Quick answer: The solar system is the Sun with the eight planets that orbit it, held in place by the Sun's gravity. This grade 6 science test on solar system has 8 questions worth 20 marks, to do in 45 minutes: rotation and revolution, seasons diagram and time difference. The mark scheme is on a separate page; free printable PDF.
This grade 6 science test on solar system test works like a real class test. The mark scheme is on a separate page, so revise with the lesson first.
This test has eight questions and is worth 20 marks. Show every step in calculations and give units. Use 365 days for a year and 300 000 km/s for the speed of light. You have 45 minutes.
Level: Grade 6 science (Year 7 · Class 6) · Curriculum: MS-ESS1-2
Solar system test: the test questions
Question 1 Rotation and revolution (2 marks)
a. Define rotation. (1 mark)b. Define revolution and give its time for the Earth. (1 mark)
Question 2 Seasons diagram (3 marks)
The figure shows the Earth at P and Q.- At which position is it summer in the northern hemisphere? (1 mark)
- Explain your answer using the tilt of the axis. (2 marks)
Question 3 Time difference (3 marks)
Town A is at 30° east and town B is at 75° east. The Earth turns 15° per hour.a. Calculate the difference in longitude. (1 mark)
b. Calculate the time difference in hours. (1 mark)
c. State the time in B when it is 09:00 in A. (1 mark)
Question 4 Mars year (3 marks)
Mars takes 687 days to orbit the Sun.a. Calculate how many Earth years this is, to two decimal places (1 year = 365 days). (1 mark)
b. A child has lived 3650 days. Calculate the child’s age in Mars years to one decimal place. (2 marks)
Question 5 Warm summers (2 marks)
Explain why it is warmer in summer than in winter in the northern hemisphere. (2 marks)Question 6 Orbit and gravity (3 marks)
Explain why Earth stays in orbit around the Sun. Your answer should mention gravity and the Earth’s motion. (3 marks)Question 7 Planet groups (2 marks)
Name the four inner planets and state one way they differ from Jupiter. (2 marks)Question 8 Light from Mars (2 marks)
Mars is 228 million km from the Sun. Calculate the time light takes to travel this distance at 300 000 km/s, in seconds and in minutes. (2 marks)
