Grade 6 Science Exploring Earth and Space Quiz

What is the outermost layer of the Earth called?

• Mantle

• Crust

• Core

• Inner Core

Answer explanation

The outermost layer of the Earth is called the crust. It is the thin, solid outer layer that covers the entire planet, distinguishing it from the underlying mantle and core.

Which layer of the Earth is made up of liquid iron and nickel?

• Crust

• Mantle

• Outer Core

• Inner Core

Answer explanation

The Outer Core is the layer of the Earth that is composed of liquid iron and nickel. This layer lies beneath the Mantle and surrounds the Inner Core, which is solid.

What are the large pieces of Earth's crust that move and interact called?

• Continents

• Tectonic Plates

• Mountains

• Oceans

Answer explanation

The large pieces of Earth's crust that move and interact are called tectonic plates. These plates float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere and are responsible for geological activities such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Which of the following is a result of tectonic plate movement?

• Weather changes

• Earthquakes

• Seasons

• Day and Night

Answer explanation

Tectonic plate movement causes stress to build up in the Earth's crust, which can lead to earthquakes when this stress is released. Other options like weather changes, seasons, and day/night cycles are not directly caused by tectonic activity.

What is the name of the process where water from the ocean evaporates, forms clouds, and falls as rain?

• Water Cycle

• Rock Cycle

• Carbon Cycle

• Nitrogen Cycle

Answer explanation

The process where water from the ocean evaporates, forms clouds, and falls as rain is called the Water Cycle. It describes the continuous movement of water within the Earth and atmosphere.

Which planet is known as the "Red Planet"?

• Earth

• Mars

• Jupiter

• Venus

Answer explanation

Mars is known as the "Red Planet" due to its reddish appearance, which is caused by iron oxide (rust) on its surface. This distinguishes it from Earth, Jupiter, and Venus, making Mars the correct answer.

What is the phase of the moon when it is completely illuminated as seen from Earth?

• New Moon

• First Quarter

• Full Moon

• Last Quarter

Answer explanation

The Full Moon phase occurs when the Moon is completely illuminated by the Sun as seen from Earth. This is when the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon, making the entire face of the Moon visible.

Which layer of the atmosphere is closest to Earth?

• Stratosphere

• Mesosphere

• Troposphere

• Thermosphere

Answer explanation

The troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere, extending from the Earth's surface up to about 8-15 kilometers. It contains most of the atmosphere's mass and is where weather occurs, making it the closest layer to Earth.

What is the term for the imaginary line that Earth rotates around?

• Equator

• Axis

• Orbit

• Meridian

Answer explanation

The term for the imaginary line that Earth rotates around is the 'Axis'. The axis is an imaginary line that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole, around which the Earth spins.

Which of the following is NOT a gas found in Earth's atmosphere?

• Oxygen

• Nitrogen

• Helium

• Iron

Answer explanation

Iron is a solid metal and not a gas, while oxygen, nitrogen, and helium are all gases present in Earth's atmosphere.