The Ozone Layer

Often in the news, there is information given about the ozone layer of the Earth and how it
needs to be protected and carefully monitored. What exactly is the ozone layer, though? Theozone
layer is high up in the Earth's atmosphere, called the stratosphere.
Ozone itself, is a gas made up of three types of oxygen molecules. The ozone is formed when
sunlight hits certain oxygen molecules and breaks them up into its smaller parts of individual
atoms. These individual atoms then join with another type of oxygen molecule to make ozone.
The ozone layer is where there is a high concentration of ozone molecules located high above in
the Earth's atmosphere that form when the Sun hits the oxygen molecules.
The ozone layer provides protection for the Earth. It protects the Earth from the direct rays of
the Sun. Instead of those direct rays reaching the Earth's surface, the molecules in the ozone layer
soak up or absorb certain dangerous ultraviolet rays that are the causes of sunburns and skin
cancers.
The ozone, and as a result, the ozone layer, can be damaged in a number of ways. First, it must
be understood that certain molecules react differently when they come in contact with other
molecules. For example, a molecule of sugar mixed with a molecule of water simply makes water
taste sweet. This is not dangerous and drinking too much of it may cause cavities, but it is not
considered harmful.
However, there are certain molecules when mixed with ozone molecules, problems begin to
occur. There is a chemical reaction that takes place causing the ozone to break apart. When this
happens the ozone can no longer soak up or absorb the ultraviolet light from the rays of the Sun.
The molecules destroying the ozone are produced on Earth. These are
calledchlorofluorocarbons or CFCs. They consist of a group of chemicals made up of chlorine,
fluorine, carbon, and hydrogen. They were originally used to help keep things cold and were found
in air conditioners, refrigerators, and other similar products, as well as in spray cans and fire
extinguishers. Many people and scientists assumed they were safe and were great for keeping
things cold.
Unfortunately, though, it was discovered the CFCs were harmful to the environment. The
chemicals from the CFCs eventually find their way into the Earth's atmosphere, and of course, end
up in the ozone layer as well. Once there, they begin to destroy and break apart the ozone
molecules, which in turn the layer becomes thinner and weaker. The ozone can no longer soak up
or absorb the ultraviolet light from the sun's rays.
Fortunately, CFCs were banned in the year 2000 after much debate and study by experts and
leaders around the world. CFCs are no longer used and have been completely eliminated by most
countries. The CFCs that were originally released into the air take a long time to disappear so it will
take some time for the ozone layer to be built back up again too. In the meantime, it is important
for people to take precautions and use sunscreen and wear sunglasses when spending time in the
sunlight.

In summary, the ozone layer is a protective covering which helps keep some of the Sun's
dangerous ultraviolet rays from reaching the Earth's surface. Years ago CFCs, a chemical, was
responsible for destroying some of the ozone, but it is now banned throughout the world.

1) How many types of oxygen molecules makes up ozone?

A: 1

B: 2

C: 3

D: 4

2) What is the purpose of the ozone layer for the Earth?

A: It protects the Earth from the direct rays of the Sun.

B: It helps the sunlight reach the Earth's surface.

C: It brings needed oxygen to the Earth from the ozone.

D: It causes sunburn and skin cancer.

3) Ultraviolet rays from the Sun can cause which of the following?
A: Sunburn

B: Skin cancer

C: Both A and B

D: Neither A or B

4) Which of the following is the term CFCs an abbreviation for?

A: Center for Control

B: Chlorofluorocancers

C: Cancerous Fluoride Chlorines

D: Chlorofluorocarbons

5) All of the following are chemicals that make up CFCs EXCEPT:

A: Chlorine

B: Fluorine

C: Carbon

D: Oxygen

6) What happens to the ozone layer when CFCs are introduced into the atmosphere?
A: The ozone molecules increase their protection.

B: The ozone molecules begin to break down and may be destroyed.

C: The ozone molecules are not affected by the CFCs.

