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Science.3.9.A

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The student is expected to

construct models and explain the orbits of the Sun, Earth, and Moon in relation to each other; and

A student expectation is directly related to the knowledge and skills statement, is more specific about how students demonstrate their learning, and always begins with a verb. Student expectations are further broken down into their component parts, often referred to as “breakouts.”

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  • Alignments
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SCIENCE.3.9.A — Vertical Alignment

Vertical alignment shows student expectations in the same subject area at different grade levels that are related to or build upon one another.

S.3.9.A

construct models and explain the orbits of the Sun, Earth, and Moon in relation to each other; and

S.4.9.B

collect and analyze data to identify sequences and predict patterns of change in the observable appearance of the Moon from Earth.

S.6.9.B
describe and predict how the positions of the Earth, Sun, and Moon cause daily, spring, and neap cycles of ocean tides due to gravitational forces.
S.7.9.C
analyze the characteristics of Earth that allow life to exist such as the proximity of the Sun, presence of water, and composition of the atmosphere.
ASTRO.8.A
model how the orbit and relative position of the Moon cause lunar phases and predict the timing of moonrise and moonset during each phase;
ASTRO.8.B
model how the orbit and relative position of the Moon cause lunar and solar eclipses; and
ASTRO.8.C
examine and investigate the dynamics of tides using the Sun, Earth, and Moon model.
ASTRO.9.C
investigate the relationship between a planet's axial tilt, angle of incidence of sunlight, and concentration of solar energy; and
ASTRO.11.D
compare the factors essential to life on Earth such as temperature, water, gases, and gravitational and magnetic fields to conditions on other planets and their satellites.
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SCIENCE.3.9.A — Breakout of skills

Breakouts are the component parts that make up a student expectation. A breakout shows a distinct concept a student should know or a distinct skill that a student should be able to demonstrate.

The student is expected to
construct models of the Sun, Earth, and Moon in relation to each other
explain the orbits of the Sun, Earth, and Moon in relation to each other

Recurring themes and concepts — Connections to the content

Recurring themes and concepts provide a connective structure for scientific ideas across disciplines. The connection(s) below show some ways that teachers can help students understand how the content they are learning fits into the broader understanding of science. These connections do not represent all possible connections that might be made but highlight some that are appropriate for this grade level.
Patterns

Patterns are regular sequences that can be found throughout nature.

Students can explain the motion of the Earth around the Sun and the Moon around the Earth because of the patterns in their orbits.

Scale, proportion, and quantity in systems

It is important to consider how changes in scale, proportion, or quantity affect a system’s structure or performance. Scale refers to the size of an object in relation to another object or its environment. Proportion is the ratio of one quantity to another. Quantity is a count of a set of objects or a measurement of a substance.

Models are scale representations of objects or phenomena.

Model the interdependence and parts of a system

A system is a whole made of parts that work together. It has components and boundaries. It can interact with or be part of other systems.

The Sun, Earth, and Moon (parts) comprise a system that students model.

Cross-curricular Connections

The cross-curricular connections are designed to help educators make content connections between the science TEKS and math, English language arts and reading, social studies, and technology applications. The standards below illustrate alignment between grade level content areas which may help educators develop cross-curricular lessons. These connections do not represent all possible connections that might be made.
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Math

Math.3.1.A apply mathematics to problems arising in everyday life, society, and the workplace

Math.3.1.D communicate mathematical ideas, reasoning, and their implications using multiple representations, including symbols, diagrams, graphs, and language as appropriate

Math.3.1.E create and use representations to organize, record, and communicate mathematical ideas

English Language Arts and Reading

ELAR.3.6.D create mental images to deepen understanding

ELAR.3.6.F make inferences and use evidence to support understanding

ELAR.3.6.H synthesize information to create new understanding

ELAR.3.13.E demonstrate understanding of information gathered

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