What is the ultimate source of energy for all life on Earth?
The sun
What are the three states of matter?
Solid, liquid, gas
Approximately how long does it take the Earth to orbit the sun exactly once?
365 days
Name the four major spheres of the Earth.
Biosphere, Geosphere, Hydrosphere, Atmosphere
What are the two types of poles on a magnet, and what happens when opposite poles are put together?
North & South; they attract and connect (if possible).
What is a keystone species?
A keystone species is essential to maintain balance and biodiversity in its ecosystem.
(Answers vary).
What is the difference between a physical change and a chemical change?
A physical change alters the form of a substance without changing its identity, while a chemical change produces a new substance with different properties.
What is the force that keeps planets revolving around the sun?
Gravity
What percentage of Earth's water is saltwater? (You may round to the nearest whole percent.)
96.5% or 97%
What happens when light hits a mirror?
It bounces off of the mirror's surface, otherwise known as reflection
What are the two main products of photosynthesis in plants?
Oxygen and glucose
What causes a hot air balloon to inflate and rise?
A hot air balloon inflates and rises as heated air inside the balloon becomes less dense than the cooler air outside, creating lift.
What is the difference between rotation and revolution?
Rotation is the circular movement of a body around its own axis. Revolution is the circular motion of an object around another object, or an axis outside of it.
How can skydivers control how fast or slow they are going when jumping from a plane?
1. Altering their surface area to increase or decrease drag
2. Using a parachute to slow descent
What is the difference between a closed circuit and an open circuit?
A closed circuit is a complete loop where electricity can flow, allowing devices like light bulbs to work. An open circuit is incomplete, so electricity cannot flow, and devices do not work.
What two animals does the Salmon consume for energy?
The squid & the sardine
What is the Law of Conservation of Mass?
Matter cannot be created or destroyed (in a closed system).
Why does the sun appear to move across the sky during the day?
The Sun appears to move across the sky because of Earth's rotation on its axis.
What is the difference between weathering & erosion?
Weathering is the breakdown of rocks into smaller particles due to physical, chemical, or biological processes, while erosion is the movement of those particles by wind, water, or ice.
What causes Earthquakes?
Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust, often along plate boundaries where tectonic plates move.
What is composting, and why is it important?
Composting is the natural process of breaking down organic waste into nutrient-rich soil. It is important because it reduces landfill waste and improves soil health.
Draw what water molecules look like in all three states of matter. (Hint: How far apart are the molecules?)
Why does the sun appear to be the biggest star in the sky, even though it isn't?
The distance of celestial objects determines their apparent magnitude.
What is the name of the process when the Sun heats up water in oceans, lakes, or rivers, and it turns into a gas?
Evaporation
How does force affect the motion of an object?
Force can change the motion of an object by making it start moving, stop moving, or change direction. The greater the force, the more it can affect the object's motion.