D: None of the above

CACDDB

Erosion
There are several forces which can cause changes in the Earth's surface including volcanoes,
earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, and forest fires. One of the slowest types of forces which causes
changes in the surface of the Earth is erosion.
Erosion is the wearing away of the land by different forces. These forces, which may also occur
during the natural disasters mentioned earlier, include water, wind, and ice. Mountain peaks,
valleys, coastlines and other interesting features of the Earth have been formed by erosion.
There are three main types of erosion, but the main cause of erosion on Earth is water. Some
erosion can take place rapidly and move soil, rocks, and other natural debris overnight, as during a
thunderstorm or flash flood. The two other types of erosion, wind and ice, may take thousands of
years.
It seems like water may not be so powerful, however it is one of the most powerful forces on
Earth. Water causes erosion several different ways. Rainfall may cause erosion when the drops hit
the surface of the Earth almost immediately in some places, which is called splash erosion, or
when the rain accumulates and begins to flow and move like a small stream.
Rivers are another cause of water erosion especially over an extended period of time. The
movement of the river breaks up particles at the bottom and then carries them downstream. In
fact, the Grand Canyon is one famous example of river erosion formed by the Colorado River during
a time period of more than 6 million years.
A third cause of water erosion takes place when ocean waves cause a coastline to erode and
break apart. The energy and force of the waves causes pieces of rock and the ocean's coastline to
break off. This type of erosion can take thousands or millions years as well.
Flooding is another cause of water erosion, but it happens very quickly and it becomes similar
to a raging and powerful river moving soil, rocks, and other objects from one place to another. Large floods can cause erosion to happen very quickly acting like powerful rivers.
Wind is the second type of erosion which mostly takes place in dry areas. Wind can pick up and
carry away the particles of soil and dust away. This is called deflation. Another kind of wind
erosion is called abrasion, which occurs when the particles the wind carries breaks off pieces of a
surface it hits.
Finally, erosion by ice takes place over long periods of time as well. Glaciers made of ice can be
like giant rivers of ice that move slowly carving out valleys and changing the shapes of mountains.
Besides the three main types of erosions, living organisms like small animals, insects, and even
worms can cause erosion to take place. They help break up the soil during their movements which
make it easier for the wind and water to carry away the particles of the Earth's surface.
In addition, the force of gravity can cause changes to mountains or cliffs when there are giant
landslides which change the features of its surface. Finally, changes in the temperature and the

Sun heating up a rock can cause it to expand and crack. The pieces of the rock break off over time
and leads to erosion.
In summary, the three main types of erosion are water, wind, and ice. Water is the most
common type of erosion, and all three can cause changes in the Earth's surface in a short period of
time or over millions of years.

1) All of the following may be formed by erosion EXCEPT:

A: Mountain peaks

B: Valleys

C: Coastlines

D: Volcanoes

2) Which of the following is the main cause of erosion on Earth?

A: Wind

B: Water

C: Ice

D: Heat

3) How long did it take the Colorado River to carve out the Grand Canyon?
A: Over 6 thousand years

B: Over 60 thousand years

C: Over 6 million years

D: Over 60 million years

4) Which kind of wind erosion occurs when the particles the wind carries breaks off pieces of a
surface it hits?
A: Abrasion

B: Deflation

C: Inflation

D: Splash

5) Which of the following can also cause erosion to occur?

A: Snakes

B: Worms

C: Insects

D: All of the above

6) Which of the following can cause giant landslides to take place resulting in erosion?
A: Gravity

B: Temperature change

C: Wind

D: Ice

DBCADA

Cloning
Nearly all living organisms have parents in which they were reproduced and born through
various stages of the life cycle. Whether it is a human being with a mother and a father or a
chicken hatching from an egg, most living organisms have male and female parents. Some living
organisms also form from one parent such as when a single-celled amoeba splits into two to
reproduce offspring.
However, there is a process which is much different in producing offspring called
cloning.Cloning is the process when scientists take DNA from an animal cell and then place it or
implant it into an egg cell taken from another animal. Before placing though, the DNA from the cell
receiving it is removed.
An example of cloning, which made history in 1997, was when scientists successfully cloned a
sheep. The new sheep's name was Dolly, and she was not born in the usual manner. Instead, she
became an exact copy of her mother, similar to an identical twin. It would be nearly the same as
taking the DNA from the son of a mother, placing the DNA in the egg cell of another woman, but
first removing the woman's own DNA, and then allow the growth of the new cell in the woman.
Nine months later there would be an exact copy of the mother's son born to the woman.
In the case of cloning, a father is not needed. In the first successful cloning of an animal the
DNA molecule had all of the information needed to create a clone, Dolly. The DNA molecules
contains the genetic code, which is basically directions for the new offspring. Normally, a new
organism gets half of this code from the father and the other half from the mother. When these two
cells are joined together they divide millions of times and then grow into the millions of cells which
form the body of the animal. Each cell of the body has a copy of the genetic code and all it would
need is an egg cell to grow.
So with cloning one of those cells is used and then the cell is simply placed in to the egg cell of
the carrier. In the sheep example, the carrier was a female sheep. For Dolly, a single cell was used
from the udder of her mother. The DNA in her mother's cell was removed and then transferred to
an egg cell of another sheep. About five months later Dolly was born without a father and a copy or
clone of her mother.
Though no humans have ever been fully cloned, human embryos have been cloned. Currently it
may not be taking place, but in the future it may happen, but today it is rare. In the movies about
Jurassic Park, cloning took place to create the dinosaurs, though it was a fictional movie, much of
the science behind the process can be real.
Though there are fully developed human clones, other fully developed animals have been cloned
besides sheep. They include the rhesus monkey, pig, cattle, cat, rabbit, deer, horse, a few others,
and of course mice. Cloning also involves many, many failed attempts before it becomes successful.
For instance, Dolly the sheep was not born until after 276 failed attempts. The only true successful
cloning takes place when identical twins are born, but they came from a father and a mother. The
cloned animals may also experience health problems.

