SCIENCE SPRINT

15-Day STAAR Mastery Review

Reporting Category 3: Earth and Space

Days 6 - 10

Day 6

TEKS 6.9(C)

Question 1: Multiple Response

A flashlight is turned on using batteries. Which energy transformations are occurring?

Select TWO correct answers.

Chemical energy is converted into electrical energy.

Mechanical energy is converted into light energy.

Electrical energy is converted into light energy.

Thermal energy is converted into chemical energy.

Answer 1

Correct Answers

Chemical energy to electrical energy.
Electrical energy to light energy.

Batteries (Chemical) -> Wire Flow (Electrical) -> Bulb (Light/Heat)

Day 6

TEKS 6.8(A)

Question 2: Part A / Part B

Part A

A rollercoaster car is at the top of the highest hill. What describes its energy state?

Maximum Potential Energy

Maximum Kinetic Energy

Part B

As the car begins to move down the hill, what happens to its energy?

Potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.

Kinetic energy is converted into potential energy.

Answer 2

Part A: Maximum Potential Energy

Part B: Potential is converted to Kinetic

Potential Energy is stored energy of position (height). Kinetic Energy is energy of motion. As the car falls, height decreases (PE down) and speed increases (KE up).

Day 6

TEKS 7.7(A)

Question 3: Short Constructed Response

Describe the work done on an object if you push against a heavy wall with 100 N of force for 10 minutes, but the wall does not move.

Answer 3

NO WORK IS DONE.

In physics, Work = Force x Distance (\( W = Fd \)). Even though force is applied, if the distance moved is zero, the total work done is zero.

Day 7

TEKS 8.9(B)

Question 1: Multiple Response

Which of the following geologic features are commonly formed at convergent boundaries between two oceanic plates?

Select TWO correct answers.

Deep-ocean trenches

Mid-ocean ridges

Rift valleys

Volcanic island arcs

Answer 1

Correct Answers

Deep-ocean trenches
Volcanic island arcs

At an oceanic-oceanic convergent boundary, one plate subducts under the other. This creates a trench at the subduction zone and magma rises to form a chain of volcanic islands.

Day 7

TEKS 8.9(A)

Question 2: Part A / Part B

Part A

Alfred Wegener proposed the Theory of Continental Drift. Which piece of evidence supports the idea that the continents were once joined together?

Matching fossils on distant continents.

Satellite images showing crustal movement.

Part B

What mechanism was later discovered to explain how the plates actually move?

Convection currents in the mantle.

Tidal forces from the moon.

Answer 2

Part A: Matching fossils

Part B: Convection currents

Wegener used fossils, rock types, and the "jigsaw fit" as evidence. However, he couldn't explain the force. We now know that heat transfer (convection) in the asthenosphere moves the tectonic plates.

Day 7

TEKS 8.9(B)

Question 3: Short Constructed Response

Describe the movement of tectonic plates at a transform boundary and name one major geologic event that occurs there.

Answer 3

At a transform boundary, two plates slide past each other horizontally. This movement often results in earthquakes due to built-up friction and tension being suddenly released.

Day 8

TEKS 8.9(C)

Question 1: Multiple Response

A topographic map shows contour lines that are very close together. What can you conclude about this area?

Select TWO correct answers.

The elevation is changing rapidly.

The terrain is very flat.

The slope of the land is very steep.

The elevation is constant.

Answer 1

Correct Answers

Elevation is changing rapidly.
The slope of the land is very steep.

Contour lines connect points of equal elevation. When lines are close together, it means you are gaining or losing height in a short horizontal distance (steep).

Day 8

TEKS 8.9(C)

Question 2: Part A / Part B

Part A

A satellite image taken in 1990 shows a large forest. An image from 2020 shows a shopping mall in the same location. What process occurred?

Natural Erosion

Human Modification

Part B

Which of the following is a likely environmental consequence of this change?

Increased runoff and potential for flooding.

Increased biodiversity in the area.

Answer 2

Part A: Human Modification

Part B: Increased runoff/flooding

Replacing soil and trees with concrete (pavement) prevents water from soaking into the ground, leading to higher levels of surface runoff.

Day 8

TEKS 8.9(C)

Question 3: Short Constructed Response

Explain the difference between weathering and erosion in the context of a river carving a canyon.

Answer 3

Weathering is the breaking down of rock into smaller pieces (sediment).

Erosion is the movement of that sediment to a new location (by the river water).

Day 9

TEKS 8.7(A)

Question 1: Multiple Response

Which of the following factors contribute to the change of seasons on Earth?

Select TWO correct answers.

The distance between the Earth and the Sun.

The tilt of the Earth on its axis.

The revolution of the Earth around the Sun.

The rotation of the Earth on its axis.

Answer 1

Correct Answers

The tilt of the Earth on its axis (\( 23.5^\circ \)).
The revolution of the Earth around the Sun.

Seasons are caused by the angle of sunlight. Because of the tilt, as Earth revolves, different hemispheres receive more direct or indirect sunlight. Distance DOES NOT cause seasons.

Day 9

TEKS 8.7(A)

Question 2: Part A / Part B

Part A

If the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the sun, what season is occurring in Texas?

Summer

Winter

Part B

Which statement best describes the daylight hours during this time?

The daylight hours are longer than the nighttime hours.

The daylight hours are shorter than the nighttime hours.

Answer 2

Part A: Winter

Part B: Shorter daylight hours

Tilted Away = Indirect Sunlight = Winter = Shorter Days.
Tilted Toward = Direct Sunlight = Summer = Longer Days.

Day 9

TEKS 8.7(A)

Question 3: Short Constructed Response

Explain why the Northern and Southern Hemispheres experience opposite seasons at the same time.

Answer 3

Because of Earth's tilt, when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun (experiencing Summer), the Southern Hemisphere is naturally tilted away from the sun (experiencing Winter).

Day 10

TEKS 8.7(B)

Question 1: Multiple Response

The moon is currently in the New Moon phase. Which of the following will occur over the next 14 days?

Select TWO correct answers.

The moon will appear to grow larger (waxing).

The moon will reach the Full Moon phase.

The moon will appear to shrink (waning).

The moon will immediately become a New Moon again.

Answer 1

Correct Answers

The moon will wax (grow).
The moon will reach the Full Moon phase.

The cycle from New Moon to Full Moon takes about 14 days (half a month). During this time, the lit portion we see from Earth increases, which is called waxing.

Day 10

TEKS 8.7(C)

Question 2: Part A / Part B

Part A

A Spring Tide occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are in a straight line. During which moon phases does this occur?

New and Full Moon

1st and 3rd Quarter

Part B

What is the result of a Spring Tide?

Very high high tides and very low low tides.

Moderate tides with little difference between high and low.

Answer 2

Part A: New and Full Moon

Part B: Very high and very low (Greatest difference)

Spring Tides = Straight line = Stronger pull.
Neap Tides = 90 degree angle = Not as strong (weak).

Day 10

TEKS 8.7(B)

Question 3: Short Constructed Response

Describe the position of the Moon relative to the Earth and Sun during a Solar Eclipse.

Answer 3

During a Solar Eclipse, the Moon passes directly between the Sun and the Earth. This blocks the sunlight from reaching parts of the Earth's surface, casting a shadow (the Moon is in its New Moon phase).

Science Sprint Days 6-10 Slides

Science Sprint Days 6-10 Slides

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