Earth Science Standards, Activities, and Questions Grades 6-8 Earth Science Standard 1 1. Earth s common physical features can be represented with models and maps. Vocabulary Mountains (4 types) Plains Desert Plateaus Dune Glacier Streams Volcano Shoreline River Longitude Map Legend/Key Contour intervals Latitude Projections (types) Map symbols (common ones) Map scale Contour lines Topographic map Ocean Basin Activities Standard #1 Mapping the Earth Students draw concentric circles on a piece of paper. Cut them out so as to end up with several rings of paper of varying diameters. Place those rings onto a cone made from paper, Styrofoam or cardboard. Students will observe that how contour lines represent different elevations on a map. MCAS questions 2006, Question 12: Multiple-Choice Standard: Mapping the Earth - 1 An engineer is analyzing which areas in a city might become flooded if there are heavy rains. Which of the following maps is best to use for this analysis? A. a map showing the routes of city buses B. a map showing the locations of streets C. a map showing the locations of houses D. a map showing the elevations of ground surfaces
2007, Question 36: Multiple-Choice Standard: Mapping the Earth - 1 A map with contour lines is shown below. Which of the following is the best estimate of the difference in elevation between Black Bear Camp and Eagle Peak? A. 400 m B. 900 m C. 1200 m D. 1500 m 2006, Question 25: Multiple-Choice Standard: Mapping the Earth - 1 Sal is looking at a map of Massachusetts. He has measured the distance, in inches, from Boston to Salem on the map. He wants to know how many actual miles the inches represent. What feature of the map should he look for? A. key B. scale C. legend D. compass
2006, Question 27: Multiple-Choice Standard: Mapping the Earth - 1 On the map below, dark circles indicate the positions of volcanoes in the "Ring of Fire" in and around the Pacific Ocean. Dark lines indicate tectonic plate boundaries of Earth s crust. According to this map, which of the following describes where volcanoes are most likely to form in the Ring of Fire? A. Volcanoes form in the middle of a tectonic plate. B. Volcanoes form below the surface of tectonic plates. C. Volcanoes form where tectonic plates meet other plates. D. Volcanoes form where earthquakes are least likely to occur.
2005, Question 37: Open-Response Standard: Mapping the Earth - 1 The illustration below is a topographic map with two landforms labeled A and B. a. Identify the landform shown at point A. Describe how the contour lines and elevations are used to represent the features of this landform. b. Identify the landform shown at point B. Describe how the contour lines and elevations are used to represent the features of this landform.
Earth Science Standard 2 2. Layers of the earth include the lithosphere, mantle, and core. Vocabulary Inner core Mantle Crustal plates Outer core Lithosphere Convection current Crust Asthenosphere Activity Standard #2- Earth s Structure Students make clay or Styrofoam models of earth s interior including the crust, mantle and core. Discuss differences in the densities of the various layers. MCAS questions 2008, Question 33: Multiple-Choice Standard: Earth's Structure - 2 A layer of solid brittle rock comprises the outer 100 kilometers of Earth. This layer, which contains both the crust and the upper mantle, is called the A. core. B. sediment. C. lithosphere. D. hemisphere. 2007, Question 11: Multiple-Choice Standard: Earth's Structure - 2 Which of the following Earth layers has the greatest density? A. crust B. mantle C. inner core D. outer core
2006, Question 23: Multiple-Choice Standard: Earth's Structure - 2 Which of the following graphs best represents the relationship between density and depth of material below Earth s surface? A. B. C. D.
2005, Question 23: Multiple-Choice Standard: Earth's Structure - 2 The axes below relate the temperature to the depth below Earth s surface. Which of the following graphs best represents temperatures inside Earth? A. C. B. D.
2005, Question 2: Multiple-Choice Standard: Earth's Structure - 2 Which of the following statements best explains why the lower mantle of Earth is much more rigid and dense than the upper mantle? A. The lower mantle is older than the upper mantle. B. The lower mantle is cooler than the upper mantle. C. The lower mantle is under more pressure than the upper mantle. D. The lower mantle is farther from the core than the upper mantle. 2003, Science and Technology/Engineering - Grade 8 Question 9: Multiple-Choice Reporting Category: Earth and Space Science Standard: Earth's Structure - 2 Which is the thickest layer of Earth? A. crust B. inner core C. mantle D. outer core
Earth Science Standard 3 3. Radiation, conduction, and convection transfer heat through the earth s system. Vocabulary heat transfer radiation conduction convection Activity Standard #3- Radiation, Conduction, Convection Using a tea kettle and hot plate, model the 3 types of transfer. Conduction- direct contact, radiation- the heat you feel coming from the kettle, and convection- the air inside rises when heated. MCAS questions 2007, Question 5: Multiple-Choice Standard: Heat Transfer in the Earth System - 3 Heat from deep in Earth's interior is transferred to its crust by which of the following? A. conduction in the ocean B. convection in the mantle C. radiation from the solid core D. evaporation at mid-ocean ridges 2005, Question 7: Multiple-Choice Standard: Heat Transfer in the Earth System - 3 When air near the ground is warmed by sunlight, which of the following occurs? A. The warm air radiates and becomes cool again. B. The warm air evaporates into the cooler air. C. The warm air expands and rises, resulting in convection. D. The warm air loses its ability to hold water and precipitates.
