6th Grade Science – Spring Benchmark Study Guide 2025

What is the main energy source for Earth's weather and water cycle, and how does it transfer energy?

• The Sun is the main energy source, and it transfers energy via radiation.

• The Moon is the main energy source, and it transfers energy via conduction.

• Volcanoes are the main energy source, and they transfer energy via convection.

• Oceans are the main energy source, and they transfer energy via evaporation.

Answer explanation

The Sun is the primary energy source for Earth's weather and water cycle, providing energy through radiation. This energy drives processes like evaporation, which are essential for weather patterns.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Earth’s energy budget is defined as: incoming solar energy minus ________.

• outgoing energy

• atmospheric pressure

• ocean currents

• gravitational force

Answer explanation

Earth's energy budget is calculated by taking the incoming solar energy and subtracting the outgoing energy that is radiated back into space. Thus, the correct answer is 'outgoing energy'.

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NGSS.MS-PS3-4

In cooking, heat transfer through pan contact with flame is called:

• Radiation

• Conduction

• Convection

• Energy Budget

Answer explanation

In cooking, heat transfer through direct contact between the pan and flame is called conduction. This process involves the transfer of heat through solid materials, making conduction the correct answer.

Convection currents in air or water occur because:

• Warm air rises, cool air sinks

• Cool air rises, warm air sinks

• Air pressure increases

• Energy budget changes

Answer explanation

Convection currents occur because warm air is less dense and rises, while cool air is denser and sinks. This movement creates a cycle, making "Warm air rises, cool air sinks" the correct explanation for convection currents.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The ground heats air, causing ________ and circulation.

• convection

• evaporation

• condensation

• precipitation

Answer explanation

The ground heats the air, causing convection, which is the process of warm air rising and cooler air sinking, leading to circulation. This is distinct from evaporation, condensation, or precipitation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What is the most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere?

• Nitrogen

• Oxygen

• Carbon Dioxide

• Argon

Answer explanation

Nitrogen is the most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere, making up about 78% of it. Oxygen follows at around 21%, while carbon dioxide and argon are present in much smaller amounts.

Temperature is highest near Earth’s surface in which atmospheric layer?

• Troposphere

• Stratosphere

• Mesosphere

• Thermosphere

Answer explanation

The temperature is highest near Earth's surface in the troposphere, where weather occurs and heat from the ground warms the air. In contrast, the stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere have varying temperature profiles.

To predict weather, you should use which three factors?

• Temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure

• Wind speed, cloud color, and soil type

• Sunlight, moon phase, and ocean depth

• Latitude, longitude, and altitude

Answer explanation

To predict weather accurately, the key factors are temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. These elements directly influence atmospheric conditions and help in forecasting weather patterns.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Weather occurs in the ________; the ________ contains ozone.

• troposphere; the stratosphere contains ozone.

• stratosphere; the troposphere contains ozone.

• mesosphere; the exosphere contains ozone.

• thermosphere; the mesosphere contains ozone.

Answer explanation

Weather occurs in the troposphere, where we experience clouds and precipitation. The stratosphere, above the troposphere, contains the ozone layer, which protects us from harmful UV radiation.

Air pressure decreases with ________, making breathing harder.

• altitude

• temperature

• humidity

• wind speed

Answer explanation

Air pressure decreases with altitude, meaning that as you go higher, there is less air above you. This reduction in air pressure makes it harder to breathe, as there is less oxygen available.