other related materials, is called. What term do they use to describe it?

• Crust

• Mantle

• Regolith

• Sediment

Answer explanation

The term used to describe the layer of loose, heterogeneous material covering solid rock is 'Regolith'. It includes dust, soil, broken rock, and related materials.

During a school project on celestial bodies, Elijah asked, 'Which term refers to the dark, flat areas on the moon's surface formed by ancient volcanic eruptions?'

• Highlands

• Maria

• Craters

• Basins

Answer explanation

The term 'Maria' refers to the dark, flat areas on the moon's surface formed by ancient volcanic eruptions, distinguishing them from other features like highlands, craters, and basins.

During a school science fair, Sophia and Henry are demonstrating a model that simulates celestial events. What is the term for the event when the moon passes directly between the sun and Earth, blocking sunlight from reaching Earth?

• Lunar eclipse

• Solar eclipse

• Equinox

• Solstice

Answer explanation

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, blocking sunlight. This is the correct term for the described event.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

During a school project on astronomy, Samuel, Abigail, and Daniel observed the moon each night for a month. They noticed the moon's appearance changed over time. What is the term used to describe these different stages of appearance that the moon exhibits from Earth over approximately one month?

• Lunar cycle

• Moon phase

• Moon shift

• Moon period

Answer explanation

The term used to describe the different stages of appearance that the moon exhibits from Earth over approximately one month is Moon phase.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

During a beach outing, Evelyn noticed the sea level rising and falling and asked Aria what causes this phenomenon. Aria explained that it is due to the combined effects of the gravitational forces exerted by the Moon, the Sun, and the rotation of the Earth. What is this phenomenon called?

• Wave

• Tide

• Current

• Swell

Answer explanation

Tide describes the rise and fall of sea levels caused by gravitational forces from the Moon, Sun, and Earth's rotation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

During a field trip to a volcano, Mia asked the guide, 'What is lava as defined in geology?'

• A) A type of sedimentary rock

• B) Solidified volcanic ash

• C) Magma or molten rock that flows onto Earth's surface

• D) A mineral found within the Earth's crust

Answer explanation

Lava is defined in geology as magma or molten rock that flows onto Earth's surface, making option C the correct choice.

Emma is studying astronomy and asks how long it takes for the Moon to revolve around Earth relative to a background star. Can you help her?

• 27.3 days

• 29.5 days

• 30 days

• 25 days

Answer explanation

The Moon takes approximately 27.3 days to revolve around Earth relative to a background star, which is why the correct answer is 27.3 days.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Hannah is planning a stargazing event and wants to schedule it to coincide with a full moon. How long should she wait from one full moon to the next to plan her event?

• 27.3 days

• 29.5 days

• 30 days

• 25 days

Answer explanation

A complete cycle of Moon phases lasts for 29.5 days, as the Moon goes through its different phases from new moon to full moon and back to new moon again.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

During a school project on astronomy, Emma asked why the same side of the Moon always faces Earth. What is the reason?

• The Moon does not rotate on its axis

• The Moon rotates at a different rate than it revolves around Earth

• The Moon rotates on its axis at the same rate that it revolves around Earth

• The Moon is stationary relative to Earth

Answer explanation

The Moon rotates on its axis at the same rate that it revolves around Earth, causing the same side to always face Earth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-4