NWEA Set 1 Practice: Earth Science (6SCI)

What is the Vernal Equinox?

• The Vernal Equinox is the point in spring when day and night are approximately equal in length, occurring around March 20 or 21 in the Northern Hemisphere.

• The Vernal Equinox marks the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

• The Vernal Equinox is the longest day of the year.

• The Vernal Equinox occurs when the sun is at its highest point in the sky.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What is the significance of the summer solstice?

• It marks the beginning of winter.

• It is the longest day of the year, occurring around June 21 in the Northern Hemisphere.

• It is the shortest day of the year, occurring around December 21.

• It is a day of equal daylight and darkness, occurring around March 21.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What is the significance of the Tropic of Capricorn?

• It is located at 0° latitude and marks the equator.

• It is the northernmost point where the sun can be directly overhead.

• It is located at 23.5° South latitude and is the southernmost point where the sun can be directly overhead.

• It marks the boundary between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What is the significance of the North Pole?

• It is the southernmost point on Earth.

• It is the northernmost point on Earth, located at 90° North latitude, and is significant for its extreme climate and polar ecosystems.

• It is a popular tourist destination for tropical vacations.

• It is known for its dense rainforests and diverse wildlife.

At which latitude do the sun's rays strike directly at noon during the summer solstice?

• Tropic of Cancer, located at 23.5° North latitude

• Equator, located at 0° latitude

• Tropic of Capricorn, located at 23.5° South latitude

• Arctic Circle, located at 66.5° North latitude

What is the difference between a new moon and a full moon?

• A new moon occurs when the Earth is between the sun and the moon, fully illuminating it.

• A full moon occurs when the moon is between the Earth and the sun, making it invisible.

• A new moon occurs when the moon is between the Earth and the sun, making it invisible, while a full moon occurs when the Earth is between the sun and the moon, fully illuminating it.

• A new moon and a full moon are the same, just different names for the same phase.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What is the role of the sun in the Earth's climate?

• The sun provides the energy that drives weather patterns and climate on Earth.

• The sun is responsible for the Earth's rotation.

• The sun creates the Earth's magnetic field.

• The sun has no significant impact on the Earth's climate.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What phase of the moon occurs when the Earth is between the sun and the moon?

• New Moon

• First Quarter

• Full Moon

• Last Quarter

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What is the Earth's axial tilt?

• 20 degrees

• 23.5 degrees

• 25 degrees

• 30 degrees

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What is the difference between the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere?

• The Northern Hemisphere is the half of the Earth that is north of the equator, while the Southern Hemisphere is the half that is south of the equator.

• The Northern Hemisphere is warmer than the Southern Hemisphere year-round.

• The Northern Hemisphere experiences summer when the Southern Hemisphere experiences winter.

• The Northern Hemisphere is located entirely in the Arctic region.