Study ideas for Science Test
Use your do nows, reading guides, reading notes, and any reflections to help study. INB pages 83-122
Chapter 1
 What are a flyby, orbiter, lander and probe?
 How is the universe arranged  galaxy, planet, universe and solar system
Chapter 3
Section 1
 What is an astronomical unit? Why do scientists use it instead of kilometers or something else to measure
distances in our solar system?
 Make sure you can accurately describe volcanism, tectonics, weathering and erosion, and impact cratering!
 What is the difference between weathering and erosion?
 Why makes something a planet? Why are they bright?
 Do you know your planets?
o Order from closest to furthest from the sun?
Sizing of the planets?
o How did the solar system form?
o Characteristics of each planet, both terrestrial and gas giants
Section 2
 What is a terrestrial planet?
 What are characteristics that shape the terrestrial planets? (volcanism, tectonics, etc)
o Mercury – hasn’t changed in a loooooooooooong time
o Venus – hot, thick atmosphere, greenhouse effect
o Mars – volcanism shaped the earth, crust has cooled, etc.
o Earth – all of the processes are still happening
 Why does a planet’s atmosphere help to keep its surface warm?
 How is Venus different from Earth? (Orbit time, rotation time, direction of rotation, atmosphere)
 Which planets are affected by water weathering and erosion?
 What is the atmosphere of Mars like? What is it made of? Could we breathe?
Section 3
 Why are gas giants dense inside?
 Why is Saturn less dense than Jupiter or any other gas giant?
 Why are gas giants cold enough to freeze your hands on the outside but very hot inside?
 What is the name of the storm on Jupiter?
 What is the difference between saying Jupiter is 10x the diameter of Earth and Jupiter is 1200x the volume of
Earth? Could you draw a picture to represent this?
 What are rings made of? Why are Saturn’s rings so noticeable? Why are Neptune’s rings clumped together?
Section 4
 What are the differences between an asteroid and a comet? (composition, where they were formed, etc)
 What is the difference between a meteor and a meteorite? Can an object be both?
 Why do asteroids have craters?
 What are the parts of a comet? Can you draw it?
 Why does a comet’s tail point away from the sun at all times?
 Which gas giants have moons? Name one moon of each gas giant except Uranus.
 Why is Pluto’s orbit different? What is Pluto’s moon?
Other
 Why is Pluto a dwarf planet? What are the names of other dwarf planets?
 What does it mean if an object has NOT cleared the neighborhood of its orbit?
 What is an axis of rotation?
Remember Hubble. Why is it out in space?