6th Grade EOY Review

Liam and Ava are playing in the park. As the sun sets, they notice it getting dark. What causes this change from day to night?

• The Earth's axial tilt

• The Earth's rotation

• The Earth's revolution around the sun

• The Earth's distance from the sun

Answer explanation

The change from day to night is caused by the Earth's rotation on its axis. As the Earth spins, different parts face the sun or move into shadow, resulting in the cycle of day and night.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Olivia and Ethan are planning a picnic and are curious about why the weather changes throughout the year. What is responsible for the different seasons on Earth?

• The Earth's distance from the sun

• The Earth's axial tilt and orbit

• The Earth's rotation

• The Earth's gravitational pull

Answer explanation

The different seasons on Earth are caused by the Earth's axial tilt and orbit around the sun. This tilt affects how sunlight is distributed, leading to seasonal changes in temperature and weather.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Zoe and Mason are observing the moon from their backyard. They notice that the shape of the moon seems to change over the course of a month. What is the main cause of these changes in the moon's appearance?

• The Earth's rotation

• The moon's rotation

• The moon's orbit around the Earth

• The Earth's axial tilt

Answer explanation

The changes in the moon's appearance are primarily due to the moon's orbit around Earth. As the moon travels in its orbit, different portions of its surface are illuminated by the sun, creating the phases we observe.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Imagine Ava is standing in a large field on a sunny day. What percentage of the sun's energy does she receive while standing there?

• A very large portion

• A very small portion

• Half of the sun's energy

• All of the sun's energy

Answer explanation

Ava receives only a very small portion of the sun's energy because the vast majority is dispersed in the atmosphere and not all reaches her directly. Thus, the correct choice is 'A very small portion'.

What is the Earth's energy budget?

• The amount of energy Earth produces

• The tracking of energy entering and exiting Earth's atmosphere

• The energy stored in Earth's core

• The energy used by Earth's oceans

Answer explanation

The Earth's energy budget refers to the tracking of energy entering and exiting Earth's atmosphere, which includes solar radiation absorbed and energy radiated back into space. This balance is crucial for understanding climate and weather patterns.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

Ethan and Harper are discussing climate change. What effect do excess carbon dioxide and other gases have on Earth's energy budget?

• They cool the Earth

• They create a greenhouse effect

• They have no effect

• They increase Earth's rotation speed

Answer explanation

Excess carbon dioxide and other gases trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to a greenhouse effect. This process warms the Earth by preventing heat from escaping into space, disrupting the energy budget.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

What is convection?

• The process of heating and cooling

• A cyclic rising/falling pattern of air or water

• The transfer of energy through radiation

• The movement of tectonic plates

Answer explanation

Convection is the cyclic rising and falling of air or water due to temperature differences. This process creates currents, making it distinct from other forms of energy transfer like radiation or tectonic movement.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Aria and Isla are studying the Earth's climate system. They want to understand what powers the global circulation of the atmosphere and oceans. What should they focus on?

• Earth's magnetic field

• Thermal energy transfer

• Earth's gravitational pull

• The moon's gravitational pull

Answer explanation

Aria and Isla should focus on thermal energy transfer, as it drives the global circulation of the atmosphere and oceans by distributing heat from the sun, influencing weather patterns and ocean currents.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What is an element?

• A mixture of different atoms

• A form of matter made up of one type of atom

• A compound of multiple elements

• A molecule with varying atoms

Answer explanation

An element is defined as a form of matter made up of one type of atom, distinguishing it from mixtures, compounds, and molecules that consist of multiple types of atoms or elements.

Luna and Rohan are planning a weekend hiking trip. They want to ensure they have good weather for their adventure. What can data on barometric pressure, temperature, wind speed, and humidity be used for?

• Predicting earthquakes

• Predicting weather

• Predicting volcanic eruptions

• Predicting ocean currents

Answer explanation

Data on barometric pressure, temperature, wind speed, and humidity are essential for predicting weather conditions. These factors help assess atmospheric changes, making 'Predicting weather' the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6