Name _______________
Date ________________
The Solar System Test
Matching: Write the word(s) that best complete the idea or sentence below on your answer sheet. (2 pts. each)
A. gravity D. sun G. Nebular
B. Mars E. nebula H. speed
C. Earth F. comet I. meteor
1. What is a flat spinning disk of debris? _________
2. What is the current theory of how the solar system formed? ________
3. Planet's orbits are affected by the sun’s ________ and their own ________.
4. Scientists first thought the solar system orbited the ________.
5. In 1543 Copernicus published a book saying that everything really orbited the _____.
6. What is a “dirty snowball?” A __________.
7. What is a “shooting star?” A __________.
8. The asteroid belt is located between __________ and Jupiter.
Fill in the blank: In your notes about the planets, you were given 3 to 6 pieces of information about each planet. List two characteristics for each planet. You cannot use Terrestrial or Jovian as a characteristic. (2 pts. each)
1. Jupiter ____________________
2. Earth ____________________
3. Saturn ___________________
4. Mercury ___________________
5. Neptune ____________________
6. Pluto _____________________
7. Uranus ____________________
8. Mars ____________________
9. Venus _____________________
Short Answer:
1. List the planets in order starting with the one closest to the sun. (9 pts.)
2. On your answer sheet, please describe four characteristics of a Jovian planet and four characteristics of a Terrestrial planet. You can make a chart or write in complete sentences. (4 pts.)
3. Compare and contrast a comet and a meteor. Write two similarities and two differences. Write in complete sentences or use a Venn diagram. (4 pts.)
Essay: Choose TWO of the three options below to write about.
1. You spent time in class and at home working on your solar system projects. Please share six facts about your planet or moon or solar objects. You can present your information in complete sentences/paragraph form. (6 pts.)
2. Explain how scientists believe the solar system formed. Include the name of the theory, order of events, and describe how much debris it took to form the planets. Write in paragraph/complete sentence form. (6 pts.)
3. Explain your stand on Hollywood’s portrayal of solar sciences. Include your position, feelings, movie clip example, and changes Hollywood could make.