2004, Question 20: Multiple-Choice Standard: Heat Transfer in the Earth System - 3 A class conducts an experiment to determine the best color to paint a solar water heater that they plan to build. For their experimental test, the students have four identical cans. They paint one black, one green, one red, and one white. Each can is filled with 500 ml of 22 C water, and is allowed to sit in the sun for two hours. Which color can will have the greatest increase in water temperature? A. black B. green C. red D. white 2003, Question 28: Multiple-Choice Standard: Heat Transfer in the Earth System - 3 Kendra s mom is purchasing a car, but cannot decide what color to get. Kendra advises her mom that a car with a black exterior will be uncomfortable in the summer. This observation is correct because dark objects, as compared to lighter colored objects, A. reduce heat transfer. B. are generally more dense. C. absorb more of the Sun s energy. D. reflect sunlight more efficiently.
Earth Science Standard 4 4. Energy provided by the sun, global patterns of atmospheric movement, and temperature differences among water, land, and atmosphere are related. Vocabulary energy hurricane axis atmospheric movement tornado rotation precipitation equator prevailing wind Activity Standard # 4- Sun s energy (water, land, air temp differences) Students make diagrams of showing how wind occurs. Students make diagrams of offshore and onshore currents. MCAS questions 2008, Question 35: Multiple-Choice Standard: Heat Transfer in the Earth System - 4 What is the primary energy source that drives all weather events, including precipitation, hurricanes, and tornados? A. the Sun B. the Moon C. Earth s gravity D. Earth s rotation 2007, Question 9: Multiple-Choice Standard: Heat Transfer in the Earth System - 4 The ocean water near the equator absorbs more heat throughout the year than ocean water near the North Pole. Which of the following best explains this difference? A. The equator is closer to the Sun. B. The equator has higher sea levels. C. The equator receives more direct sunlight. D. The equator rotates more quickly on Earth's axis.
2005, Question 29: Multiple-Choice Standard: Heat Transfer in the Earth System - 4 The diagram below illustrates the motion of prevailing winds over oceans on Earth. If a sailboat sailed from the eastern United States to Europe and then back, which of the following winds would most directly power the sailboat? A. Polar Easterlies going and Westerlies returning B. Northeast Trade Winds going and Westerlies returning C. Westerlies going and Northeast Trade Winds returning D. Southeast Trade Winds going and Northeast Trade Winds returning
2005, Question 35: Multiple-Choice Standard: Heat Transfer in the Earth System - 4 When dense, cold air pushes beneath warmer atmospheric air, the lighter, warmer air ises. As this air rises into the atmosphere, it cools and some of the water vapor in it condenses. Which of the following will most likely form as this occurs? A. a cloud B. a rainbow C. a sunset D. a tornado 2003, Question 39: Open-Response Standard: Heat Transfer in the Earth System - 4 The pictures below show daytime and nighttime coastal wind patterns during the summer months. a. Describe the wind patterns in each diagram. b. Explain, in detail, what causes the differences between the wind patterns in the diagrams. 2003, Question 16: Multiple-Choice Standard: The Sun as a Source of Light and Heat - 4 Harmful ultraviolet rays from the Sun are primarily absorbed by A. dust. B. ozone. C. land masses. D. water vapor.
