Comparing Models

Isaac and Haley are discussing models of the solar system. Which BEST describes the difference between the geocentric and heliocentric models?

• Geocentric has planets moving in circles around the Sun, heliocentric has planets moving in straight lines.

• Geocentric places Earth at the center, heliocentric places the Sun at the center.

• Geocentric includes stars, heliocentric does not.

• Geocentric shows galaxies, heliocentric shows only one star.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

During a science class, Carter and Austin were discussing different models of the solar system. Why did scientists eventually accept the heliocentric model over the geocentric model?

• It looked better in pictures.

• It explained planet movements better.

• People liked the Sun more.

• It was easier to remember.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

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During a science class discussion, Riya and Harmoni are debating who first promoted the heliocentric model. Who is credited with this achievement?

• Aristotle

• Copernicus

• Newton

• Galileo

During a stargazing night, Brielle and Jabril observed Jupiter through a telescope and noticed its moons moving around it. What did their observation show?

• Everything revolves around Earth.

• Not all celestial bodies revolve around Earth.

• Stars move closer to Earth each night.

• The geocentric model was completely correct.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

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Liam and Jetlyn are working on a science project about the solar system. Which of these is a model they might use today to study the solar system?

• A poster with Earth at the center.

• A 3D or digital model of planets orbiting the Sun.

• A telescope picture of only Earth.

• A map of Earth’s continents.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

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When JC and Marbella built a model of the solar system for their science project, what is one limitation they might encounter?

• They cannot show the Sun.

• They are never colorful.

• They are not to scale and may oversimplify distances and sizes.

• They always show Earth in the wrong spot.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

Chandler and Charlie are discussing why the Hubble Space Telescope is special. What makes it unique?

• Orbits Earth and captures very clear images of space without Earth’s atmosphere in the way.

• Is the first telescope ever built.

• Can travel to other planets.

• Only looks at Earth.

Ximena and Brielle are discussing the purpose of the James Webb Space Telescope. They wonder what it is designed to do. What is the correct answer?

• Replace Hubble and see deeper into space with infrared light.

• Circle the Moon and take pictures of astronauts.

• Find new planets by digging into Earth’s crust.

• Only show galaxies in visible light.

Josiah and Piper are discussing space telescopes. What is a main difference between the Hubble and James Webb telescopes?

• Hubble orbits Earth, but James Webb orbits farther away.

• Hubble can travel to other galaxies, but James Webb cannot.

• Hubble only looks at planets, but James Webb only looks at stars.

• Hubble uses radio waves, but James Webb uses sound waves.

Marbella and Journi are visiting a science museum. They see a display about new telescopes and space models. Marbella asks, "Why do scientists build new telescopes and space models?" What is the best answer?

• To replace old drawings with prettier ones.

• Because new technology helps us answer questions and discover more about the universe.

• To make space easier for kids to learn about.

• So people will buy more space posters.

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