What equipment has been developed over time as humans have moved beyond the limitations of studying space through simple telescopes?
How have space probes expanded our view of the solar system?
What discoveries have been made about our solar system and universe using modern astronomy technology?
Students are working on researching telescopes or technology that has advanced the way we understand Space.
How often does the day and night cycle occur on Earth?
Describe the position of Earth and the Sun when it is daytime. How is this different at nighttime?
Why do some days have more hours of daylight than others?
How long does it take Earth to orbit the Sun?
Does the Earth’s tilt change?
How does the Earth’s tilt affect us?
Why does the Moon look different during different times of the month?
What are the phases that the Moon goes through each month?
What is the sequence of the Moon’s appearance each month?
Describe the repeating pattern of the phases of the Moon using a model. The model must include the sun and the 8 different phases of the moon in regards to the earth.
Students should understand that waxing means that the moon is increasing the amount of lit up surface is seen. (New moon going to full moon phase)
Students should understand that waning means that the moon is decreasing the amount of lit up surface is seen. (Full moon going to new moon)
What are the eight planets of our solar system? What is their position in relation to the Sun?
How can we remember the order of the planets from the Sun?
Which planets are smaller? Which planets are bigger?
What limitations are found when making a model of the solar system?
How does size affect a model of the solar system? Order? Appearance? Composition?
What strengths can be found in models of our solar system?
Why do constellation patterns appear to stay the same?
Why do planets change position often in comparison to the constellations?
How are stars and planets different?
Compare advances in technology that have changed the information we have on distant objects in the sky.
Explain why some stars look brighter and larger than others.
Explain how stars and planets are different.
https://mysteryscience.com/astronomy/mystery-6/planets-solar-system/78?r=11661542&t=student
What is a star?
Why does the Sun appear to be the largest star in our solar system?
Why do some stars appear brighter than others?