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

1666 TEKS header image

Knowledge and Skills Statement

Earth and space. The student knows there are recognizable objects and patterns in Earth's solar system.
Diagram of the Sun – Earth – Moon system. The Sun is in the center. The Earth is orbiting around the Sun. The moon is orbiting around the Earth.
Siyavula Education. “Earth, Moon, and Sun system.” Flickr. 3 April 2014, https://www.flickr.com/photos/121935927@N06/13598100735.

consists of the Sun and a collection of objects of varying sizes and conditions—including planets and their moons—that are held in orbit around the Sun by its gravitational pull on them

the curved path of a celestial object or spacecraft around a star, planet, or moon, especially a periodic elliptical revolution

regular sequences that can be found throughout nature

Research

Ashmann, Scott. 2012. “A Sun-Earth-Moon Activity to Develop Student Understanding of Lunar Phases and Frames of Reference.” Science Scope 35, no. 6 (February 2012): 32–36. https://www.proquest.com/docview/920350295?sourcetype=Scholarly%20Journals.

Summary: This article provides a series of questions to guide students to a deeper understanding of the phases of the Moon and the Moon’s relation to the Sun and Earth. This activity can help students to understand better the relative positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon. In this activity, the teacher uses a dark room with a lamp representing the Sun. A student represents the Earth. During this time, the teacher should ask guiding questions about the Earth’s rotation and allows the class to discuss their thoughts. Another student is added to represent the Moon. Asking students what the Moon represents one day allows the teacher to see what misconceptions students have about the Moon and its movement.