Grade 6 · Science · Unit 7 of 9
Gravity and Space Tech
Mass, weight and exploring space
What your child practises
The difference between mass and weight, how gravity changes weight, how astronauts meet their needs in space, and how space technology helps us understand Earth and space.
Nova Scotia Curriculum learning outcome: Earth and Space Science: Space · gravity and the technology of space exploration
Sample questions
A taste of this unit. In the app, questions change every time and get easier or harder to match your child.
Question 1
Astronauts exercise for hours each day in space. Why?
- To stay cool
- Without gravity's pull, muscles and bones weaken
- Because they get bored
Without gravity's pull, muscles and bones weaken
Hint: Bodies need weight-bearing work to stay strong.
Question 2
Which tool lets astronomers see faint, faraway objects in space?
- A telescope
- A thermometer
- A microscope
A telescope
Hint: Telescopes collect light.
Question 3
A bag of rice has a mass of 2 kg on Earth. On the Moon its mass is…
- 2 kg
- 12 kg
- 0 kg
2 kg
Hint: Mass stays the same wherever the object is.
Question 4
What do satellites in orbit help scientists do on Earth?
- Make rain
- Observe weather, ice, oceans and climate change
- Grow food
Observe weather, ice, oceans and climate change
Hint: They collect images and data from above.
Question 5
Which unit measures weight (a force)?
- Newton
- Litre
- Kilogram
Newton
Hint: Mass is in kilograms. Force is in newtons.
Question 6
Why do astronauts need contact with family and time for rest and hobbies in space?
- It is only for fun
- It makes the rocket lighter
- Social and emotional well-being matters as much as physical health
Social and emotional well-being matters as much as physical health
Hint: Long trips are hard on mental health.