Earth
This layer of gases surrounds Earth and helps keep life alive by providing air to breathe
Atmosphere (air)
the bright shape we see at night is sunlight reflecting off this object that orbits Earth.
The Moon
The Sun is what kind of object in space: a planet, a star, or a moon?
A star
A star is a huge ball of hot gas that gives off light and heat
True
Astronauts feel lighter in a spacecraft because they are in a state often called micro-what?
Microgravity (or near-weightlessness)
The daily pattern caused by Earth’s rotation on its axis that gives us day and night
Earth’s rotation on its axis causes day and night
he phases of the Moon (like full or new) are caused by what two motions or positions?
Moon orbits Earth and sunlight illuminates different parts (the Moon’s position relative to Earth and Sun)
The Sun gives the Earth light and this other form of energy that helps plants grow.
Heat (and energy)
What is one main difference between a star and a planet?
A star produces its own light (via nuclear reactions); a planet reflects light
Give one everyday example of a force that pulls objects toward Earth.
Gravity (weight)
Name one way Earth’s oceans affect climate or weather
Examples: Oceans store and move heat, affect weather patterns, drive ocean currents, influence climate
The Moon’s gravity affects Earth by causing this regular rise and fall of ocean water.
Tides
Explain why the Sun looks larger and brighter than other stars in the sky.
Because it is much closer to Earth than other stars
Explain how distance affects how bright a star appears from Earth.
The farther away a star is, the dimmer it appears (apparent brightness depends on distance)
Explain why objects in orbit around Earth appear to float even though gravity is still acting on them.
objects in orbit are in continuous free-fall around Earth; they fall toward Earth but move forward fast enough to keep missing it
The movement of Earth around the Sun takes about how long? Give the time in days or years.
About 365 days or 1 year
Explain why we always see nearly the same side of the Moon from Earth
the Moon is tidally locked to Earth, rotating once per orbit so the same side faces Earth
Name two ways the Sun affects Earth’s daily or seasonal patterns
Examples: Sunlight causes day/night through rotation; tilt of Earth’s axis + orbit cause seasons
Some stars change brightness or color as they age. Name one reason stars can look different from each other (for example, size, temperature, or age)
Differences in temperature (color), size (mass), and age
Describe one challenge living in microgravity causes for astronauts (for example, for bones, muscles, or moving around).
Examples: Muscle loss, bone density loss, fluid shifts in the body, difficulty sleeping or moving
Describe one piece of evidence scientists use to show that Earth’s surface has changed over long time (for example, patterns in rock layers or fossils).
Examples: Fossils in rock layers, matching rock types across continents, patterns of mountain ranges and sea-floor features
During a lunar eclipse, Earth is between the Sun and the Moon. Describe what happens to the Moon’s appearance and why.
Earth casts a shadow on the Moon; the Moon darkens or reddens because sunlight is blocked or filtered through Earth's atmosphere
The Sun is at the center of our solar system. Describe how that affects the motion of planets.
The Sun’s gravity holds the planets in orbit around it
Describe how scientists use patterns of stars or star positions to tell the seasons or locate directions.
Examples: Using constellations as seasonal markers; star positions change with Earth’s orbit
Give one engineering or design solution that helps astronauts eat, sleep, or exercise in microgravity.
Examples: Tethers and handrails, Velcro and straps to secure items, exercise machines that use resistance, specially designed food packages