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Space and the Solar System Practice Tests

These Grade 8 Science practice tests cover the solar system, gravity, orbits, rotation and revolution, Earth-Moon-Sun patterns, seasons, phases, eclipses, tides, stars, galaxies, telescopes, exoplanets, and scale models.

Skills covered

  • Explaining how gravity and motion create orbits
  • Using Earth-Moon-Sun models to explain seasons, phases, eclipses, and tides
  • Comparing planets, moons, asteroids, comets, stars, and galaxies
  • Interpreting light, spectra, telescopes, and observations of distant objects
  • Evaluating scale models and evidence-based explanations of space systems

How to use these practice tests

Identify the objects, motion, force, light pattern, or scale relationship in each question. Then use the model to explain what an observer would see and what evidence supports the conclusion.

For more Grade 8 Science practice, return to the Grade 8 Science category.

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1. Test

Grade 8 Space and the Solar System Practice Tests

Practice Grade 8 Science questions about the solar system, gravity, orbits, Earth-Moon-Sun patterns, stars, galaxies, observations, and space models.

Choose the best answer. Use gravity, motion, light, cycles, scale models, and observations to explain each space science situation.

10 Questions
0/10 Questions0 %
Correct 0
Incorrect 0
Unanswered 10
1. QuestionMultiple choice

What is at the center of our solar system?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is The Sun.

  1. Identify the space system: Determine whether the question concerns an object, orbit, gravity, light, a cycle, a scale model, or evidence from observation.
  2. Use the scientific model: The Sun is the star at the center of our solar system and contains most of its mass.
  3. Check the relationship: The correct choice is The Sun.

The Sun is the star at the center of our solar system and contains most of its mass.

2. QuestionMultiple choice

What force keeps planets in orbit around the Sun?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is Gravity.

  1. Identify the space system: Determine whether the question concerns an object, orbit, gravity, light, a cycle, a scale model, or evidence from observation.
  2. Use the scientific model: The Sun gravity provides the inward force that bends a planets motion into an orbit.
  3. Check the relationship: The correct choice is Gravity.

The Sun gravity provides the inward force that bends a planets motion into an orbit.

3. QuestionMultiple choice

Which object is a natural satellite of Earth?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: C

The correct answer is The Moon.

  1. Identify the space system: Determine whether the question concerns an object, orbit, gravity, light, a cycle, a scale model, or evidence from observation.
  2. Use the scientific model: The Moon is Earths natural satellite and orbits Earth because of gravity.
  3. Check the relationship: The correct choice is The Moon.

The Moon is Earths natural satellite and orbits Earth because of gravity.

4. QuestionMultiple choice

Which object is a star?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: D

The correct answer is The Sun.

  1. Identify the space system: Determine whether the question concerns an object, orbit, gravity, light, a cycle, a scale model, or evidence from observation.
  2. Use the scientific model: The Sun is a star that produces its own light and thermal energy through nuclear fusion.
  3. Check the relationship: The correct choice is The Sun.

The Sun is a star that produces its own light and thermal energy through nuclear fusion.

5. QuestionMultiple choice

Which planet is closest to the Sun?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is Mercury.

  1. Identify the space system: Determine whether the question concerns an object, orbit, gravity, light, a cycle, a scale model, or evidence from observation.
  2. Use the scientific model: Mercury is the innermost planet in the solar system.
  3. Check the relationship: The correct choice is Mercury.

Mercury is the innermost planet in the solar system.

6. QuestionMultiple choice

Which planet is known for its prominent ring system?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is Saturn.

  1. Identify the space system: Determine whether the question concerns an object, orbit, gravity, light, a cycle, a scale model, or evidence from observation.
  2. Use the scientific model: Saturn has a large and visible system of rings made mostly of ice and rocky material.
  3. Check the relationship: The correct choice is Saturn.

Saturn has a large and visible system of rings made mostly of ice and rocky material.

7. QuestionMultiple choice

What is an asteroid?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: C

The correct answer is A small rocky or metallic object that orbits the Sun.

  1. Identify the space system: Determine whether the question concerns an object, orbit, gravity, light, a cycle, a scale model, or evidence from observation.
  2. Use the scientific model: Asteroids are relatively small rocky or metallic bodies that orbit the Sun.
  3. Check the relationship: The correct choice is A small rocky or metallic object that orbits the Sun.

Asteroids are relatively small rocky or metallic bodies that orbit the Sun.

8. QuestionMultiple choice

What is a comet usually made of?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: D

The correct answer is Ice, dust, and rocky material.

  1. Identify the space system: Determine whether the question concerns an object, orbit, gravity, light, a cycle, a scale model, or evidence from observation.
  2. Use the scientific model: Comets contain frozen gases, dust, and rock; near the Sun, heating can create a visible coma and tail.
  3. Check the relationship: The correct choice is Ice, dust, and rocky material.

Comets contain frozen gases, dust, and rock; near the Sun, heating can create a visible coma and tail.

9. QuestionMultiple choice

What is a planet?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is A large round object that orbits a star and does not produce its own light.

  1. Identify the space system: Determine whether the question concerns an object, orbit, gravity, light, a cycle, a scale model, or evidence from observation.
  2. Use the scientific model: Planets orbit stars and reflect light rather than producing their own visible light like stars do.
  3. Check the relationship: The correct choice is A large round object that orbits a star and does not produce its own light.

Planets orbit stars and reflect light rather than producing their own visible light like stars do.

10. QuestionMultiple choice

Why do we see the Moon shine from Earth?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is It reflects light from the Sun..

  1. Identify the space system: Determine whether the question concerns an object, orbit, gravity, light, a cycle, a scale model, or evidence from observation.
  2. Use the scientific model: The Moon does not produce its own visible light; it reflects sunlight toward observers.
  3. Check the relationship: The correct choice is It reflects light from the Sun..

The Moon does not produce its own visible light; it reflects sunlight toward observers.

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