Amplify Earth Moon Sun Critical Juncture

This diagram as seen from above, shows sunlight coming from the left. Why does her diagram show that it’s bright on the left half of the Moon?

• Because as the Moon gets closer to the sun, more of it is lit by the sun, so

  Susan’s diagram is showing sunlight on half of the Moon.

• Because the Moon has some lighter-colored rock and some darker-colored rock, and Susan’s diagram is showing that the half of the Moon with the lighter-colored rock has rotated to the left.

• Because there is a shadow from Earth falling on half of the Moon, and

  Susan’s diagram is showing that shadow on the right half of the Moon.

• Because Susan’s diagram is showing that the half of the Moon that is facing the sun is lit by the sun, and the other half is dark.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

These two observations are several days apart. The light part of the Moon appeared to get larger over time. Why did this happen?

• Between the first observation and the second observation, the Moon rotated

  so that more of the light-colored rock on the Moon’s surface faced Earth.

• Between the first observation and the second observation, the Moon moved so that the astronomers were able to see more of the half that faces the sun.

• Between the first observation and the second observation, the Moon

  moved closer to the sun so more sunlight reached the Moon’s surface.

• Between the first observation and the second observation, Earth moved so its shadow was blocking less of the Moon so the astronomers were able to see more of it.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

The diagrams do not show what parts are light or dark. Could the half of the Moon that faces Earth ever be completely dark in any of these diagrams?

• No, the Moon is always lit by the sun.

• Yes, always in Diagram 1 and sometimes in Diagram 3.

• Yes, always in Diagrams 1 and 3, but never in Diagram 2.

• Yes, always in Diagram 1, but never in Diagrams 2 or 3.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

In these diagrams, the sunlight is coming from the left, as shown by the arrows. Which diagram is accurate and why?

• Diagram A is accurate because the half of the Moon that is facing the sun

  is lit by the sun, and the other half is dark.

• Diagram B is accurate because the whole Moon is bright as long as there

  are no shadows covering parts of it.

• Diagram C is accurate because the Moon is almost as close as it can be to the sun, and so the Moon is almost fully lit by the sun.

• d All three diagrams are sometimes accurate because the Moon has some lighter-colored rock and some darker-colored rock, and the half of the Moon with the lighter-colored rock rotates to face different directions.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

If the moon's distance from Earth increased to twice of what it is now, which scenario would most likely occur?

• If the Moon moved farther away, it could lead to weaker tides, changes in Earth's axial tilt, and potentially more extreme weather patterns.

• If the Moon moved farther away, it could lead to stronger tides, changes in Earth's axial tilt, and potentially more stable weather patterns.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Analyze why Earth is unique in its ability to support life compared to other planets in the solar system. Consider factors such as distance from the Sun, atmosphere, and presence of water.

• Earth is unique because it is the closest planet to the Sun, has a thick atmosphere, and lacks water.

• Earth is unique because it is the farthest planet from the Sun, has a thin atmosphere, and has abundant water.

• Earth is unique because it is at an optimal distance from the Sun, has a suitable atmosphere, and has abundant water.

• Earth is unique because it is the largest planet, has a thick atmosphere, and lacks water.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

These observations of the Moon are several days apart. The light part of the Moon appeared to get smaller over time. Why did this happen?

• Between the first observation and the second observation, the Moon moved farther away from the sun so less sunlight reached the Moon’s surface.

• Between the first observation and the second observation, Earth moved so its shadow was blocking more of the Moon so the student astronomer was able to see less of it.

• Between the first observation and the second observation, the Moon rotated so that less of the light-colored rock on the Moon’s surface faced Earth.

• Between the first observation and the second observation, the Moon moved so that the student astronomer was able to see less of the half that faces the sun.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

The diagrams do not show what parts are light or dark. Could the half of the Moon that faces Earth ever be completely dark in any of these diagrams?

• No, the Moon is always lit by the sun.

• Yes, always in Diagrams 1 and 3, but never in Diagram 2.

• Yes, always in Diagram 3 and sometimes in Diagram 1.

• Yes, always in Diagram 3, but never in Diagrams 1 or 2.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

These diagrams show what the Moon looks like when it is seen from above. The sunlight is coming from the left. Which diagram is accurate and why?

• Diagram A is accurate because sometimes the whole Moon is dark if shadows are covering it.

• Diagram B is accurate because the Moon is as close as it can be to the sun,

  and so all of the Moon is lit by the sun.

• Diagram C is accurate because the half of the Moon that is facing the sun is

  lit by the sun, and the other half is dark.

• All three diagrams are sometimes accurate because the Moon has some lighter-colored rock and some darker-colored rock, and the half of the Moon with the lighter-colored rock rotates to face different directions.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

These two observations are several days apart. The light part of the Moon appeared to get larger over time. Why did this happen?

• Between the first observation and the second observation, the Moon moved so that Omi was able to see more of the half that faces the sun.

• Between the first observation and the second observation, the Moon moved closer to the sun so more sunlight reached the Moon’s surface.

• Between the first observation and the second observation, the Moon rotated so that more of the light-colored rock on the Moon’s surface faced Earth.

• Between the first observation and the second observation, Earth moved so its shadow was blocking less of the Moon so Omi was able to see more of it.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1