The following data for the Sun and the four inner planets of the Solar System have

been observed.

Mean Distance
from the Sun
(million Diameter
kilometers) (kilometers)

Sun 1,400,000

Mercury 58 4,900

Venus 108 12,100

Earth 150 12,800

Mars 228 6,800

In a simplified model of the Solar System, the planets revolve around the Sun in circular orbits, all in
the same plane. Each planet has a different period of revolution. Also, each planet is a sphere that
rotates about an axis through its center, but with a different period of rotation. In this model the axis
of rotation of each planet is perpendicular to the plane of the orbit.

NAEP released item, grade 12

1. The table below gives additional information about the planets: their periods of revolution about the
Sun and rotation about their axes.
Mean Distance Period of Period of
from the Sun Revolution Rotation
Planet (million kilometers) (Earth time) (Earth time)

Mercury 58 88 days 59 days

Venus 108 225 days 243 days

Earth 150 365 days 23.9 hours

Mars 228 687 days 24.6 hours

A calendar for a Martian year would contain approximately how many Martian days (not Earth days)?

A) 230
B) 360
C) 670
D) 700

NAEP released item, grade 12

Key
1. The table below gives additional information about the planets: their periods of revolution about the
Sun and rotation about their axes.
Mean Distance Period of Period of
from the Sun Revolution Rotation
Planet (million kilometers) (Earth time) (Earth time)

Mercury 58 88 days 59 days

Venus 108 225 days 243 days

Earth 150 365 days 23.9 hours

Mars 228 687 days 24.6 hours

A calendar for a Martian year would contain approximately how many Martian days (not Earth
days)?

A) 230
B) 360
C) 670
D) 700

2000 National Performance Results

Score Percentage of Students

Correct 41%
Incorrect 56%
Omitted 3%

Note:

• These results are for public and nonpublic school students.

• Percentages may not add to 100 due to rounding.

The Fields of Science: Earth & Space Sciences (Sub content classification: Earth in Space)
Knowing and Doing Science : Practical Reasoning

NAEP released item, grade 12

The Fields of Science

Earth & Space Sciences

This question measures basic knowledge and understanding of the following:

Earth in Space

• setting of the Earth in the solar system;

• setting and evolution of the solar system in the universe (not in grade 4);
• tools and technology that are used to gather information about space;
• apparent daily motions of the Sun, the Moon, the planets, and the stars;
• rotation of the Earth about its axis, and the Earth's revolution around the Sun;
• tilt of the Earth's axis that produces seasonal variations in climate; and
• earth as a unique member of the solar system that may be approximated in other galaxies in
the universe, and that evolved at least 4.5 billion years ago.

Knowing and Doing Science

Practical Reasoning

Practical reasoning probes students' abilities to use and apply science understanding in new, real-
world applications.

NAEP released item, grade 12