Earth's Seasons Quiz

Which argument regarding the earth’s tilt, the earth’s orbit, and the seasons on Earth is correct?

• The Earth’s orbit and the Earth’s tilt cause the seasons on Earth.

• The Earth’s orbit and the seasons on Earth cause the Earth’s tilt.

• The Earth’s tilt and the seasons on Earth cause the Earth’s orbit.

• The Earth’s tilt, the seasons on Earth, and the Earth’s orbit are not related.

A student wonders why it is colder in the winter than in the summer. Which of the following explanations BEST explains these temperature differences?

• There are less daylight hours and there are less direct rays from the sun.

• There are less daylight hours and there are more direct rays from the sun.

• There are more daylight hours and there are less direct rays from the sun.

• There are more daylight hours and there are more direct rays from the sun.

A student wonders why it is warmer in the summer than in the winter. Which of the following explanations BEST explains these temperature differences?

• There are less daylight hours and there are less direct rays from the sun.

• There are less daylight hours and there are more direct rays from the sun.

• There are more daylight hours and there are less direct rays from the sun.

• There are more daylight hours and there are more direct rays from the sun.

The following chart shows the average length of daytime from sunrise to sunset for six months of the year in Atlanta, Georgia.

How can a student develop a model to show why the length of daytime is different in the months?

• The student can take two balls to represent the Earth and Sun. The student can show that the Earth is tilted towards the sun most in June and tilted away from the sun most in December.

• The student can take two balls to represent the Earth and Sun. The student can show that the Earth is tilted towards the sun most in December and tilted away from the sun most in June.

• The student can take two balls to represent the Earth and Sun. The student can show that the Earth spins faster in June and spins slower in December.

• The student can take two balls to represent the Earth and Sun. The student can show that the Earth spins slower in June and spins faster in December.

A student observes and documents the average length of daytime from sunrise to sunset for six months of the year in Atlanta, Georgia. Which of the following explanations BEST explains the difference in the data between the months?

• Days are longer and nights are shorter in summer. Days are shorter and nights are longer in winter. The change in the length of days and nights is caused by the Earth's tilt and seasons.

• Days are shorter and nights are longer in summer. Days are shorter and nights are shorter in winter. The change in the length of days and nights is caused by the Earth's tilt and seasons.

• Days are longer and nights are shorter in summer. Days are shorter and nights are longer in winter. The change in the length of days and nights is caused by the speed of Earth's rotation.

• Days are shorter and nights are longer in summer. Days are shorter and nights are shorter in winter. The change in the length of days and nights is caused by the speed of Earth's rotation.

Students are given the following image to try to figure out which season is represented in the images and provide evidence for their explanation. Which of the following explanations BEST describes the seasons shown?

• Image D represents winter months because there are direct rays of sunlight.

• Image A represents summer months because there are direct rays of sunlight.

• Image D represents winter months because the Earth is tilted towards the sun.

• Image A represents summer months because the Earth is tilted away from the sun.

Tyler is photographing the phases of the Moon so he can create a model for his science class. The diagram shows the first two Moon phases Tyler photographed in order. Which phase will Tyler photograph next?

• new moon

• third quarter

• waxing gibbous

• waning crescent

Which statement is TRUE based on the model?

• It shows how each phase appears when viewed from Earth.

• It shows that the cycle of moon phases takes exactly one day.

• It shows that the moon is always half-illuminated in every phase.

• It shows the reason that the moon is visible during the day and the night.

The diagrams show four students' models of the Moon's position around Earth for each of the Moon's phases, viewed from above the North Pole. Which student's model is correct?

• Marcus

• Asia

• Tamika

• Damon

Which explanation is supported by this model?

• The Earth has the same exact hours of day and night. It is summer.

• The Southern Hemisphere has shorter days and longer nights. It is winter.

• The Southern Hemisphere has longer days and shorter nights. It is summer.

• The Northern Hemisphere has longer days and shorter nights. It is winter.