Earth Science Standard 5 5. Movement of the earth s crustal plates causes both slow and rapid changes in the earth s surface. Vocabulary Transform boundaries Erosion (4 types) Melting Convergent boundaries Weathering (2 types) Cementation Divergent boundaries Sediment Cooling Deposition Rock formation Heat Pangaea Compaction Pressure Activity Standard #5- Tectonic plates/ slow changes to Earth s surface Pangea puzzle using continent cut- outs. Students use clay to model landforms that occur when plates collide or spread. Students make drawings of land forms that occur when plates collide or spread. MCAS questions 2008, Question 37: Open-Response Standard: Earth's History - 5 Some of the geologic features found on Earth s surface were caused by the movement of Earth s crustal plates. a. Name two geologic features found on Earth s surface that were caused by the movement of crustal plates. b. For each of the features you named in part (a), describe how the movement of crustal plates caused the feature to form on Earth s surface. 2007, Question 17: Multiple-Choice Standard: Earth's History - 5 Which of the following statements best explains why earthquakes occur more frequently in California than in Massachusetts? A. The rock found in California is igneous, but the rock found in Massachusetts is sedimentary. B. California is located on the boundary of two crustal plates, but Massachusetts is not. C. The rock under California is soft, but the rock under Massachusetts is hard. D. California is located on a continental plate, but Massachusetts is not.
2004, Question 5: Multiple-Choice Standard: Earth's History - 5 An earthquake is caused by sudden shifts in which of the following layers of Earth? A. outer core B. crust C. inner core D. mesosphere 2004, Question 39: Open-Response Standard: Earth's History - 5 Earth's crust and rigid upper mantle are broken into enormous slabs called tectonic plates that interact at plate boundaries. The three types of plate boundaries are transform, divergent, and convergent. a. Describe the plate movements at two of these boundaries. b. Give one example of a formation created at each of the boundaries that you described in part a. 2003, Question 35: Multiple-Choice Standard: Earth's History - 5 The maps below show the positions of two continents at two different times. The movement of the two continents as shown may best be explained by A. volcanic eruptions. B. magnetic changes. C. coastal flooding. D. plate tectonics.
Earth Science Standard 6 6. Earth s surface is built up and torn down by natural processes. Vocabulary Erosion (4 types) Melting Weathering (2 types) Cementation Sediment Cooling Heat Pressure Activity deposition Standard #6- Deposition, Weathering, Erosion Students observe rocks that have been weathered and eroded. Students observe structures around the outside of the school that have been weathered. Students shake a bottle that has a combination of rocks, sand and dirt and observe the deposition of sediments. MCAS questions 2007, Question 23: Multiple-Choice Standard: Earth's History - 6 Which of the following areas is most likely to form metamorphic rocks such as gneiss and schist? A. a sea floor B. a windblown desert C. a site deep underground D. a site covered by a glacier 2006, Question 4: Multiple-Choice Standard: Earth's History - 6 Where is an igneous rock such as pumice most likely formed? A. in a desert B. in a creek bed C. near a volcano D. under a glacier
2008, Question 7: Multiple-Choice Standard: Earth's History - 6 The four pictures below show how a pond environment changed from 1900 to 2000. Which of the following processes was most directly responsible for the changes that occurred in the pond environment? A. freezing B. evaporation C. sediment deposition D. chemical weathering
2003, Question 24: Multiple-Choice Standard: Earth's History - 6 The diagram below shows a river. The shaded land areas on either side of the river were most likely formed by A. tectonic activity. B. the deposition of sediments. C. land development by humans. D. compression of preexisting rock. 2004, Question 10: Multiple-Choice Standard: Earth's History - 6 Many areas of Massachusetts have small deep ponds called kettle ponds. Which of the following best explains the formation of these ponds? A. avalanche B. wind erosion C. glacial depression D. sediment deposition
Earth Science Standard 7 7. Physical evidence supports theories that the earth has evolved over geologic time. Vocabulary Fossil (types) Radiometric dating Period Relative age Radioactive decay Epoch Absolute age Eon Natural selection Geologic time Evolved/evolution Era (understanding of the scale) Superposition Unconformity Half-life Activity Standard #7- Earth s evolution/ fossils and glaciation Students observe various fossils, Students use seashells and clay to make their own fossils. Demo- Melt a large block of ice that has dirt and rocks in it and observe the sediment that is left behind. Relate it to the Boston Harbor Islands. MCAS questions 2006, Question 16: Multiple-Choice Standard: Earth's History - 7 A researcher found shark fossils on top of a mountain. This evidence suggests which of the following about this region? A. It was once below a waterfall. B. It was once part of a riverbed. C. It was once covered by an ocean. D. It was once near a freshwater lake. 2006, Question 29: Multiple-Choice Standard: Earth's History - 7 Index fossils help scientists estimate the age of a rock because index fossil species only existed for a relatively short time. What happened to the species that are now used as index fossils? A. They became extinct. B. They changed their diets. C. They hid in marine sediments. D. They migrated to new environments.
