6th Grade .3 Level 3

Analyze how the tilt of Earth's axis and its orbital path around the sun contribute to the variation in climate zones across the planet.

• The tilt causes the equator to receive less sunlight, creating colder climates.

• The tilt and orbit result in varying solar intensity and daylight duration, influencing climate zones.

• The orbit causes the poles to receive more sunlight, creating warmer climates.

• The tilt has no effect on climate zones; they are determined solely by Earth's distance from the sun.

Tags

VA.6.3.d

Evaluate the impact of the relative positions of Earth, the moon, and the sun on the visibility of different moon phases from Earth.

• The moon phases are solely determined by Earth's shadow.

• The alignment of Earth, moon, and sun affects the portion of the moon illuminated and visible from Earth.

• The moon's phases are random and not influenced by celestial positions.

• The sun's position has no effect on moon phases.

Tags

VA.6.3.c

Critically assess the evidence that supports the rotation of Earth as the cause of day and night, considering alternative explanations.

• The sun orbits Earth, causing day and night.

• Earth's rotation on its axis causes different regions to experience sunlight and darkness.

• The moon's orbit around Earth causes day and night.

• Day and night are caused by Earth's elliptical orbit around the sun.

Tags

VA.6.3.b

Discuss the unique properties of Earth that make it capable of supporting diverse ecosystems compared to other planets in the solar system.

• Earth has the strongest magnetic field, which supports life.

• Earth's atmosphere, liquid water, and stable climate create conditions for diverse ecosystems.

• Earth is the largest planet, providing more space for ecosystems.

• Earth's proximity to the sun makes it the warmest planet, supporting life.

Tags

VA.6.3.a

Analyze the role of gravitational forces between Earth and the moon in the formation of tidal patterns, considering the influence of the sun.

• Tides are caused solely by the sun's gravitational pull.

• The gravitational pull of the moon and sun together creates complex tidal patterns.

• Tides are unaffected by celestial bodies and are random.

• Only the moon's gravity affects tides, with no influence from the sun.

Tags

VA.6.3.e

Evaluate how Earth's axial tilt and orbital dynamics influence the distribution of solar energy, affecting global weather patterns.

• Earth's tilt causes uniform solar energy distribution, leading to stable weather.

• The tilt and orbit cause uneven solar energy distribution, influencing weather patterns.

• Earth's orbit has no effect on solar energy distribution.

• The tilt causes the poles to receive the most solar energy, affecting weather.

Tags

VA.6.3.d

Formulate a hypothesis on how the phases of the moon could potentially impact human activities, using historical or cultural evidence.

• The phases of the moon have no impact on human activities.

• Historical evidence suggests that moon phases influenced agricultural and fishing practices.

• Cultural beliefs about the moon phases are purely superstitious.

• The moon phases only affect animal behavior, not human activities.

Tags

VA.6.3.c

Analyze the apparent movement of the sun across the sky and its implications for timekeeping and navigation in ancient civilizations.

• The sun's movement is an illusion caused by Earth's rotation, used for timekeeping.

• The sun's orbit around Earth was used for navigation.

• The sun's movement is random and not useful for timekeeping.

• Ancient civilizations did not rely on the sun for navigation.

Tags

VA.6.3.b

Critically evaluate the role of Earth's atmosphere in maintaining a climate suitable for life, considering the effects of atmospheric composition.

• Earth's atmosphere is too thin to affect climate.

• The composition of Earth's atmosphere regulates temperature and protects life.

• Earth's atmosphere is primarily composed of carbon dioxide, which cools the planet.

• The atmosphere has no effect on Earth's climate.

Tags

VA.6.3.a

Assess the combined gravitational effects of the moon and sun on the occurrence of neap tides, and explain their significance.

• Neap tides occur when the moon and sun are aligned with Earth.

• Neap tides occur when the moon and sun are at right angles to Earth, reducing tidal range.

• Neap tides are caused solely by the moon's gravity.

• Neap tides have no significance and occur randomly.

Tags

VA.6.3.e