Middle School
Space Systems
Earth-Sun-Moon patterns, gravity, solar system scale, and seasons.
MS-ESS1-1, MS-ESS1-2, MS-ESS1-3
2 lessons
4 quiz questions
Lesson 1: Earth, Sun, and Moon Patterns
Model eclipses, lunar phases, seasons, and tides.
Learning goals
- Explain lunar phases.
- Model eclipses and seasons.
- Connect gravity to tides.
Orbital patterns
The Moon orbits Earth, and Earth orbits the Sun. These motions explain lunar phases, eclipses, and seasonal patterns.
Gravity
Gravity holds objects in orbit and causes tides through the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun on Earth's oceans.
Lesson 2: Solar System Scale
Compare sizes and distances of solar system objects.
Learning goals
- Describe the solar system.
- Use scale models.
- Compare planets, moons, asteroids, and comets.
Solar system objects
The solar system includes the Sun, planets, moons, dwarf planets, asteroids, comets, and smaller objects.
Scale
Distances in space are enormous. Scale models help represent relationships that are too large to observe directly.