Earth and the Universe Benchmark

Which of these conditions is most responsible for Earth having an environment that supports life?

• A. Oceans regulating climate on land.

• B. The percentage of nitrogen in the atmosphere.

• C. Water that exists in all three physical states of matter.

• D. Erupting volcanoes moderating atmospheric temperatures.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Scientists know that Earth is constantly changing. They are familiar with the processes that are repeated in a monthly cycle. Which of these is a natural event that can be predicted to occur monthly?

• A. Earth revolves around the Sun.

• B. Moon revolves around the Earth.

• C. Earth rotates on its axis.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Which best explains why the moon has phases?

• A. How much of the sunlit side of the moon faces Earth.

• B. The sun's position changes in relation to the moon and Earth.

• C. The Earth casts a shadow on the moon as it rotates.

• D. The moon rotates along its axis.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Where do Earth's oceans bulge in response to the Moon's gravitational attraction to produce tides?

• A. The side facing the moon..

• B. The sides at right angles to the moon.

• C. The side opposite the moon.

• D. The sides facing and opposite the moon.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

Which drawing best shows the orbit of the Moon?

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• 
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Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What season is the Northern Hemisphere experiencing when the Southern Hemisphere is tilted directly toward the Sun?

• fall

• winter

• spring

• summer

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Which of the following space technologies can astronauts live on for long periods of time?

• The Mars Curiosity

• Chandra X-ray Observatory

• International Space Station

• A Space Shuttle

In the Northern Hemisphere, June 21st has more hours of sunlight than any other day. However, June 21st has the fewest hours of sunlight in the Southern Hemisphere. Which best explains why the Northern Hemisphere receives more daylight than the Southern Hemisphere on the same day?

• Earth rotates on its axis

• Earth is tilted on its axis

• The Sun moves closer to the Northern Hemisphere

• The Sun releases more energy to the Northern Hemisphere

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Which represents information that is gained as a result of space exploration?

• Weather and climate patterns that occur on Earth

• Existence of the sun and the moon in the solar system

• How to use coal and natural gas as energy resources

• Location of plates found upon Earth's surface.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

Earth's rotation takes about

• 365 days

• 6 months

• 24 hours

• 1 month