Lessons
Space Exploration: Characteristics of Celestial Bodies
Take a "stroll"' through the solar system to investigate Earth in the context of other celestial bodies in our solar system, including other planets and moons. Students will be led through a lesson on the characteristics of the planets, and how they compare to Earth. A special focus will be put on characteristics that allow for life, like the presence of liquid water and an atmosphere, and which planets or moons may have features that support life in some form either now or in the future.
Grade 3 - Students know that Earth is one of several planets that orbit the Sun and that the Moon orbits Earth.
Grade 5 - Students know the solar system includes the planet Earth, the Moon, the Sun, eight other planets and their satellites, and smaller objects, such as asteroids and comets.
Grade 8 - Students know the appearance, general composition, relative position and size, and motion of objects in the solar system, including planets, planetary satellites, comets, and asteroids.
Grades 9-12 - Students know how the differences and similarities among the sun, the terrestrial planets, and the gas planets may have been established during the formation of the solar system.
Curricular Connections
Grade 3 - Students know that Earth is one of several planets that orbit the Sun and that the Moon orbits Earth.
Grade 5 - Students know the solar system includes the planet Earth, the Moon, the Sun, eight other planets and their satellites, and smaller objects, such as asteroids and comets.
Grade 8 - Students know the appearance, general composition, relative position and size, and motion of objects in the solar system, including planets, planetary satellites, comets, and asteroids.
Grades 9-12 - Students know how the differences and similarities among the sun, the terrestrial planets, and the gas planets may have been established during the formation of the solar system.