In summary, cloning is basically creating another organism without the father involved, and the
clone is an exact copy of the mother with the same genetic code. However, if cloning ever became
100% successful, the clones may look alike, but it would not mean they would behave in the same
way.

1) In what year did cloning first take place and make history?
A: 1997
B: 1987
C: 1999
D: 2002
2) Cloning is the process of taking DNA from an animal cell and then implant it into which kind of
cell in another animal?
A: DNA cell
B: Skin cell
C: Sperm cell
D: Egg cell
3) What must first take place before implanting the DNA in the egg cell of the carrier for cloning?
A: The father's DNA must be included
B: The carrier's DNA must be removed
C: The cells must be an exact match between the carrier and clone
D: All of the above
4) Which of the following is considered the "directions" for a new offspring?
A: Cells
B: Sperm cell
C: Genetic code
D: Egg cell
5) Once the single cell was used from the udder of Dolly's mother, how much time passed before
Dolly was born?
A: 3 months
B: 4 moths
C: 5 months
D: 6 months
6) All of the following animals have been cloned at least one time EXCEPT:
A: Pig and cattle
B: Mice and rabbit
C: Giraffe and elephant
D: Human embryo and deer
ADBCBC

Solar Power
Solar power is energy from the Sun. The sun has been producing energy for billions of years,
but it is only in the recent past that this energy is being harnessed or collected and changed into
heat and electricity across the world.
The energy that comes from the rays of the Sun that reach the Earth is called solar radiation.
Without humans, animals, or other living organisms needing to do anything, the energy from the
Sun has given power to all living things through photosynthesis.Photosynthesis takes place when
plants use the Sun's energy to make its own food, and then of course, all other living organisms
eat the plants or animals receiving that energy indirectly from the Sun.
However, collecting solar power to create electricity and heat is not as easy as plants using the
Sun's energy to make its own food. Some people, like an astronomer named John Herschel, used a
solar thermal (heat) collector box to cook food during an expedition to Africa. The collector box is a
device used to collect the heat from the Sun to cook food. This may not have been the first
instance of using the Sun's energy to cook food, but it was a preview of how much energy the Sun
has that can be used if collected properly.
Today, the Sun's energy is converted to thermal energy, which can be used to heat water for
homes, swimming pools, greenhouses, and other buildings. It can also be used to heat the fluids to
high temperatures to power turbines that make electricity. It is not as simple as placing an item in
sunlight however.
Solar energy is changed into electricity in two ways. Solar cells change sunlight into electricity
which are grouped into panels used in a variety of different ways. Sometimes these panels are
called solar panels which collect, use and distribute the energy from the Sun. This type of collection
is also used to power small cells inside batteries or calculators, but mainly used for power single
homes or large power plants.
The second way solar power is used to generate electricity is by focusing the Sun's heat to a
fluid that produces steam that is then used to turn a generator.
Solar power systems are very beneficial. First, they do not cause pollution or carbon dioxide.
And they have very little impact on the environment. Overall as well, solar energy costs less once
the equipment is in place. The energy and heat from the Sun is basically free but it costs money to
build the right equipment to collect the power of the Sun.
A couple problems with solar power includes the inconsistency of sunlight reaching the Earth's
surface, because the amount of sunlight will vary depending on location, time of day, year, and
weather conditions. Also, since the Sun does not deliver much energy to any single place at any
one time, a large surface is needed to collect the Sun's energy for it to be useful.
Even though the amount of energy reaching the surface of the Earth throughout the world is
greater than the total amount of energy used or needed, the current limitations in collecting this
energy will need to be overcome.

