The heavens have always held our attention. The stars twinkling in the sky, the Sun shining brightly in the sky...even the blue sky itself mesmerizes and sparks our curiosity.
In this unit, we'll gradually leave our planet and even our Solar System to investigate the wonders that exist beyond the familiar ground we call home. We'll first make our way through the atmosphere and then examine the interactions of the Moon, Sun, and the Earth. Then, we'll tour our Solar System. We'll travel back in time to the beginning of the universe and our Solar System. Finally, we investigate stars and figure out why they're so different throughout the universe.
In this unit, we'll gradually leave our planet and even our Solar System to investigate the wonders that exist beyond the familiar ground we call home. We'll first make our way through the atmosphere and then examine the interactions of the Moon, Sun, and the Earth. Then, we'll tour our Solar System. We'll travel back in time to the beginning of the universe and our Solar System. Finally, we investigate stars and figure out why they're so different throughout the universe.
Click on this button to access Google maps of many major moons and a few planets.
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Standards of Learning
ES.3 The student will investigate and understand the characteristics of Earth and the solar system. Key concepts include
a) position of Earth in the solar system;
b) sun-Earth-moon relationships (seasons, tides, and eclipses);
c) characteristics of the sun, planets and their moons, comets, meteors, and asteroids; and
d) the history and contributions of space exploration.
ES.11 The student will investigate and understand the origin and evolution of the atmosphere and the interrelationship of geologic processes, biologic processes, and human activities on its composition and dynamics. Key concepts include
c) atmospheric regulation mechanisms including the effects of density differences and energy transfer
ES.13 The student will investigate and understand scientific concepts related to the origin and evolution of the universe. Key concepts include
a. cosmology including the Big Bang theory; and
b. the origin and evolution of stars, star systems, and galaxies.
a) position of Earth in the solar system;
b) sun-Earth-moon relationships (seasons, tides, and eclipses);
c) characteristics of the sun, planets and their moons, comets, meteors, and asteroids; and
d) the history and contributions of space exploration.
ES.11 The student will investigate and understand the origin and evolution of the atmosphere and the interrelationship of geologic processes, biologic processes, and human activities on its composition and dynamics. Key concepts include
c) atmospheric regulation mechanisms including the effects of density differences and energy transfer
ES.13 The student will investigate and understand scientific concepts related to the origin and evolution of the universe. Key concepts include
a. cosmology including the Big Bang theory; and
b. the origin and evolution of stars, star systems, and galaxies.