• Our Solar System
     
     space picture
     
          Get ready for some fun during this out...of...this...world unit!  Are you ready to learn more about how the seasons and day/nighttime occur?  Have you ever wondered what makes Mars so unique? Are you curious to know why the moon appears to look different each night?  Well...then pack your bags and fasten your seat belts as we go through this fantastic voyage together! 
     
     
    solar system  
     
     
    By the end of this unit, the students will be able to...
    • understand the sun's predictable daily pattern can be explained by the rotation of the Earth
    • explain how the Earth's orbit around the sun causes the changes in the length of day and night
    • understand that the observable shape of the moon changes from day to day in a predictable pattern
    • understand that the moon's cycle takes about a month, the time it takes for the moon to orbit the Earth
    • understand the sun is a star like all other stars, the sun is the center of our solar system, and Earth is one of nine planets that orbit it
    • identify the eight planets that orbit around our sun and explain each planet's unique characteristics that distinguish it from other planets
    Solar System Sites 
     
     
     
     
    Study Jam a day on Earth
     
     
     
    Day and Night  science demo
     
    What Causes Seasons?  science demo
     
     


    Planet Facts

    Planet Earth

    Moon Phases    A fun site to learn about the moon's phases and  Moon Game  

     

    Helpful Classroom Links

    Moon Calendar Letter

    Moon Log

    Solar System Study Guide 

    Phases of the Moon - Find out what the moon looked like on your birthday!