ESS Unit 8.1.2 Exploration Questions

Why does the moon appear to shine in the night sky?

• 1. It produces its own light.

• It reflects light from the sun

• 1. It absorbs light from Earth.

• It glows due to heat from its surface

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What is the main reason we see different phases of the moon from Earth?

• 1. The moon changes shape as it orbits Earth.

• Clouds cover parts of the moon.

• 1. The sun lights different parts of the moon as it orbits Earth.

• 1. The moon moves closer and farther from Earth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What is the phase called when the moon is between Earth and the sun and appears completely dark from Earth?

• 1. Full moon

• 1. First quarter

• 1. New moon

• 1. Waning crescent

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

When does a full moon occur?

• 1. When the moon is between Earth and the sun

• 1. When Earth is between the moon and the sun

• 1. When the moon is closest to Earth

• 1. When the moon is farthest from Earth

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

How long does it take for the moon to complete one cycle of phases?

• 1. 24 hours

• 1. 7 days

• 1. 31 days

• 27.3 days

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Why does the same side of the moon always face Earth?

• 1. The moon does not rotate.

• 1. The moon rotates at the same rate that it orbits Earth.

• 1. Earth's gravity pulls the moon's surface.

• 1. The sun's gravity locks the moon in place.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

What pattern do the phases of the moon follow?

• 1. They occur randomly.

• 1. They follow a regular, predictable pattern.

• 1. They only happen during certain seasons.

• 1. They depend on Earth's weather.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

If you see a crescent moon with the right side lit just after sunset, where is it in the sky?

• 1. High in the eastern sky

• 1. Low in the western sky

• 1. Directly overhead

• 1. Not visible at all

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What happens to the lit part of the moon after a full moon?

• 1. It increases.

• 1. It stays the same.

• 1. It decreases.

• 1. It disappears instantly.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Why does it take slightly longer than 27 days for the moon to complete a cycle of phases?

• 1. The moon slows down in its orbit.

• 1. Earth is also moving in its orbit around the sun.

• 1. The sun's gravity pulls the moon away.

• 1. The moon's phases are irregular.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1