Exploring Earth's Resources and Changes

Which of the following processes is responsible for breaking down rocks into smaller pieces over time?

• Erosion

• Weathering

• Deposition

• Melting

A student observes a model of a river carrying sand and depositing it at the river's mouth. What process is being demonstrated?

• Weathering

• Erosion

• Deposition

• Melting

Why is it important to conserve natural resources like water and sunlight?

• They are unlimited and always available.

• They are essential for modern life and can impact the environment if not conserved.

• They are not used in modern technology.

• They do not affect the environment.

Answer explanation

Conserving natural resources like water and sunlight is crucial because they are vital for sustaining life and modern society. Overuse can lead to environmental degradation, affecting ecosystems and future availability.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Which of the following is a disadvantage of using nonrenewable resources like coal and oil?

• They are easily replenished.

• They can lead to pollution and are limited in supply.

• They are always clean and safe.

• They do not affect the environment.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that nonrenewable resources like coal and oil can cause pollution and are finite, making them unsustainable. The other options incorrectly suggest they are clean, safe, or easily replenished.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

How does recycling help in conserving natural resources?

• It increases the use of new materials.

• It reduces the need to extract new resources and minimizes waste.

• It has no impact on resource conservation.

• It only benefits the economy.

Answer explanation

Recycling helps conserve natural resources by reducing the need to extract new materials from the environment. It minimizes waste, leading to less environmental degradation and preserving resources for future use.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-3

What is the main role of wind in changing Earth's surface?

• It melts rocks.

• It causes erosion by carrying away small particles.

• It deposits large boulders.

• It creates new landforms instantly.

Answer explanation

Wind plays a crucial role in shaping Earth's surface primarily through erosion. It carries away small particles, gradually wearing down rocks and landscapes, which is essential for soil formation and landscape change.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Which of the following is a renewable resource?

• Coal

• Oil

• Wind

• Natural Gas

Answer explanation

Wind is a renewable resource because it is naturally replenished and can be harnessed repeatedly without depleting its source. In contrast, coal, oil, and natural gas are fossil fuels that take millions of years to form and are not renewable.

What physical property of rocks allows them to store water?

• Color

• Hardness

• Permeable

• Weight

Answer explanation

Porosity is the physical property of rocks that refers to the presence of voids or spaces within the rock. These spaces can hold water, making porosity the key factor in a rock's ability to store water.

How can students model the process of erosion in a classroom setting?

• By melting ice cubes

• By using a fan to blow sand across a tray

• By freezing water in a container

• By stacking rocks

Answer explanation

Using a fan to blow sand across a tray effectively simulates erosion by demonstrating how wind can transport sediment, making it the best choice for modeling this natural process in a classroom setting.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

What process happens when water gets inside of a rock and freezes?

• Weathering

• Erosion

• Deposition

• Nothing

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2