Space Models: Scale, Evidence & Revision — Practice · Grade 6 Science
Chapter: Earth, Moon, Sun & Space ModelsWhat this practice covers
By the end of Space Models: Scale, Evidence & Revision you should be able to:
- I can build a scale model of distances in space and state what it distorts.
- I can explain why textbook diagrams of the solar system cannot be to scale.
- I can explain how a model gets revised when better evidence arrives.
8 questions, written answer and multiple choice, each with a worked explanation.
Vocabulary used: scale, revision, evidence, system boundary, uncertainty.
Problem 1
Answer and explanation
A readability diagram may exaggerate body sizes while using another distance ratio. Without labels, numerical inferences can be false.
Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.
Problem 2
Answer and explanation
No. Multiply centimeters by 10: it equals 3.84 mm. The model distance is much smaller than a large visibility sketch suggests.
Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.
Problem 3
Answer and explanation
To keep the object visible. The symbol can show its location, but its labeled size limit must accompany the diagram.
Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.
Problem 4
Answer and explanation
Its flat-alignment assumption, with the appropriate tilted geometry; the entire concept of reflected sunlight need not be discarded.
Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.
Problem 5
Answer and explanation
The consistent values are 150 cm to the Sun, 0.384 cm or 3.84 mm to the Moon, and Earth diameter 0.0127 cm or 0.127 mm. The poster’s 2 cm Earth and 10 cm Moon separation do not follow that scale. Label its size and spacing as exaggerated for relationship viewing rather than present it as a numerical distance model.
Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.
Problem 6
Answer and explanation
No. It may be useful for illumination geometry if its limits are stated. It should not be used for numerical distance or diameter comparisons without the appropriate scale.
Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.
Problem 7
- One illustrative result establishes every real condition and needs no further evidence.
- A diagram that looks realistic must have correct numerical scale.
- A model with one limitation is useless for every purpose.
- scale: A stated ratio connecting represented and actual quantities with units.
Answer and explanation
scale: A stated ratio connecting represented and actual quantities with units.
A stated ratio connecting represented and actual quantities with units. The consistent values are 150 cm to the Sun, 0.384 cm or 3.84 mm to the Moon, and Earth diameter 0.0127 cm or 0.127 mm. The poster’s 2 cm Earth and 10 cm Moon separation do not follow that scale. Label its size and spacing as exaggerated for relationship viewing rather than present it as a numerical distance model.
Problem 8
- revision: A reasoned change to a model or explanation in response to evidence or an identified limit.
- A diagram that looks realistic must have correct numerical scale.
- A model with one limitation is useless for every purpose.
- One illustrative result establishes every real condition and needs no further evidence.
Answer and explanation
revision: A reasoned change to a model or explanation in response to evidence or an identified limit.
A reasoned change to a model or explanation in response to evidence or an identified limit. The consistent values are 150 cm to the Sun, 0.384 cm or 3.84 mm to the Moon, and Earth diameter 0.0127 cm or 0.127 mm. The poster’s 2 cm Earth and 10 cm Moon separation do not follow that scale. Label its size and spacing as exaggerated for relationship viewing rather than present it as a numerical distance model.