Stars & Solar System

S4E1. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to compare and contrast the physical attributes of stars and planets.

a. Ask questions to compare and contrast technological advances that have changed the amount and type of information on distant objects in the sky.

b. Construct an argument on why some stars (including the Earth’s sun) appear to be larger or brighter than others. (Clarification statement: Differences are limited to distance and size, not age or stage of evolution.)

c. Construct an explanation of the differences between stars and planets. d. Evaluate strengths and limitations of models of our solar system in describing relative size, order, appearance and composition of planets and the sun. (Clarification statement: Composition of planets is limited to rocky vs. gaseous.)

S4E2. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to model the effects of the position and motion of the Earth and the moon in relation to the sun as observed from the Earth.

a. Develop a model to support an explanation of why the length of day and night change throughout the year.

b. Develop a model based on observations to describe the repeating pattern of the phases of the moon (new, crescent, quarter, gibbous, and full).

c. Construct an explanation of how the Earth’s orbit, with its consistent tilt, affects seasonal changes.