6th Grade ACAP Showdown: Celestial Models

If we are going to model the day and night cycle in the lab, what everyday objects would we need to do that?

• Two spheres of different sizes

• A lamp and 2 pushpins

• A lamp and two spheres

• A lamp and a sphere

Answer explanation

To model the day and night cycle, a lamp represents the sun, a sphere represents the Earth, and pushpins or sticky dots can mark positions for rotation and tilt, making this the most comprehensive choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

A student wants to use a spinning basketball to model the day and night cycle on Earth. What should the student do in order to best model the cause of the day and night cycle?

• Spin the ball in different directions.

• Tilt the ball while it is spinning.

• Paint one half of the ball black and the other half white.

• Shine a bright light on one side of the ball.

Answer explanation

To model the day and night cycle, the student should shine a bright light on one side of the spinning basketball. This simulates the Sun illuminating one half of the Earth, creating day, while the other half remains in darkness, representing night.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What is the primary reason for the occurrence of day and night on Earth?

• The Earth's orbit around the Sun.

• The Earth's rotation on its axis.

• The tilt of the Earth's axis.

• The distance of the Earth from the Sun.

Answer explanation

The primary reason for day and night on Earth is the Earth's rotation on its axis. As the Earth spins, different parts face the Sun, creating daylight, while the opposite side experiences night.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Which of the following best represents the role of the Sun in the day and night cycle?

• The Sun remains stationary while the Earth rotates.

• The Sun rotates around its own axis.

• The Sun's light is blocked by the Moon.

• The Sun moves around the Earth.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is that the Sun remains stationary while the Earth rotates. This rotation causes different parts of the Earth to experience sunlight and darkness, creating the day and night cycle.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

How can you demonstrate the concept of time zones using a globe and a light source?

• By tilting the globe towards the light source.

• By rotating the globe and observing the lighted and shadowed areas.

• By spinning the globe faster.

• By placing the light source at different distances from the globe.

Answer explanation

By rotating the globe, you can see how different areas are illuminated or in shadow, demonstrating how time zones work as the Earth rotates relative to the light source.

What would happen if the Earth stopped rotating on its axis?

• There would be no change in the day and night cycle.

• The Sun would start rotating around the Earth.

• One side of the Earth would experience constant daylight, while the other side would be in perpetual darkness.

• The Earth's orbit around the Sun would change.

Answer explanation

If the Earth stopped rotating, one side would face the Sun continuously, resulting in constant daylight, while the opposite side would be in perpetual darkness. This would drastically alter the climate and environment.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Why do different parts of the Earth experience different lengths of day and night throughout the year?

• Due to the Earth's distance from the Moon.

• Because the Sun's brightness changes.

• Due to the tilt of the Earth's axis and its orbit around the Sun.

• Because of the Earth's rotation speed.

Answer explanation

Different lengths of day and night are caused by the tilt of the Earth's axis and its orbit around the Sun. This tilt affects how sunlight is distributed across the planet throughout the year.

What effect does the tilt of the Earth's axis have on the seasons?

• It causes the Earth to orbit the Sun in a circular path.

• It has no effect on the seasons.

• It results in varying lengths of day and night.

• It causes the Earth to rotate faster.

Answer explanation

The tilt of the Earth's axis causes varying lengths of day and night throughout the year, which directly influences the seasons. As the Earth orbits the Sun, different areas receive varying amounts of sunlight.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which phenomenon would be directly affected if the Earth's axis were not tilted?

• The Earth's gravitational pull.

• The phases of the Moon.

• The change in seasons.

• The occurrence of solar eclipses.

Answer explanation

The tilt of the Earth's axis is responsible for the change in seasons. Without this tilt, there would be no significant variation in sunlight throughout the year, leading to a lack of distinct seasons.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

How does the Earth's rotation affect the apparent movement of the Sun across the sky?

• The Sun appears to move from east to west.

• The Sun appears to move from west to east.

• The Sun remains stationary in the sky.

• The Sun moves in a circular path around the Earth.

Answer explanation

The Earth's rotation causes the Sun to appear to move across the sky from east to west. This is due to the planet spinning on its axis, making it seem like the Sun rises in the east and sets in the west.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1