2006, Question 19: Open-Response Standard: Earth's History - 7 The diagram below shows two land masses separated by an ocean. A scientist is studying these two land masses. The scientist hypothesizes that the land masses were once together. a. Using the diagram, identify two pieces of evidence that support the scientist s theory that the land masses were once together. b. Explain how each piece of evidence you identified supports the scientist s hypothesis. 2007, Question 7: Multiple-Choice Standard: Earth's History - 7 The map of Massachusetts below shows where physical evidence of changes can be found. Which of these is the best indication that Massachusetts climate has changed over time? A. earthquake B. forest fire C. beach erosion D. glacial deposit
2004, Question 12: Multiple-Choice Standard: Earth's History - 7 The diagram below represents a cross-section of a cliff. It shows several rock layers containing fossils. Which of the following layers of rock is most likely the youngest? A. the layer containing trilobites B. the layer containing fishes C. the layer containing amphibians D. the layer containing dinosaurs 2003, Question 2: Multiple-Choice Standard: Earth's History - 7 The best evidence that two land areas were once connected is the discovery that both land masses A. have the same climate. B. are in the same stage of succession. C. exist along the same line of longitude. D. have similar types of rocks and fossils.
2008, Question 13: Multiple-Choice Standard: Earth's History - 7 When bedrock in Massachusetts is examined, it often appears scraped and polished. Which of the following most likely caused the bedrock to appear scraped and polished? A. crustal deformation B. frequent earthquakes C. glacial movement D. volcanic eruptions 2008, Question 30: Multiple-Choice Standard: Earth's History - 7 The presence of which of the following geological features provides the best evidence that glaciers once covered an area? A. wide riverbeds B. U-shaped valleys C. underground caves D. groundwater springs
Earth Science Standard 8 8. Gravity is a force that pulls all things toward the center of the earth. Gravity influences the formation and movement of the planets, stars, and solar system. Vocabulary gravity / gravitational force magnetism revolution planets nuclear forces tide solar system orbit lunar phase force rotation Activity Standard #8-Gravity Students mass several items Students drop the items from the same height and record the time taken to hit the ground. Plot the data on a distance time graph. MCAS questions 2008, Question 1: Multiple-Choice Standard: The Earth in the Solar System - 8 Which of the following causes a ship s iron anchor to sink to the ocean floor when it is released overboard? A. chemical forces B. gravity C. magnetism D. nuclear forces 2007, Question 1: Multiple-Choice Standard: The Earth in the Solar System - 8 Which of the following keeps the planets in our solar system in orbit around the Sun? A. atmospheric pressure B. gravitational force C. electromagnetic energy D. thermal energy
2006, Question 35: Multiple-Choice Standard: The Earth in the Solar System - 8 The Moon orbits Earth at a speed of approximately one kilometer per second. The Moon is kept in orbit by which of the following? A. gravity B. lunar phases C. magnetism D. ocean tides 2003, Question 14: Multiple-Choice Standard: The Earth in the Solar System - 8 The pull of gravity on Earth is a direct result of the A. mass of Earth. B. magnetic field of Earth. C. rotation of Earth on its axis. D. weight of Earth s atmosphere
Earth Science Standard #9 9. Lunar and solar eclipses, moon phases, and tides are related to relative positions of the earth, moon, and sun. Vocabulary eclipse solar lunar lunar phases polar projection waning/waxing Activity Standard #9- Moon Phases and Tides, Eclipses Students draw the Moon, Sun, and Earth in their relative positions during lunar and solar eclipses. Relate to new and full moon. Students make moon phase dials that show all of the phases. Students use a flashlight and a ball to try to simulate the different moon phases and eclipses. MCAS questions 2003, Question 5: Multiple-Choice Standard: The Earth in the Solar System - 9 Which of the following is a necessary condition for a lunar eclipse to occur? A. The Moon must be full. B. The Moon must be waxing. C. It must be the beginning of the month. D. It must be winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
2008, Question 11: Multiple-Choice Standard: The Earth in the Solar System - 9 Which of the following pictures shows the appearance of the Moon when a solar eclipse occurs? A. B. C. D.
2007, Question 25: Multiple-Choice Standard: The Earth in the Solar System - 9 Which of the following diagrams best shows the relative positions of Earth, the Moon, and the Sun during a lunar eclipse? A. B. C. D.
