Air & Aerodynamics
What is the term for the ability of air to take up space and exert pressure?
compressible fluid
What is one design change that can improve the effectiveness of a model parachute?
increasing the surface area of the parachute.
What emits the light by which the Sun and stars are seen?
The Sun and stars emit the light by which they are seen, while other bodies in space are seen by "reflected light."
What unique characteristics at a scene can allow an investigator to make inferences about the participants and the nature of the activity?
"recognizing specific patterns or discrepancies that differentiate the evidence from others."
Why are trees and forests valued?
serve as habitat for various living things, provide raw materials, support the environment, and offer recreational opportunities.
Describe an example of how air movement across a surface can result in lift using Bernoulli's principle.
airplane wings create lift by having a longer distance for air to travel over the top, resulting in lower pressure and higher pressure underneath, pushing the plane up.
Describe the principles by which the rising and falling of a hot-air balloon are controlled.
hot air rises, causing the balloon to ascend, and cooling the air inside the balloon causes it to descend.
Describe the regular and predictable movement of objects in the night sky and its relation to Earth's rotation.
as Earth rotates, different parts of the sky become visible, causing objects to appear to move across the sky.
Give an example of evidence analysis linking it to a possible source.
"comparing handwriting samples to identify the writer of a note." (Other answers could work too)
Describe the role of trees in nutrient cycles.
absorbing carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen, and cycling nutrients through the soil.
Why must devices or living things have sufficient lift to overcome the force of gravity in order to fly?
gravity pulls objects down, and lift is needed to counteract this force and keep the object in the air.
How can you modify a glider (Paper airplane) design to make it go further or stay up longer?
adjusting the weight distribution, adding lift-generating surfaces, or improving aerodynamics.
Name the 8 phases of the moon.
New moon, Waxing crescent, First quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Third Quarter, Waning Crescent.
How can you classify footprints, tire prints, and soil samples from different locations in an investigation?
comparing their size, shape, and depth to determine similarities or differences.
Identify characteristics that distinguish deciduous trees from coniferous trees.
Characteristics distinguishing deciduous trees from coniferous trees include "broad leaves and shedding leaves annually for deciduous trees, and needle-like leaves and cones for coniferous trees."
Identify one adaptation that enables birds or insects to fly.
"hollow bones in birds" or "lightweight exoskeleton in insects."
Name two control devices of an aircraft and describe their roles.
elevators (control pitch) and ailerons (control roll).
Identify one technology or procedure used to gather knowledge about planets and objects in the night sky.
telescopes for observing distant objects. (Other answers as well).
Name three types of fingerprints.
Arch, whorl, loop
Name One deciduous and One coniferous tree found in the local environment.
Two deciduous trees found in the local environment could be "oak and maple," while two coniferous trees could be "pine and spruce."
How does streamlining reduce drag in flight?
reducing air resistance due to smooth, aerodynamic shapes that allow air to flow easily around the object.
Explain one difference in design between aircraft and spacecraft.
aircraft require lift from wings to stay airborne, while spacecraft rely on propulsion to remain in space.
What is the Sun, Earth, and Moon part of in the universe?
Our solar System (Milky Way).
How can you recognize evidence of recent human activity in an outdoor setting?
observing footprints, disturbed soil, or objects left behind that indicate human presence.
What human actions can enhance or threaten the existence of forests?
Human actions that can enhance or threaten the existence of forests include "sustainable logging practices, reforestation efforts, deforestation, and habitat destruction."