6th Grade .6 Level 3

Analyze the mechanisms by which large bodies of water can moderate the climate of coastal regions, and discuss the potential impacts of climate change on this moderating effect.

• Large bodies of water absorb heat slowly, reducing temperature extremes; climate change may enhance this effect.

• Large bodies of water release heat quickly, increasing temperature extremes; climate change may diminish this effect.

• Large bodies of water have no significant impact on climate moderation; climate change will not affect this.

• Large bodies of water increase humidity, which has no effect on temperature moderation; climate change will not alter this.

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VA.6.6.e

Evaluate the role of water in agricultural systems, considering both its benefits and potential challenges, and propose strategies to optimize its use for sustainable food production.

• Water is only beneficial for irrigation; challenges include overuse and pollution; strategies include reducing water use.

• Water is crucial for plant growth and soil health; challenges include scarcity and pollution; strategies include efficient irrigation and water recycling.

• Water is not essential for agriculture; challenges are minimal; strategies include using alternative resources.

• Water is only used for livestock; challenges include transportation; strategies include better logistics.

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VA.6.6.f

Discuss the processes by which water contributes to both physical and chemical weathering, and analyze how these processes can lead to the formation of different landforms over geological time scales.

• Water only causes physical weathering by freezing; it does not affect landform formation.

• Water contributes to physical weathering by freezing and chemical weathering by dissolving minerals; these processes shape landscapes over time.

• Water only causes chemical weathering by dissolving rocks; it does not affect physical weathering.

• Water has no role in weathering; landforms are shaped by other factors.

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VA.6.6.d

Critically assess the impact of water use in power generation on public health, considering both the benefits and potential risks, and suggest measures to mitigate any negative effects.

• Water use in power generation has no impact on public health; no measures are needed.

• Water use in power generation reduces air pollution but can lead to thermal pollution; measures include improving cooling technologies.

• Water use in power generation increases air pollution; measures include reducing water use.

• Water use in power generation only affects aquatic life; no public health measures are needed.

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VA.6.6.f

Examine the influence of large bodies of water on regional weather patterns, and evaluate how changes in these bodies due to global warming might alter these patterns.

• Large bodies of water have no influence on weather patterns; global warming will not change this.

• Large bodies of water stabilize weather patterns by moderating temperatures; global warming may disrupt this balance.

• Large bodies of water cause more extreme weather; global warming will enhance this effect.

• Large bodies of water only affect humidity; global warming will not alter this.

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VA.6.6.e

Analyze the relationship between water quality and public health, and propose comprehensive strategies to ensure safe water access in urban and rural areas.

• Water quality has no impact on public health; no strategies are needed.

• Poor water quality can lead to disease outbreaks; strategies include improving water treatment and infrastructure.

• Water quality only affects agriculture; public health is not impacted.

• Water quality is only a concern in rural areas; urban areas are unaffected.

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VA.6.6.f

Evaluate the role of water in the erosion process, considering both natural and human-induced factors, and discuss how these factors can be managed to preserve landscapes.

• Water only causes erosion naturally; human activities have no impact.

• Water accelerates erosion naturally and through human activities like deforestation; management includes reforestation and sustainable land use.

• Water prevents erosion by stabilizing soil; no management is needed.

• Water has no role in erosion; other factors are responsible.

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VA.6.6.d

Discuss the role of large bodies of water in the Earth's climate system, and analyze how their thermal properties contribute to global climate regulation.

• Large bodies of water have no role in climate regulation; their thermal properties are irrelevant.

• Large bodies of water store and release heat slowly, helping to regulate global climate; their thermal properties are crucial.

• Large bodies of water increase global temperatures; their thermal properties are harmful.

• Large bodies of water only affect local climates; their thermal properties are insignificant.

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VA.6.6.e

Assess the environmental and economic benefits of using water for hydroelectric power generation, and propose solutions to address any associated ecological concerns.

• Hydroelectric power has no environmental benefits; it is economically unviable.

• Hydroelectric power is environmentally friendly and economically beneficial; ecological concerns include habitat disruption, which can be mitigated by fish ladders and flow management.

• Hydroelectric power is only economically beneficial; it has no environmental impact.

• Hydroelectric power is environmentally harmful; it should be discontinued.

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VA.6.6.f

Analyze the chemical weathering processes involving water, and evaluate their significance in the global carbon cycle and soil formation.

• Chemical weathering by water has no significance in the carbon cycle; it only affects soil formation.

• Chemical weathering by water dissolves minerals, releasing carbon dioxide and contributing to soil formation; it plays a significant role in the carbon cycle.

• Chemical weathering by water only affects rock hardness; it has no role in the carbon cycle.

• Chemical weathering by water is insignificant; other processes are more important.

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VA.6.6.d