6th Grade Science Sample Assessment Items
S6E4a.
An air mass forms over the Gulf of Mexico and moves northeast across Georgia. What
weather conditions are likely to prevail in Georgia?
A. cool and dry
B. warm and dry
C. cool and humid
D. warm and humid*
Wind results when two air masses collide that have a difference in _____.
A. size
B. latitude
C. altitude
D. pressure*
Which two points on the map to the right most likely
have similar climates?
A. points A and C
B. points A and B*
C. points B and D
D. points C and D
London is much farther north than Chicago, yet it is warmer in London in the winter than it is
in Chicago. Why is this true?
A. The Sun's rays shine at a higher angle in London than in Chicago.
B. Waters around England are warmed by many underwater volcanoes.
C. London receives more sunshine in the winter than other places farther south.
D. London's climate is affected by warm ocean currents that flow from the south.*
The picture below shows a large rock and a
container of water. The rock and the water have the
same mass and temperature.
What will MOST LIKELY happen when the rock and
the water receive the same amount of heat energy?
A. The water will transfer heat to the rock.
B. The rock will transfer heat to the water.
C. The temperature of the rock will rise faster.*
D. The temperature of the water will rise faster.
6th Grade Science Sample Assessment Items
S6E4a.
The picture below shows a place where air currents will form due to the uneven heating of
Earth.
In which direction will air currents most likely move?
A. straight down over the land
B. from the land toward the sea
C. straight up above the sea
D. from the sea toward the land*
Seattle, Washington is a highly populated city surrounded by the Pacific coast in the
Northwest United States. Bismarck, North Dakota is a highly populated city in the North
Central United States. They are both located at about the same latitude. Why does Seattle
experience much less severe winters than Bismarck?
A. Cold air masses settle away from bodies of water.
B. It is warmer in the central part of the United States.
C. The Pacific Ocean releases heat and keeps Seattle warmer.*
D. Seattle is slightly closer to the sun during the winter months.
6th Grade Science Sample Assessment Items
S6E4a.
While visiting the beach during summer vacation, a sea breeze keeps you cool and
comfortable during the hottest part of the day. Which BEST explains why this happens?
A. a storm is approaching
B. there are similarities in temperature between the land and the water
C. cool air rising over land allows warm air from the ocean to blow inland
D. warm air rising over land allows cooler air from the ocean to blow inland*
At a beach, the water and sand are not absorbing and losing heat equally. Which is MOST
LIKELY to occur?
A. rain
B. snow
C. wind*
D. humidity
In the summer, coastal towns usually experience cool ocean breezes, as shown in the
diagram below.
Which process creates the type of ocean breeze shown?
A. Cool air above the ocean sinks and warm air above the land rises.*
B. Cool air above the ocean rises and warm air above the land sinks.
C. Warm water evaporates and condenses above the ocean.
D. Warm water condenses and precipitates above the ocean.
The map of the United States to the right
shows the locations of Missoula, MT, and
Cape Elizabeth, ME.
Explain why Cape Elizabeth is more likely
to have warmer winters and cooler summers
than Missoula.
6th Grade Science Sample Assessment Items
S6E4a.
Describe the weather most associated with a high-pressure system and a low-pressure
system.
Winds are blowing into the Southeastern U.S. from the Gulf of Mexico. A large air mass is
moving quickly down from Canada. Predict what weather might occur in the Southeast.
The tables to the right show information from a weather
station at two different times. Based on the changes between
the weather conditions, what type of weather most likely
passed by the weather station between time 1 and time 2?
Explain your answer.