Stars and Apparent Brightness
Grade 5 - Science - Building Confidence

The Sun appears brighter than other stars even though many stars are larger. What is the best explanation?
- distance changes how bright the light appears
- the Sun is much closer to Earth
- other stars are much farther away
- the Sun is the closest star to Earth
The graph models apparent brightness for near view and far view. What pattern does it show?
- the nearer light appears brighter to the observer
- the farther light always appears brighter
- distance has no effect on apparent brightness
- stars do not give off light
Why is "all other stars are planets" not supported by the star-brightness model?
- it uses distance evidence carefully
- it correctly explains apparent brightness
- it ignores distance and the fact that stars give off light
- it matches the Sun's position near Earth
Which claim about apparent brightness is strongest for this evidence: A nearby lamp and a far lamp can model why stars have different apparent brightness.
- distance changes how bright the light appears
- the Sun is much closer to Earth
- apparent brightness decreases with distance
- nearer light sources can appear brighter than farther ones
Which question belongs in a stars and apparent brightness investigation about this evidence: Two identical flashlights shine, one across the room and one beside the observer.
- Which consumer eats grass?
- Where does a possessive apostrophe go?
- How can soil be separated from water?
- How does distance from the observer affect how bright a star looks?
A star chart shows many points of light, but the Sun lights Earth during the day. What is the best explanation?
- the Sun is much closer to Earth
- the Sun is the closest star to Earth
- apparent brightness decreases with distance
- distance changes how bright the light appears
The graph models apparent brightness for Sun and Sirius. What pattern does it show?
- distance has no effect on apparent brightness
- the nearer light appears brighter to the observer
- the farther light always appears brighter
- stars do not give off light
Why is "the nearby flashlight stops producing light" not supported by the star-brightness model?
- it correctly explains apparent brightness
- it uses distance evidence carefully
- it matches the Sun's position near Earth
- it ignores distance and the fact that stars give off light
Which claim about apparent brightness is strongest for this evidence: The Sun and Sirius are both stars, but the Sun looks much brighter from Earth.
- other stars are much farther away
- the Sun is the closest star to Earth
- the Sun is much closer to Earth
- distance changes how bright the light appears
Which question belongs in a stars and apparent brightness investigation about this evidence: A far stadium light looks dimmer than the same light viewed nearby.
- Where does a possessive apostrophe go?
- Which consumer eats grass?
- How does distance from the observer affect how bright a star looks?
- How can soil be separated from water?