Name: #

(2 points)
4th Grade Science
Day/Night, Moon Phase Assessment

Matching Vocabulary
Place the letter of the definition beside the number of the vocabulary word.
A to grow larger, stronger, fuller, or more
1. revolution numerous

B Turning or spinning on its own axis.

2. phase
C A phase of the moon that looks like a
3. waning banana

D The imaginary line that runs through the

4. rotation center of the Earth on which it rotates.

E the action by a heavenly body of going

5. axis round in an orbit

F to grow gradually smaller or less

6. waxing
G the imaginary path that a planet follows
7. gibbous as it revolves around another heavenly
body

H to bend or throw back waves of light,

8. orbit sound, or heat

I a phase of the moon that looks like

9. crescent Uncle Gibbs belly

J a particular appearance or state in a

10. reflect
repeating series of changes

Day/Night/Moon Assessment Page 1

 Name: #
(2 points)
Fill in the blanks using the vocabulary words above as needed. (4 points)

11. The Earth _________________ on its _____________.

12. It takes for the Earth to one time on its axis.

13. The Earth also _________________ around the sun.

14. There are phases of the moon.

True/False (3 points)

15. In the moon phase cycle, waning comes before waxing.

16. The Sun rotates with the Earth.

17. The Earth rotates on its axis.

18. The Suns light comes from the Moon.

Day/Night/Moon Assessment Page 2

 Name: #
(2 points)
Circle the letter of the best answer from the choices given. (3 points)

19. Waxing means to

a. increase
b. decrease
c. stay the same
d. none of the above

20. Waning means to

a. increase
b. decrease
c. stay the same
d. none of the above

21. The imaginary line that goes through the center of the earth is called

a. equator
b. waning
c. axis
d. prime meridian

22. Which side of the moon does the light shine on when it is waxing

a. left side
b. right side
c. neither side
d. back side

Day/Night/Moon Assessment Page 3

 Name: #
(2 points)
23-31 - Fill in the blanks with the correct moon phase and complete the
drawings for the moon phases shown.

Day/Night/Moon Assessment Page 4

 Name: #
(2 points)
Using good, fourth-grade sentences, complete the following short answer questions
(10 points each):

32. Explain why we have day and night.

33. Explain the phases of the moon.

Bonus: (5 points each)

Does the Sun actually set? Explain why or why not.

Explain what a Blue Moon is.

Day/Night/Moon Assessment Page 5