Spring EOC - Final 2025

Why is the Moon always half dark and half illuminated?

Answer explanation

The Moon is always half dark and half illuminated because it is a spherical object. As it orbits Earth, only one side faces the Sun at a time, creating a cycle of illumination and shadow.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What phase comes after a Full Moon in the lunar cycle?

Answer explanation

After a Full Moon, the lunar cycle transitions to the Waning Gibbous phase, where the visible portion of the Moon decreases. This phase follows the peak brightness of the Full Moon.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

In the Ocean, Atmosphere, and Climate Simulation, what happens to the air temperature when there is a surface?

Answer explanation

When there is a surface in the simulation, the air temperature typically increases due to heat exchange between the surface and the air, leading to warmer air temperatures compared to areas without a surface.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What happens to air temperature near a cold current like at Sensor 4?

Answer explanation

Near a cold current like at Sensor 4, air temperature typically decreases. Cold currents cool the air above them, leading to lower temperatures in the surrounding area.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What happens to air temperature near a warm current like at Sensor 5?

Answer explanation

Near a warm current like at Sensor 5, air temperature typically increases due to the heat transferred from the water, leading to warmer air temperatures in the surrounding area.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Why does changing the wind direction affect air temperature?

Answer explanation

Changing wind direction can bring air from different regions, affecting temperature. For example, winds from the ocean are cooler, while winds from land can be warmer, thus altering local air temperatures.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Based on latitude alone, is Alesund warmer or colder than Khatyrka?

Answer explanation

Alesund is located at a higher latitude than Khatyrka, which generally results in colder temperatures. Therefore, based on latitude alone, Alesund is colder than Khatyrka.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Do ocean currents from the equator carry warm or cool water?

Answer explanation

Ocean currents from the equator carry warm water. This is because the equator receives more direct sunlight, heating the water, which then moves towards higher latitudes, influencing climate and weather patterns.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Why is Mowe Bay cooler than Townsville even though both are near the equator?

Answer explanation

Mowe Bay is cooler than Townsville due to its higher elevation and ocean currents that influence its climate, despite both being near the equator.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What effect does more surface water have on the amount of water vapor in the air?

Answer explanation

More surface water increases evaporation, leading to higher humidity and more water vapor in the air. This process enhances the moisture content in the atmosphere, contributing to weather patterns and precipitation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1