Earth & Space Science (Grade 6) Midterm — Units 3–4
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Free printable Earth & Space Science midterm (Grade 6): 20 multiple-choice questions plus 1 written response covering Weathering, Erosion & Deposition, Weather & Climate. Answer key included — customize it in the Midterm Maker.
Earth & Space Science (Grade 6) Midterm — Units 3–4
Name: Date: Period:
Directions: Read each question carefully and choose the best answer. Answer the written response in complete sentences.
Covers: Weathering, Erosion & Deposition · Weather & Climate
Part 1: Multiple Choice
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What is the movement of rock and soil from one place to another called?
- A. Deposition
- B. Weathering
- C. Erosion
- D. Compaction
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What is a fan-shaped deposit of sediment formed where a river enters a lake or ocean?
- A. Canyon
- B. Delta
- C. Sand dune
- D. Moraine
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Which agent of erosion carved most of the Grand Canyon?
- A. Ocean waves
- B. Wind
- C. A glacier
- D. A river
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Breaking rock into smaller pieces without changing what it is made of is called what?
- A. Chemical weathering
- B. Cementation
- C. Mechanical weathering
- D. Deposition
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Which rock is most quickly weathered by acid rain?
- A. Granite
- B. Quartzite
- C. Basalt
- D. Limestone
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When moving water slows down and drops the sediment it carries, what is the process called?
- A. Weathering
- B. Erosion
- C. Subduction
- D. Deposition
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Water seeps into a crack, freezes, and expands, splitting the rock. What is this called?
- A. Acid rain
- B. Ice wedging
- C. Deposition
- D. Oxidation
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Which action would best reduce soil erosion on a hillside?
- A. Removing ground cover
- B. Cutting down the trees
- C. Plowing straight downhill
- D. Planting grass and shrubs
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A ridge of rock and soil left behind by a melting glacier is called what?
- A. Delta
- B. Sinkhole
- C. Moraine
- D. Sand dune
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Iron-rich rocks turning reddish-brown like rust is an example of what?
- A. Glacial erosion
- B. Chemical weathering
- C. Mechanical weathering
- D. Deposition
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What does humidity measure?
- A. The speed of the wind
- B. The amount of water vapor in the air
- C. The temperature of the air
- D. The weight of the air
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What causes Earth's seasons?
- A. The tilt of Earth's axis
- B. Changes in Earth's spin speed
- C. Earth's changing distance from the Sun
- D. The Moon's gravity
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A high-pressure system usually brings what kind of weather?
- A. Heavy snow
- B. Clear, dry weather
- C. Thunderstorms
- D. Steady rain
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Which statement best explains the difference between weather and climate?
- A. Weather is global; climate is only local
- B. Weather is day-to-day; climate is the long-term pattern
- C. Weather is long-term; climate is day-to-day
- D. Weather is only rain; climate is only temperature
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A cold front forms when what happens?
- A. A warm air mass slides over a cold air mass
- B. A warm air mass is trapped between two cold ones
- C. A cold air mass pushes under a warm air mass
- D. Two air masses stop moving
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Which gas in the atmosphere traps heat and adds to the greenhouse effect?
- A. Carbon dioxide
- B. Oxygen
- C. Argon
- D. Nitrogen
-
What is the main cause of wind?
- A. The pull of the Moon
- B. Earthquakes on the sea floor
- C. Uneven heating of Earth's surface
- D. Earth's magnetic field
-
Which gas makes up the largest part of Earth's atmosphere?
- A. Oxygen
- B. Carbon dioxide
- C. Argon
- D. Nitrogen
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Which instrument measures air pressure?
- A. Rain gauge
- B. Anemometer
- C. Thermometer
- D. Barometer
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In which layer of the atmosphere does almost all weather happen?
- A. Thermosphere
- B. Stratosphere
- C. Mesosphere
- D. Troposphere
Part 2: Written Response
- Explain why weather can change from day to day while a region's climate stays about the same. Include air masses, fronts, or air pressure in your answer.
Answer Key — Earth & Space Science (Grade 6) Midterm — Units 3–4
- C — Erosion Erosion carries weathered material away by water, wind, ice, or gravity.
- B — Delta A river slows at its mouth and drops sediment, building a delta.
- D — A river The Colorado River cut the canyon over millions of years.
- C — Mechanical weathering Mechanical (physical) weathering breaks rock apart without changing its minerals.
- D — Limestone Limestone is made of calcite, which reacts and dissolves in acid.
- D — Deposition Deposition is the laying down of sediment in a new place.
- B — Ice wedging Water expands about 9% when it freezes, forcing cracks wider.
- D — Planting grass and shrubs Plant roots hold soil in place and slow runoff.
- C — Moraine Glaciers push and carry debris, leaving moraines when they melt back.
- B — Chemical weathering Oxidation is a chemical change that forms new substances such as rust.
- B — The amount of water vapor in the air Humidity describes how much water vapor the air holds.
- A — The tilt of Earth's axis The tilt changes how directly sunlight strikes each hemisphere during the year.
- B — Clear, dry weather Sinking air in high pressure discourages cloud formation.
- B — Weather is day-to-day; climate is the long-term pattern Climate is the average of weather conditions over many years.
- C — A cold air mass pushes under a warm air mass Cold, dense air wedges under warm air, forcing it up and often causing storms.
- A — Carbon dioxide Carbon dioxide absorbs heat radiated from Earth's surface; nitrogen and oxygen do not.
- C — Uneven heating of Earth's surface Uneven heating creates air pressure differences, and air moves from high to low pressure.
- D — Nitrogen Air is about 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen.
- D — Barometer A barometer measures air pressure; falling pressure often signals stormy weather.
- D — Troposphere The troposphere is the lowest layer and holds nearly all water vapor.
Written Response — Look-Fors
- Defines weather (short-term) vs. climate (long-term average); explains fronts/air masses/pressure systems causing daily change; notes factors like latitude or nearness to water shaping climate.