8TH GRADE SCIENCE 2006/07
SAGHALIE MIDDLE SCHOOL
WASL TEST UNIT G
This is a practice example of a previously used science Wasl questions*. I have added extra components to
spice up your thinking and figuring out strategies to perhaps do better on the real Wasl. Do the best
you can, this activity is worth up to 20 points for your class grades.
A Natural Satellite
Directions: Use the following information to answer numbers 1 through 7.
William was learning about the Earth-Moon-Sun system. He made the diagram below showing Earth’s
yearly orbit around the Sun and the Moon’s monthly orbit around Earth. He also showed Earth’s daily
spin on its axis and how that axis tilted about 23°.
William knew that, when viewed from Earth, the Moon appeared quite differently than in the diagram
above. He decided to record the phases of the Moon (how the Mon appears to be lit up) during the month
of July. He observed a new Moon (no part of the Moon appears to lit up) on July 2 as recorded in the chart
below. He recorded how the Moon appeared every night from July 2 to July 9. His next recording was
July 16 when he saw a full Moon (the Moon appears completely lit up).
8TH GRADE SCIENCE 2006/07
SAGHALIE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Your Name _________________________ Period _____ Date due
Today
Pts
(20)
A Natural Satellite
*1. Which phenomena are caused by the 23° tilt of Earth’s axis?
 A. Day and night
 B. Lunar eclipses
 C. Seasons
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 D. Tides
2. Which two phenomena are not caused by the 23° tilt of Earth’s axis?
 A. Day and night
 B. Lunar eclipses
 C. Seasons
 D. Tides
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*3. Ancient civilizations, such as the Mayan Indians, were able to accurately predict the phases of the
Moon. What enabled them to do this?
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 A. They had access to modern technology
 B. There was less pollution & the air was very clear
 C. They made consistent observations over a long period of time
 D. They had a better view of the night sky because there were no lights
*4 William looked at videos of a moonwalk. He noticed that astronauts easily carried very heavy lifesupport systems. How could they do this?
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 A. Astronauts are stronger on the Moon
 B. Astronauts use jetpacks on the Moon
 C. Life-support systems are less dense on the Moon
 D. The weight of everything is less on the Moon
5. Draw and label the eight phases of the moon:
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6. Look at the Recorded Phases of the Moon in July.
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 Explain why the Moon appears different on July 2 and July 16.
 In your explanation, discuss the relative positions of the Earth, the Moon, and the Sun on July 2
and July 16.
Use words, labeled pictures, and/or labeled diagrams in your response.
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7. William wondered if he could explain solar eclipses using his Earth-Moon-Sun diagram.

Using his diagram in the space below, describe how a solar eclipse occurs.

Explain why a solar eclipse does not occur every month.
Use words, labeled pictures, and/or labeled diagrams in your response
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