Astronomy Take Home Test: (

Science 9

/32 Marks)

Miss Furutani Name:_______________________ Period: _______ Date:___________

For this take home test you may use the internet to research ideas and you may discuss topics with other students; however, the final answers of the test must be in your own

words. If

there is copying or plagiarizing it will be an automatic zero. If you do not understand something do not use it. All answers must be explained and your opinion must be defended with reasons or information to justify your answer.

_____________________________________________________________________ 1. Is it possible for the whole Earth to experience summer at the same time? Explain why or why not. (3 marks)

2. Defend/Correct this statement: The moon is always visible on clear nights. You must EXPLAIN your answer. (3 marks)

3. Your friend tells you that the reason the Moon often appears as a crescent is because the rest of the Moon is in the Earth's shadow. What would you say to convince your friend that he or she is wrong? (3 marks)

4. a) If the Sun was twice as big, would a full solar eclipse still be possible? (2 marks)

b) If the Sun was twice as big, would a full lunar eclipse still be possible? (2 marks)

5. If the Moon was twice as big as it is now, explain how this would affect the Spring and Neap tides. (3 marks)

6. In another solar system a planet has been discovered. It is 3 AU (astronomical units) away from the star which is similar to our Sun. The planet is tilted at a 60 degree angle from the vertical as shown in the image.

a) Would this planet have seasons? Explain why/why not. (2 marks)

b) Compare this planets seasons to Earths seasons. (2 marks)

c) How would the distance of this planet to its star affect the seasons, compared to Earth? (1 mark)

7. Astronomers need to take images in the ultraviolet (UV) range of the electromagnetic spectrum. They need your help to decide where they should put the telescope, either on Earth or in Space. Where do you think they should? Explain why, but also give one consequence (downfall) of putting it there. (3 marks)

8. The Great Space Debate: Should large amounts of money be spent on space exploration rather than being used for projects on Earth (hunger/environmental issues etc..)? Note: Space exploration is everything from building telescopes on Earth to study the Universe to sending people to the Moon. (8 marks) This is a question that has been asked a lot over the years. Now it is your turn to tell me your viewpoint. There are no right or wrong answers, but you have to SUPPORT your opinion, which means you have to give reasons for what you believe. I want you to think about both sides of the issue (both for and against). Some websites that will help your research (you do not have to use these if you find other ones and you can use any other resources as well): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_exploration http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/2716581.stm http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=9349511 **Remember: it has to be in YOUR OWN WORDS!!! Any copying is an automatic ZERO. As a starting point: Two points for spending money on space exploration: 1.

2.

Two points against spending money on space exploration: 1.

2.

Your opinion/answer with support:

10. Bonus Question: Will the Earth ever become tidally locked to the moon? (2 marks)

Class Exit slip: This is for my own feedback for the next time I teach astronomy. I want to learn and make it interesting and fun so please be honest. This is about everything we have learned so far. All the way back to the expanding Universe until telescopes and space travel. Three things that you have found interesting about astronomy (your favorite topics): 1.

2.

3.

Three things that you found confusing in astronomy: 1.

2.

3. Three things that you enjoyed about Miss Furutanis lessons: 1.

2.

3.

Three things that you wish were changed in Miss Furutanis lessons: 1.

2.

3.

Any other comments: