Grade 6

Natural Science and Technology Baseline Test

Name: Date:

Class: Duration: 1hr Total: / 50

Question 1: Underline the best answer for each question.

1. What is a simple circuit always made up of? [1]

a. Conducting material and switch

b. Conducting material and insulator

c. Source of energy, conducting material, and device

d. Source of energy and insulator

2. Which component can be added to a circuit to break or complete the pathway for electricity?
[1]

a. Switch

b. Battery

c. Conducting material

d. Light bulb

3. What do we call materials that conduct electricity? [1]

a. Insulators

b. Conductors

c. Switches

d. Batteries

4. Which of the following is a non-metal insulator? [1]

a. Copper

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Grade 6 Natural Science and Technology

b. Aluminium

c. Plastic

d. Silver

5. Why are electric circuits often used in models and toys? [1]

a. To save electricity

b. To make them heavy

c. To make them noisy

d. To add weight

6. In South Africa, what is mostly used as a fuel in power stations? [1]

a. Oil

b. Natural gas

c. Coal

d. Solar power

7. How is electricity generated in a power station that uses coal? [1]

a. By using wind turbines

b. By converting sunlight into electricity

c. By boiling water with coal, producing steam, and turning a turbine

d. By burning natural gas

8. Why is electricity considered costly? [1]

a. Because it doesn't require infrastructure

b. Because some appliances require less electricity

c. Because it requires infrastructure, and some appliances require more electricity

d. d. Because it is easily generated

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Grade 6 Natural Science and Technology

Question 2:

1. A circuit is a complete, unbroken pathway for . [1]

2. Symbols are used when drawing circuit [1]

Question 3:

1. The moon gives off its own heat and light. Circle one: True | False [1]

2. Telescopes are used to gather information about space. Circle one: True | False [1]

Question 4:

1. Explain why some electrical appliances cost more to use than others. [3]
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2. What are fossil fuels, and why are they considered non-renewable resources? [3]
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3. Describe one way to save energy in your home. [2]

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1. What is the sun? [1]

2. Why can we see the moon from Earth? [2]

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Grade 6 Natural Science and Technology

3. What is the asteroid belt? [1]

4. In which direction do all planets, including Earth, revolve in relation to the sun, when viewed
from above the sun's north pole? [1]

1. Explain why insulators are important in electrical circuits. [2]

Provide an example of an insulator commonly used in household wiring.

2. Explain why a switch is an important component in an electric circuit. [2]

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3. Explain why illegal electrical connections are dangerous. [1]

4. List two vehicles used for space exploration and briefly explain their purposes. [4]
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5.Describe one interesting fact about each of the following: Earth, Jupiter, and Mars. [3]
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Grade 6 Natural Science and Technology

Question 2:

1. Draw a simple circuit diagram with a battery, a light bulb, and a switch.
Label each component. Use colours and arrows to show the flow of electricity.

1. Discuss the significance of telescopes in space exploration and astronomy.

Why are they essential tools for studying the universe? [2]

2. Imagine you are an astronaut exploring a new planet as a possible planet for humans to
occupy. Describe what you would look for and investigate during your mission and why each
aspect is important for understanding the planet's suitability. [6]
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TOTAL: 50 MARKS

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 Memo

Question 1: Underline the best answer for each question.

1. C) Source of energy, conducting material, and device [1]

2. A) Switch [1]

3. B) Conductors [1]

4. C) Plastic [1]

5. D) To add weight [1]

6. C) Coal [1]

7. C) By boiling water with coal, producing steam, and turning a turbine [1]
[1]
8. C) Because it requires infrastructure and some appliances require more electricity

Question 2:
1. electricity. [1]
2. diagrams. [1]

Question 3:
1. False [1]
2. True [1]

Question 4:
1. Some appliances have higher power consumption, which means they use [3]
more electricity and cost more to run. Appliances with higher efficiency tend to cost
less to use.

2. Fossil fuels are carbon-based fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. They are considered
non-renewable because they are formed over millions of years from the remains of ancient
plants and animals, and they are being consumed much faster than they can be naturally
replenished. [3]

3. Possible answers: Use energy-efficient light bulbs, which consume less electricity and
last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. [2]

Question 5:

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 1. The sun is a star at the centre of our solar system. [1]

2. We can see the moon because it reflects sunlight, making it visible from Earth. [2]

3. The asteroid belt is a region in space between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter [1] where
numerous asteroids are found. [1]

4. All planets, including Earth, revolve around the sun counterclockwise. [1]

1. Insulators are important in electrical circuits because they prevent the flow of electricity
and ensure that the electricity follows the desired pathway. An example of an insulator
used in household wiring is plastic or rubber insulation on electrical wires. [2]

2. A switch is important in an electric circuit because it turns the circuit on or off, controlling
the flow of electricity. It serves as a safety and convenience device. [2]

3. Illegal electrical connections are dangerous because they can overload circuits, cause fires,
and pose serious electrical shock hazards. [1]

4. Any suitable answer. Example: [4]

• Space Shuttle: The Space Shuttle transported astronauts and cargo to and from low
Earth orbit. It was a reusable spacecraft for various missions, including deploying
satellites and conducting experiments.

• Mars Rover (e.g. Curiosity): Mars Rovers are robotic vehicles designed to explore the
surface of Mars, conduct experiments, and search for signs of past or present life.

5. Any suitable answer. Examples: [3]

• Earth: Earth is the only known planet to support life and has a unique atmosphere that
contains oxygen, making it suitable for humans and many other organisms.

• Jupiter: Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system and has a massive storm known
as the Great Red Spot, which has been raging for centuries.

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 • Mars: Mars is often called the "Red Planet" due to its reddish appearance and its thin
atmosphere composed mainly of carbon dioxide. It has polar ice caps similar to Earth.

Question 2:

Simple circuit diagram showing energy flow.

1. Telescopes are essential tools in space exploration and astronomy because they allow
scientists to observe distant objects in space with great clarity and detail. They collect and
magnify light, enabling us to study celestial bodies, stars, galaxies, and planets that are
millions or even billions of light-years away. Telescopes have revolutionised our
understanding of the universe by providing insights into its vastness, composition, and
evolution. [2]

2. Any suitable answer. Examples: During my mission to explore a new planet for human
habitation, I would investigate the following aspects:

• Atmosphere: I would analyse the planet's atmosphere to determine its composition and
whether it contains breathable oxygen. This is crucial for human survival as we require
oxygen to breathe.

• Surface Conditions: I would examine the planet's surface conditions, including

temperature, terrain, and geological features. Extreme temperatures, harsh landscapes,
or active volcanism could challenge colonisation.

• Water: I would search for signs of liquid water essential for sustaining life.
Access to water is vital for drinking, agriculture, and other human activities.

• Biosigns: I would look for any signs of existing life forms, such as microorganisms or
complex organisms. The presence of life could indicate a planet's potential habitability.

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 • Resources: I would assess the availability of essential resources like minerals, metals,
and energy sources. These resources are needed for construction and energy production.

• Climate: I would study the planet's climate patterns and seasonal variations to
determine if they are suitable for human settlement and agriculture.

• Radiation: I would measure levels of radiation from the planet's star(s) and evaluate if
they pose health risks to humans.

• Safety: I would assess potential hazards such as natural disasters, geological instability,
or extreme weather events that could impact human safety. [6]

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