Standards-Based Assessment

The layers of Earth are the crust, mantle, and core, with the core being divided into the inner and outer layers. Which of the following does not correctly describe the layers of Earth?

• The crust is extremely thin when compared to the core or mantle.

• The mantle is composed of rocks known as silicates.

• The core is made up of dense elements, such as iron and nickel.

• The core makes up the majority of Earth’s volume.

Heat flow and movement of material within Earth cause surface events. Which of the following is NOT evidence of heat flow and movement of material inside Earth?

• The heating of underground water to boiling causes geysers to shoot water and steam onto Earth’s surface.

• Magma chambers heat pressurized water that cools to below boiling before it emerges on the surface as a hot spring.

• Workers descending into mines deeper beneath Earth’s surface note that the air temperature is cooler.

• Ocean plate movement causes earthquakes that trigger tsunamis.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Rachel is researching the different states that exist in each layer of Earth. While most of the layers are in a single state of either solid or liquid, Rachel finds one layer that contains two different states. Which of the following best describes the layer that exists in two states?

• The inner core is mostly solid nickel with a small amount of liquid iron in the center.

• The outer core contains liquid iron with a few chunks of solid nickel floating in the liquid.

• The upper mantle is part of the solid lithosphere, and the remaining mantle is molten magma.

• The crust has solid continental plates and liquid oceanic plates.

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NGSS.MS-PS1-4

There are two different ways to categorize the layers of Earth. Which two ways can the layers be divided up?

• By chemical composition and state of matter

• By chemical composition and average temperature

• By state of matter and average temperature

• By state of matter and density of elements

Which of the following is NOT a result of heat flow and movement within Earth?

• Volcanic eruption

• Creation of ocean basins

• Formation of mountains

• Generation of wind patterns

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Which statements are true about the asthenosphere, the layer beneath the lithosphere? Select two correct answers.

• The asthenosphere is divided into two layers, one that is liquid and one that is solid.

• This layer has plasticity, the condition of a material in a solid state giving it the ability to flow.

Which materials are the best choices to model the crust and mantle?

• Circular fishing weight and bag of water

• Bag of water and processed cheese

• Circular fishing weight and peanut brittle

• Peanut brittle and processed cheese

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

Which statement best explains the answer to Part A?

• The crust is moldable and semisolid, while the mantle is thin and brittle.

• The crust is a thin, brittle solid, and the mantle is a thick, semisolid layer with some plasticity.

• The crust is thick and moldable, while the mantle is hard and brittle.

• The crust is dense, while the mantle is liquid and clear.

Imagine you are creating a model of the four layers of Earth using materials you have at home. Which material would you use to model the Earth's core?

• A thick layer of a semisolid material that will flow

• A very dense, heavy, solid material

• A thin, brittle material that will break into pieces

• Fairly dense liquid that surrounds the dense solid layer

The diagram shows an example of ocean basin formation. Which statement identifies the youngest bands of rock and how they were formed?

• A. A and L are the youngest. The newest rock forms at the edges and moves toward the center as it ages.

• B. F and G are the youngest. The newest rock forms at the center and moves toward the edges as it ages.

• C. A and F are the youngest. The newest rock forms on the left and moves toward the right as it ages.

• D. G and L are the youngest. The newest rock forms on the right and moves toward the left as it ages.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3