Friday, December 20, 2013

MS - ESS1 B Earth, Sun, and Moon System - FINAL (WND 12-23-13)

Module: Earth, Sun, and Moon System
DCI: ESS1.B (B) This model of the solar system can explain eclipses of the sun and the moon. Earth’s spin axis is fixed in direction over the short-term but tilted relative to its orbit around the sun. The seasons are a result of that tilt and are caused by the differential intensity of sunlight on different areas of Earth across the year.
Connections to Nature of Science: Scientific Knowledge Assumes and Order and Consistency in Natural Systems: Science assumes that objects and events in natural systems occur in consistent patterns that are understandable through measurement and observation.
PE: MS-ESS1-1 Develop and use a model of the Earth-sun-moon system to describe the cyclic patterns of lunar phases, eclipses of the sun and moon, and seasons.


 [Clarification Statement: Examples of models can be physical, graphical, or conceptual.]

This standard comes directly after a standard that reads, "the solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them."


We see the following ideas in this standard: 
-Seasons are a result of the tilt of the axis relative to orbit. 
-The tilt results in differential intensity of sunlight. 
-lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly behind the Earth into its umbra (shadow). 
-solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, and the Moon fully or partially blocks ("occults") the Sun.


Possible Question Starters: 
"Regular eclipses of the sun and moon can best be explained by which of the following?"

-correct answer - the rotations of the earth around the sun and the moon around the earth
-incorrect answer - the movements of the sun and moon around the earth 


"The tilt of the Earth on its spin axis is responsible for which of the following?"
correct answer - changing seasons
incorrect answer - solar and lunar eclipses


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