In summary, solar power is a useful source of heat and electricity for the world, but there are
some obstacles to overcome before it becomes the only source of energy for the world's needs.

1) The energy that comes from the rays of the Sun that reach the Earth is which of the following?
A: Solar power
B: Solar radiation
C: Solar cells
D: Solar electricity
2) Which of the following best describes photosynthesis?
A: The process of the Sun's energy used for electricity.
B: The process plants use to make food from the Sun's energy.
C: The process used by plants to take in oxygen.
D: The process of the Earth releasing energy into the air.
3) Which of the following did John Herschel use to collect heat from the Sun to be used for
cooking?
A: Collector box
B: Solar panel
C: Solar cell
D: Solar box
4) Which of the following is used to heat water for homes, swimming pools, greenhouses, and
other buildings?
A: Thermal power
B: Radiation energy
C: Thermal energy
D: Collector box
5) All of the following are ways in which solar power is very beneficial EXCEPT:
A: Does not cause pollution
B: Does not release carbon dioxide
C: Equipment is not expensive
D: Little impact on the environment
6) Which of the following is NOT a problem with solar power?
A: Inconsistency of sunlight reaching the Earth's surface
B: Sun does not deliver much energy to any single place
C: Weather conditions
D: The amount of energy released by the Sun
BBACCD

Spiders
If a person suffers from arachnophobia the following information may not be interesting to
them. Arachnophobia is the fear of spiders. Spiders however are interesting and remarkable little
creatures. Spiders can be found everywhere and in many different sizes. A study once reported
that there is probably a spider within three feet of a person at nearly all times. There are an
estimated 40,000 different species of spider living everywhere in the world except the Antarctica.
Many people often mistake a spider for a type of insect, but it is not an insect. A spider has
eight legs and insects have just six, plus something spiders do not have, antennae. Spiders are in a
class of animals called arachnids. Other arachnids include mites, scorpions, and ticks.
The word spider means spinner in Greek, which may have come from their ability to spin webs.
All spiders can spin silk, which is used for many different purposes, but there are some spiders that
do not make webs, such as the wolf spider and jumping spider. The silk is used for a variety of
reasons besides web making. It is used to catch meals, protect eggs, build shelters, and help them
travel. When spinning webs, spiders use a wide range of patterns.
Spiders are great hunters and they stalk their prey, meaning they watch them carefully and
adapt to the prey's habits to make catching them easier. Some large spiders prey on bigger
animals such as birds. Nearly every species of spider uses venom to paralyze their prey. They inject
the venom with their fangs into the prey through their bites. Since the prey can no longer move, it
is then easy to eat. Since spiders do not eat solid foods, the prey they do catch is liquefied by a
digestive enzyme that enters the prey during the bite. The spiders then 'drink' the prey in the same
manner as if drinking from a straw.
Some female spiders use dances and rituals to attract a mate, and at times may eat the male
spider if it gets too close. After mating with a male, it produces an egg sac which can contain
nearly a thousand tiny spider eggs. The different species of spiders care for the eggs using a
variety of methods. Many carry the eggs, some hide them, and others encase them in a web. When
the spiderlings, or baby spiders, hatch they will each look like miniature versions of the adult
spider, and some live on their own without the mother's assistance. In some species when the
mother dies, the spiderlings eat the body.
Although spiders are found everywhere, and some people fear spiders, most of them are not
dangerous to humans. There are a few that can kill a human, but it is rare. Only about 6 or 7
people die a year from a spider bite. A spider that can kill a human is called a tarantulawith the
largest one named the Goliath Birdeater. Another deadly spider, which has a leg span of about 12
inches in the Giant Huntsman spider.
Finally, the outside bodies of a spider are made of a tough exterior called an exoskeleton.
Spiders have no bones on the inside of their bodies. Spiders come in many different colors such as
black, brown, white, gray, red, yellow, green, and orange. Most spiders only live for about a year,
but the tarantula can live for about 15 years.

