TEKS Addressed: 7.2A, 7.2C, 7.2E, 7.3A, 7.3D, 7.4A, 7.9A, 7.9B

Introduction

This unit bundles Student Expectations that address the characteristics of our solar system that support life and accommodations humans need for space travel.

Prior to this Unit

• Grade 5

  • 5.8D – Identify and compare the physical characteristics of the Sun, Earth, and Moon.

• Grade 6

  • 6.11A – Describe the physical properties, locations, and movements of the Sun, planets, moons, meteors, asteroids, and comets.

  • 6.11B – Understand that gravity is the force that governs the motion of our solar system.

  • 6.11C – Describe the history and future of space exploration, including the types of equipment and transportation needed for space travel.

During this Unit

Students use scientific practices and a variety of tools to investigate and analyze the characteristics of the objects in our solar system that allow life to exist such as the proximity of the Sun, presence of water, and composition of the atmosphere. They also consider the characteristics of our solar system in order to identify accommodations that enabled manned space exploration. Additionally, students communicate and discuss their observations and record and organize data in their notebooks. Furthermore, students analyze and interpret information to construct reasonable explanations based on evidence from their investigations and communicate valid conclusions (supported by collected data). Students continue to demonstrate safe practices as outlined in Texas Education Agency-approved safety standards and consider environmentally appropriate and ethical practices with resources during investigations.

After this Unit

In Grade 8, students will study characteristics of the universe.