Earth, Moon, and Sun End-of-Unit Test

During which phase of the moon do we sometimes have a lunar eclipse?

• new moon

• full moon

• waning gibbous

• first quarter

Answer explanation

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is between the sun and the moon, which only happens during a full moon. Therefore, the correct answer is full moon.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Where does the moon's light come from?

• The moon reflects light from the sun.

• The moon creates its own light.

• The moon is made of cheese, so it's yellow and glows.

• The moon is like the sun and creates tremendous amounts of energy.

Answer explanation

The correct answer is that the moon reflects light from the sun. Unlike the sun, the moon does not produce its own light; it merely bounces sunlight, which is why we can see it shining in the night sky.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

During which phase of the moon do we sometimes have a solar eclipse?

• new moon

• full moon

• waning gibbous

• first quarter

Answer explanation

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon is directly between the Earth and the sun, which happens during the new moon phase. Therefore, the correct answer is new moon.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

A lunar eclipse occurs when:

• The shadow of the Earth falls on the Moon

• The shadow of the Moon falls on the Earth

• The Sun's light shows red on the Moon

• The shadow of the Sun falls on the Moon

Answer explanation

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is positioned between the sun and the moon, causing the Earth's shadow to fall on the moon. This is why the correct answer is 'The shadow of Earth falls on the moon'.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What are the positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun when there is a full moon?

• Sun, Moon, Earth

• Sun, Earth, Moon

• Moon, Earth, Sun

• Moon, Sun, Earth

Answer explanation

During a full moon, the Sun, Earth, and Moon align in that order. The Sun illuminates the Moon fully from the Earth's perspective, making the correct position Sun, Earth, Moon.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

As the moon's shape appears to get smaller, we say that the moon is ____________.

• swelling

• waxing

• waning

• disappearing

Answer explanation

As the moon's shape appears to get smaller, it is referred to as 'waning'. This term specifically describes the phase when the illuminated part of the moon decreases, contrasting with 'waxing', which indicates growth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What is the phase of the moon shown in the image?

• Waxing Crescent

• Waxing Gibbous

• Waning Crescent

• Waning Gibbous

Answer explanation

The waxing crescent phase occurs after the new moon, when a small sliver of the moon becomes visible and increases in size. This matches the correct answer, waxing crescent, as it describes the moon's illumination growing.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What does "waxing" mean?

• growing

• shrinking

• dark

• light

Answer explanation

"Waxing" refers to the process of growing or increasing in size, particularly in relation to the moon's phases. Therefore, the correct answer is "growing." The other options do not accurately describe this term.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

In winter for the Northern Hemisphere (where we live), is the axis of the Earth pointed away or toward the Sun?

• towards

• up

• down

• away

Answer explanation

In winter, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the sun, resulting in shorter days and colder temperatures. Therefore, the correct answer is 'away'.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What moon phase would be seen from Earth when the Moon is at position 1?

• new moon

• first quarter

• third quarter

• full moon

Answer explanation

When the moon is at position 1, it is between the Earth and the Sun, resulting in the new moon phase. During this phase, the illuminated side of the moon faces away from Earth, making it invisible.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1