Science
SCI.V.4.1
Grade: 4
Strand:
Using Scientific Knowledge in Earth Science
- Space
Standard:
All students will compare and contrast our planet and sun to other planets
and star systems.
Benchmark:
Compare and contrast characteristics of the sun, moon, and earth.
Constructing and Reflecting:
SCI.I.1.1 - Generate reasonable questions about the world based on observation.
SCI.II.1.2.- Show how science concepts can be illustrated through creative expression such as language arts and fine
arts.
SCI.II.1.4 - Develop an awareness of and sensitivity to the natural world.
Vocabulary / Key Concept
Context
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Observations of the moon, earth, and safe
observations of the sun.
Planets
Stars
Sphere
Space
Solar System
Larger / Smaller
Closer / Farther
Heat
Light
Knowledge and Skills
Resources
Within our solar system, we have similarities and
differences between the Sun, Moon and Earth.
Coloma Resources:
Discover the Wonder, Scott Foresman – Grade 4
Module A, Chapter 2
Students will compare and contrast the
differences in size, shape, location, orbits, and
the production of heat and light.
Planet trade books in library.
Other Rersources:
BCISD Classroom resources – Solar System,
Galaxy and Universe http://www.remc11.k12.mi.us/bcisd/classres/esci
ence.htm#solar
10 common misconceptions about astronomy –
OUTSTANDING guide to reteaching! http://sunearth.gsfc.nasa.gov/sunearthday/2004/v
t_edu2004_ten.htm
NASA – Earth-Sun Connection Education Forum
– LOTS of great info and applications! http://sunearth.gsfc.nasa.gov/index.htm
Other Resources (continued from column on
right)
The Exploratorium Guide to Astronomy
Resources – AWESOME stuff! –
http://www.exploratorium.edu/observatory/
Michigan Teacher Network Resources http://mtn.merit.edu/mcf/SCI.V.4.E.1.html
Videoconferences Available
For more information, see
www.remc11.k12.mi.us/dl or call Janine Lim 4717725x101 or email jlim@remc11.k12.mi.us
5.4.1 E1
To the Moon and Beyond from the Discovery
Center of Springfield
Space and the Solar System from NASA Glenn
Research Center
Our Solar Neighborhood Expedition (Astronomy)
NASA Johnson Space Center
NASA – Viewing Earth from Space – images and
movie clips – EXCELLENT! http://spacelink.nasa.gov/Educator.Focus/Articles
/013_Viewing_Earth_From_Space/
Hubble public images – LOTS of photos direct
from the space telescope!
http://hubblesite.org/newscenter/newsdesk/archiv
e/releases/category/solar%20system/
Those Whirling, Twirling Planets – NASA
Spacelink Activity – learn the planets!
http://spacelink.nasa.gov/Instructional.Materials/
On-line.Educational.Activities/Planets/index.html
The Nine Planets – images and TONS of info –
about the planets, astronomers and more!!
http://www.nineplanets.org/
StarChild young astronomer pages – NASA
interactive learning site for kids – NICE!!
http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/Star
Child.html
Instruction
Benchmark Question: Compare and contrast
characteristics of the Sun, Moon, and Earth.
Assessment
Coloma Assessment:
Technology project: Planet PowerPoint
Focus Question: How are the orbits of the sun,
moon, and earth alike and different?
Assessment Options
Solar System Trading Cards
http://amazingspace.stsci.edu/resources/explorations/trading/
Excellent web-based learning activity from the
educators at the Hubble Space Telescope Lab.
Allows students to develop knowledge about
objects within our solar system. AWESOME!
Also information and materials for classrooms
without computer access.
Excellent teacher materials, lesson plans,
imbedded assessment and lots of fun for
students!
Students can be evaluated by their individual
success with the card collection. Other
evaluations and extensions available in the
teacher materials.
Teacher Notes:
Comparing and contrasting our planet and the sun to other planets and star systems
Students' understanding of the solar system, galaxy and universe begins with understanding our sun, earth, and moon
system. In the earliest grades, children can be introduced to the concepts that the earth is a planet, the sun is a star and
the earth orbits the sun. Research with children tells us that the ideas that our sun is a star and that the earth orbits the
sun are difficult ideas for students to understand.
Observations of the moon may include the identification and prediction of moon phases. These observations provide first
hand experiences for students to which they can tie their subsequent learning. Repeated in the middle school years,
these same observations might be extended by telescopes or binoculars and include other space objects such as other
planets and their satellites, stars, constellations, and comets.