Modeling Relationship of Sun and Earth
TEKS Objective
The student is expected to construct models that demonstrate the relationship of the Sun, Earth, and Moon, including orbits and positions.
Essential Understanding
The student knows that there are recognizable patterns in the natural world and among objects in the sky.
Science Background
23.5 Degrees: BioEd Online (video) - Explains the seasonal patterns caused by the motion of Earth around the Sun.
23.5 Degrees
BioEd Online, www.bioedonline.org
Earth Fact Sheet: National Space Science Data Center (website) - Detailed data, presented in table form, of Earth’s physical properties, atmosphere, orbit and rotation.
Earth Fact Sheet
National Space Science Data Center, nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov
The Earth’s Orbit: Windows to the Universe (website) - Earth’s orbit and orbital velocity are described, and concepts like ecliptic and axial tilt are explained.
The Earth’s Orbit
Windows to the Universe, www.windows2universe.org
Signature Lesson
Motion of the Sun and Earth: Project FIRST (website) - Students construct and participate in a playground model that demonstrates the relationship between the Sun and Earth.
Motion of the Sun and Earth
Project FIRST, Eye on the Sky, www.eyeonthesky.org
- Supporting Lessons
- Extensions
- Assessment Ideas
- Literature Connections
- Related
TEKS - Additional Resources
Supporting Lessons
Sun As A Star: NASA (website) - Downloadable collection of activities from NASA and the American Museum of Natural History about the properties and benefits of the Sun.
Elaboration Lessons and Extensions
The Earth’s Rotation: Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (website) - Collection of short activities focusing on Earth’s rotation.
The Earth’s Rotation
Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, www.cfa.harvard.edu/hea
The Earth’s Orbit: Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (website) - Collection of activities focusing on Earth’s revolution.
The Earth’s Orbit
Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, www.cfa.harvard.edu/hea
Assessment Ideas
Have students draw a diagram of the Earth’s orbit and write a narrative describing its rotation and revolution.
Literature Connections
Scholastic Reader Level 2: Solar System. Vogt G. (ISBN: 978-0545382670)
Additional Resources
Earth: National Space Science Data Center: (Website) - Images of Earth, taken from space.
Earth
National Space Science Data Center, nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov
Explore a Model of Earth’s Yearly Revolution Around the Sun: Exploring Earth (Website) - Interactive visualization of Earth’s orbit around the Sun.
How Fast Are You Moving When You Are Sitting Still? Astrosociety Society of the Pacific (website) - Short article, accompanied by activities, about the motions of Earth, the Sun and the Milky Way Galaxy.
TEKS Navigation
Grade 3
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