NGSS Science Middle School

Which part of the diagram represents the foundation of the building?

• W

• X

• Y

• Z

Earth formed in a swirling disk of matter surrounding the sun. As particles in the disk collided and stuck together, they grew larger and some eventually became planets. What force was responsible for the collisions between these particles?

• gravity

• solar radiation

• seismic waves

• radioactive decay

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

Which of the following series summarizes the components of the solar system, from the center of the solar system outward?

• A. sun, outer planets, inner planets

• B. outer planets, inner planets, sun

• C. inner planets, sun, outer planets

• D. sun, inner planets, outer planets

Suppose that scientists observe a new orbital path for one of the planets. What will most likely happen to this model? (remember to X out the answers that do not make sense)

• A. The model will be adapted to reflect this new observation.

• B. Scientists will no longer use a model to study the solar system.

• C. Scientists will never again look at the work of the scientist who made this model.

• D. Scientists will ignore their observations and rely on the information shown in the model.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

Which statement correctly describes a difference in our solar system’s inner planets and outer planets due to gravitational effects?

• A. The inner planets are larger.

• B. The outer planets have more moons.

• C. The inner planets are more spread apart.

• D. The outer planets all have rocky surfaces.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

Where in the solar system are most gases found, other than the sun? (Remember the Jovian planets also contain 2 ice giants)

• A. the inner planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars

• B. the outer planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune

• C. the Kuiper belt: disc of dwarf planets beyond the orbit of Neptune

• D. the asteroid belt: disc of asteroids between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter

The diagram shows Laplace’s hypothesis explaining the formation of the solar system. Which of these best explains the first stage in the diagram shown? (look at the answers, was the sun cooling? NO!)

• A. This stage shows the contracting and cooling of a cloud.

• B. This stage shows a large collapsing cloud of gas and dust.

• C. This stage shows the collision and fusion of particles forming several large clumps.

• D. This stage shows the spinning and flattening of a nebula that throws off gaseous material.

Explain how the planets stay in orbit around the sun.

• magnetic forces

• solar forces

• gravitational forces

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

How long did it take for the solar system to form?

• 5 million years

• 50 million years

• 500 million years

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

How old is our solar system?

• 4.6 billion years

• 500 million years

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4