2005, Question 10: Multiple-Choice Standard: The Earth in the Solar System - 9 The diagram below shows a polar projection of Earth and four positions of the Moon. The highest high tides and lowest low tides are called spring tides. Which positions of the Moon produce spring tides in Earth s oceans? A. 1 and 2 B. 2 and 4 C. 1 and 3 D. 3 and 4 2004, Question 1: Multiple-Choice Standard: The Earth in the Solar System - 9 The diagram below shows a polar projection of Earth, the Sun, and four positions of the Moon. Which position of the Moon could cause a solar eclipse? A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4
Earth Science Standard #10 10. Properties and conditions of objects in the solar system and those on Earth. Vocabulary density orbital period orbital velocity gravitational pull Activity orbit rotation revolution Standard #10- Objects in the solar system Students fill out charts that give their ages and weights of objects on other planets. Adopt a Planet project MCAS Questions 2008, Question 22: Multiple-Choice Standard: The Earth in the Solar System - 10 Which of the following statements best describes one way that the Moon is different from Earth? A. The Moon is not solid. B. The Moon has no gravity. C. The Moon has almost no atmosphere. D. The Moon receives almost no solar light. 2005, Question 5: Multiple-Choice Standard: The Earth in the Solar System - 10 Mercury, the planet nearest to the Sun, has extreme surface temperatures, ranging from 465 C in sunlight to 180 C in darkness. Why is there such a large range of temperatures on Mercury? A. The planet is too small to hold heat. B. The planet is heated on only one side. C. The planet reflects heat from its dark side. D. The planet lacks an atmosphere to hold heat.
2007, Question 18: Open-Response Standard: The Earth in the Solar System - 10 The table and descriptions below show some of the characteristics of the planets in our solar system. a. Identify the planet that has the greatest density. Include data from the table to support your answer. b. Describe the relationship between a planet s distance from the Sun and its orbital period. Include data from the table for at least two planets to support your answer. c. Identify the planet that rotates the fastest on its axis. Include data from the table to support your answer. 2005, Question 12: Multiple-Choice Standard: The Earth in the Solar System - 10 Which of the following describes a feature that is shared by Earth and the Moon? A. They have nearly the same atmosphere. B. They have almost the same gravitational pull. C. They have a rocky crust that includes mountains. D. They have areas that show considerable water erosion.
2004, Question 29: Multiple-Choice Standard: The Earth in the Solar System - 10 About how many Earth days does it take the Moon to travel around Earth? A. 1 B. 27 C. 180 D. 365 2004, Question 35: Multiple-Choice Standard: The Earth in the Solar System - 10 Which of the following planets has the shortest orbit around the Sun? A. Earth B. Mars C. Mercury D. Venus 2003, Question 30: Multiple-Choice Standard: The Earth in the Solar System - 10 The surface gravity of Pluto is the weakest of the nine planets because Pluto A. has the lowest temperature. B. has the smallest mass. C. rotates the slowest. D. is farthest from the Sun.
Earth Science Standard #11 11. Earth s tilt and its revolution around the sun result in uneven heating, causing the seasons. Vocabulary tilt revolution seasons greenhouse effect Activity Standard #11- Seasons/ Tilt and Revolution Students use a flashlight and a globe (or ball) and examine the amount of light received on Earth when the Earth is tilted. They will notice that the rays get more spread out as you move farther away from the equator. Variation- place thermometers at the equator and at the poles and record temperatures. MCAS Questions 2004, Question 26: Multiple-Choice Standard: The Earth in the Solar System - 11 The illustration below shows Earth and the Sun. What season does the Southern Hemisphere experience when Earth and the Sun are in the positions shown? A. fall B. spring C. summer D. winter
2008,Question 9: Multiple-Choice Standard: The Earth in the Solar System - 11 Which of the following statements best explains why the tilt of Earth on its axis causes summer to be warmer than winter in the Northern Hemisphere? A. The warm ocean currents flow from the tropics to the Northern hemisphere in the summer. B. The rays of the Sun strike the Northern Hemisphere more directly in the summer. C. The greenhouse effect increases in the Northern Hemisphere in the summer. D. The Northern Hemisphere is closer to the Sun in the summer.
Earth Science Standard #12 12. The universe contains many billions of galaxies and each galaxy contains many billions of stars. Vocabulary galaxy constellation star chart universe solar system nova / supernova Activity Standard #12- Universe/ Billions of stars and galaxies Students can examine star charts and find constellations. They can also make up constellations of their own. Students can attempt to count holes in the ceiling tiles. Explain that the universe has billions of starts, many more than the holes in the tiles of all of the classrooms in Brockton. MCAS Questions 2007, Question 21: Multiple-Choice Standard: The Earth in the Solar System - 12 Which of the following lists is in order from smallest to largest? A. B. C. D.
2006, Question 15: Multiple-Choice Standard: The Earth in the Solar System - 12 Which of the following diagrams best represents the relationship between galaxies, the universe, and solar systems? A. B. C. D.