Science Skills & Thinking
What is the difference between an observation and an inference?
An observation is what you directly see or measure; an inference is a conclusion you draw from observations.
What causes day and night on Earth?
Earth’s rotation on its axis.
Which Earth system includes all living things?
Biosphere.
Which layer of the atmosphere do we live in?
Troposphere.
What gas is most responsible for trapping heat in the atmosphere?
CO2 (carbon dioxide)
What makes a scientific question testable?
It can be investigated using observations, measurements, or experiments.
What causes the seasons on Earth?
Earth’s tilted axis as it revolves around the Sun.
Which Earth system includes rocks, soil, and landforms?
Geosphere.
What is the difference between weather and climate?
Weather is short-term conditions; climate is long-term patterns.
Name one human activity that increases greenhouse gases.
Burning fossil fuels, deforestation, transportation, etc.
Why are graphs important?
They visualize data.
Why does the Moon have phases?
We see different amounts of the Moon’s sunlit side as it orbits Earth.
How are the hydrosphere and atmosphere connected?
Through processes like evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
Which global factor best explains why it’s colder at the top of mountains?
Altitude.
How does cutting down forests affect climate?
Fewer trees absorb CO₂, increasing greenhouse gases.
Why do scientists repeat experiments or collect data over many years?
To reduce error and look for reliable patterns, not one-time results.
True or false: light can escape a black hole.
False.
True or false: water cycles through the Earth and the atmosphere.
True.
Which climate zone is closest to the equator?
Tropical/equatorial.
Name one way humans are trying to reduce climate change.
Renewable energy, reforestation, conservation, efficiency, etc.
Why is one extreme weather event not enough to prove climate change?
Climate is based on long-term patterns, not single events.
How many planets are in our solar system?
8!
Bonus: can you name them all?
Double bonus: can you name them in order??
Who is calling???
Mr. Pork...
Which climate zone is furthest north and south?
Polar.
How does rising global temperature affect sea level?
Ice melts and warmer water expands, causing sea levels to rise.