In summary, the spider is an arachnid and there are about 40,000 different species of spiders
living on nearly every continent of the world. Spiders are found everywhere and most are not
harmful to humans. Many also can spin elaborate webs from silk, use the silk for protection and
also for other reasons. The spider is an interesting creature unless a person has arachnophobia.

1) A spider is an arachnid which includes all of the following EXCEPT:

A: Ticks
B: Mites
C: Scorpions
D: Flies
2) In Greek the word spider means which of the following?
A: Web
B: Arachnid
C: Spinner
D: Venom
3) All spiders can spin silk which is used for all of the following EXCEPT:
A: Web building
B: Mating
C: Protection
D: Traveling
4) What is different about the wolf spider and jumping spider compared to other spiders?
A: They do not build webs
B: The females do a dance to attract a mate
C: They use silk to protect the eggs
D: They are poisonous
5) Which of the following best describes a spiderling?
A: It is a female spider
B: It is a baby spider
C: It is a male spider
D: It is a poisonous spider
6) Which of the following spiders can live for about 15 years?
A: Jumping spider
B: Great Huntsman spider
C: Tarantula
D: Wolf spider
DCBABC

The Immune System

The human body often takes care of itself without the person who owns the body knows what is
happening. The body takes care itself through its immune system. The immune system is in
charge of keeping the body safe from invading germs that try to attack it every day. The immune
system involves the different organs of the body and works together with the blood system.
The immune system defends the body against attacks by germs and bacteria. The system
includes the skin, white blood cells, and the lymph system. The immune system works like a fort
protecting the body and will increase it defenses when it is necessary.
The skin is the first defense against germs entering the body and it covers like a guard against
harmful bacteria. Keeping the body clean is quite important since it is the first place the germs
attack. Doctors, nurses, and other health professionals take great care in washing their hands
because they know the germs can easily spread through contact with the skin.
The white blood cells are the watchers of the blood. There are three types of white blood cells
called lymphocytes, neutrophils, and macrophages. Each have their own roles. White blood cells
are made constantly since they live for a few weeks. Other types of white blood cells attack germs
and bacteria when they are detected in the body. A tiny drop of blood contains up to 25,000 white
blood cells.
The lymphocytes are most vital because they attack two kinds of infections: viral and
bacterial. T cells and B cells are two types of lymphocytes. T cells find hidden germs or unhealthy
cells and destroy them. The B cells produce antibodies and are used for specific germs. It will
attach itself to the germ and then other white blood cells know it needs to be destroyed.
The lymphocytes are part of the lymph system. Lymph fluid travels to different parts of the
body where it will pick up bacteria and viruses. It carries them to lymph nodes, which are glands
that collect and destroy it before it travels to the rest of the body.
Some germs, though, actually help make the immune system stronger. The body remembers
the bad germs that attack it and then is ready for it if it comes back to cause problems again. It is
important for the body to be exposed to some germs because the immune system can then fight
off the germs when they come back. This is how a vaccine works. A weak virus is actually injected
into the body for the immune system to fight against.
Allergies are the result of the immune system attacking too often. The system falsely believes
the food product or other item is a bacteria or virus so it begins to attack it, which causes
symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, sore throat, hives, and stomach cramps.
Sometimes the immune system attacks healthy cells too. When this happens, the person will
have an auto immune disease. The body believes its own cells are unhealthy. If someone has
this disease it can cause a variety of problems and must be controlled by medication.
Finally, reducing stress and getting enough sleep are two ways in keeping the immune system
healthy. The immune system will begin to break down if the body gets less than five hours sleep,
and stress also slows down the immune system.
In summary, the immune system is important for keeping the body healthy and strong.

1) The immune system includes all of the following EXCEPT:

A: Bones
B: Skin
C: Lymph system
D: White blood cells
2) The first defense against germs entering the body is which of the following?
A: White blood cells
B: Skin
C: Bones
D: Lymph system
3) The most vital part of the white blood cells is which of the following?
A: Lymph nodes
B: Neutrophils
C: Macrophages
D: Lymphocytes
4) Which of the following is a result of the immune system attacking too often?
A: Auto immune disease
B: Germs
C: Allergies
D: All of the above
5) Which of the following are two kinds of lymphocytes?
A: A cells and D cells
B: B cells and T cells
C: A cells and T cells
D: D cells and B cells
6) Which of the following is helpful in strengthening the immune system?
A: Getting enough sleep
B: Avoiding stress
C: Both A and B

D: Neither A or B
ABDCBC