Unit 1 Science Test

Willie and his family are outside viewing the night sky. The night is dark, and thousands of stars are visible. Willie’s little sister asks him what a star is. What is the best answer Willie could give?

• Stars are large balls of burning gases.

• Stars are asteroids that orbit the Sun.

• Stars are distant planets that reflect the light of the Sun.

• Stars are glowing particles trapped in Earth's atmosphere.

The sunlit shape of the Moon as seen on Earth is known as its

• phase.

• condition.

• period.

• appearance.

How long does it take for Earth to revolve once around the sun?

• one day

• one week

• one month

• one year

The length of an Earth day is determined by the time it takes for about one

• rotation of Earth.

• revolution of Earth.

• rotation of the sun.

• revolution of the moon.

Mia and Ezra performed a demonstration in science class. They used a flashlight to represent the Sun and a foam ball with a stick running through its center to represent Earth. Ezra spun the ball on the stick to represent Earth's rotation while Mia shined the flashlight on the ball. What did they demonstrate?

• Earth's seasons

• day and night on Earth

• Earth's climate changes

• phases of the Moon

What do the terms "new", "full", "gibbous", "quarter", and "crescent" describe?

• the Moon's orbit

• the Moon's rotation

• phases of the moon

• stages of a moon eclipse

Approximately how often does the Moon orbit Earth?

• once a day

• once a week

• once a month

• once a year

How would the change of seasons be affected if Earth's axis were NOT tilted?

• Spring and fall would last longer.

• Summer and winter would last longer.

• Earth would not experience different seasons.

• Seasons would differ greatly in temperature.

The picture shows a phase of the Moon. Which phase is shown?

• full moon

• new moon

• waning gibbous

• waxing crescent

Scientists have sent probes to different areas of space to take pictures. What is the benefit of sending probes into space?

• Probes can get much more detailed pictures of objects in space.

• Probes are more easily controlled than telescopes on Earth.

• Probes are less expensive to maintain than telescopes.

• Probes are better for viewing larger areas of space at once.