Earth in the Solar System

NC Standards

3.E.1 Recognize the major components and patterns observed in the Earth/Moon/Sun system.

3.E.1.1 Recognize that the Earth is part of a system called the solar system that includes the sun (a star), planets, and many moons and the Earth is the third planet from the sun in our solar system.

3.E.1.2 Recognize that changes in the length and direction of an object’s shadow indicate the apparent changing position of the Sun during the day although the patterns of the stars in the sky, to include the Sun, stay the same.

Essential Student Understandings

Key Concept 1: On Earth we live in a system called the Solar System. (3.E.1.1)

• Sub Concept: The Solar System includes one star (the Sun), many moons, planets including Earth, and other objects (meteors, comets, asteroids, etc.) (3.E.1.1)
• Sub Concept: There are eight planets in our Solar System. (3.E.1.1)
• Sub Concept: Earth is the third planet from the Sun.
• Sub Concept: The objects in the Solar System revolve around the Sun. (3.E.1.2)

Key Concept 2: The Sun is one of the stars visible from Earth. (3.E.1.1)

• Sub Concept: The Sun appears to move in a consistent pattern across the sky. (3.E.1.2)
• Sub Concept: From Earth, groups of stars (constellations) appear to move in consistent patterns. (3.E.1.2)

Key Concept 3: Earth has one moon which is part of the Solar System. (3.E.1.1)

• Sub Concept: Earth’s moon appears to move in a consistent pattern across the sky. (3.E.1) (Review from 1st Grade)
• Sub Concept: The Solar System has many moons. (3.E.1.1)

Key Concept 4: Earth revolves around the Sun and rotates on its axis. (3.E.1.2)

• Sub Concept: Earth revolves around the Sun in a consistent pattern. (3.E.1.2)
• Sub Concept: As the Earth rotates, shadows are created by objects that block light from the Sun. (3.E.1.2)
• Sub Concept: The length and direction of shadows on Earth change as the Sun changes its apparent position in the sky during the day (or as Earth rotates). (3.E.1.2)

Helpful Website:

www.planetsforkids.org/index.html