Science Benchmark - Marking Period 3

Olivia and William are studying genetics in their biology class. Why would they use Punnett Squares to predict the outcome of genetic crosses?

• To describe the process of natural selection

• To explain the phases of the moon

• To measure the distance between planets

• To predict the outcome of genetic crosses

Which of the following is an example of natural selection?

• The orbit of Earth around the sun

• A giraffe's long neck evolving over generations

• A solar eclipse

• The phases of the moon

Aria and Anika are observing the night sky. Aria asks, "What causes the different phases of the moon?"

• The relative positions of the Earth, moon, and sun

• The Earth's shadow covering the moon

• The moon's rotation on its axis

• The moon's distance from the Earth

During a school field trip, Abigail and her friends observed a natural phenomenon where the moon passed between the Earth and the sun. Which of the following best describes this event?

• The moon passing between the Earth and the sun

• The change in seasons

• The Earth rotating on its axis

• The sun moving around the solar system

Luna and Aiden are discussing why we experience different seasons throughout the year. What is the primary reason for the change in seasons on Earth?

• The phases of the moon

• The gravitational pull of the sun

• The tilt of Earth's axis

• The distance of Earth from the sun

What is the main reason for a solar eclipse?

• The Earth passing between the sun and the moon

• The moon passing between the Earth and the sun

• The sun moving closer to the Earth

• The Earth's shadow covering the moon

During a science class, Aiden asked, "What factor primarily influences the tides on Earth?"

• The phases of the moon

• The gravitational pull of the moon

• The Earth's rotation on its axis

• The distance of the sun from the Earth

What is the primary cause of a lunar eclipse?

• The moon passing between the Earth and the sun

• The Earth passing between the sun and the moon

• The sun moving behind the moon

• The moon's rotation on its axis

Benjamin is conducting an experiment to test the effect of sunlight on plant growth. What is the dependent variable in his experiment?

• The growth of the plant

• The amount of sunlight

• The soil type

• The type of plant

Which of the following best describes an independent variable in an experiment?

• A variable that is measured

• A variable that is dependent on other variables

• A variable that is kept constant

• A variable that is changed or controlled