Unit 4 Post-Assessment

The phases of the moon are caused by the relative positions of Earth, the sun, and the moon. Lunar phases refer to the appearance of the illuminated portion of the moon as seen by an observer on Earth. When the moon is aligned with and between Earth and the sun, which phase is happening?

• full moon
• new moon
• first quarter moon
• third quarter moon

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

When does a solar eclipse take place?

• When the sun moves into Earth’s shadow.
• When Earth moves into the sun’s shadow.
• When Earth moves into the moon’s shadow.
• When the moon moves into Earth’s shadow.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

When the moon is waxing, its lighted part appears to _____.

• increase in size
• decrease in size
• become invisible
• become totally visible

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

The diagram shows the relative positions of Earth, the moon, and the sun. The moon is shown at four possible positions around Earth. Which position of the moon could result in a lunar eclipse?

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

The phases of the moon are the changing appearances of the moon, as seen from Earth. Which solar system event can happen only during a full moon?

• A new moon
• A solar eclipse
• A lunar eclipse
• A waning gibbous

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

The cycle of the moon’s phases repeats in a predictable way. About how long does it take to cycle from one new moon to the next new moon?

• about one day
• about one year
• about one month
• about one week

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Decide which statements are true and which are false.

Groups:

(a) True

,

(b) False

• Earth changes its position in space as it orbits around the sun.

• The same side of Earth always faces the sun.

• The moon’s rotation on its axis causes moon phases.

• The portion of the sunlit side of the moon changes as the moon orbits Earth.

• A lunar eclipse may occur when the moon is between Earth and the sun.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Phases of the moon are patterns created by reflected sunlight as seen from Earth. Number these phases of the moon in order from the most amount of reflected sunlight (1) to the least amount of reflected sunlight (4) as seen from Earth.  

• full moon

• waxing crescent

• first quarter moon

• waning gibbous

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

In order for a spacecraft to leave Earth, it must produce a great amount of thrust. Its rocket boosters create this thrusting force by burning great amounts of fuel. However, once in space, the spacecraft needs very little fuel. It circles Earth while gravity pulls it toward Earth. What term describes the motion of the spacecraft around Earth?

• orbit
• gravity
• inertia
• weight

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

Which statement best describes the role of gravity in the solar system?

• Gravity pushes planets away from the Sun, keeping them in motion.
• Gravity holds the solar system together by pulling objects toward larger masses.
• Gravity only affects objects on Earth, not objects in space.
• Gravity causes planets to move in straight lines through space.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4