Earth's Place in the Universe - Intro
Sun, Earth, Moon: motion, position, and what we observe
Description
A 10-minute intro lesson using a quick model to connect the Sun-Earth-Moon system to observable patterns (day/night now; seasons, tides, phases, eclipses preview).
Learning Objectives
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Identify the Sun-Earth-Moon system and correctly use rotate vs. revolve (orbit).
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Connect relative position and motion in the Sun-Earth-Moon system to at least one observable pattern (day/night) and preview others (phases, seasons, tides, eclipses).
Content Preview
Preview of the PRISM content
## Engage (1 minute) Teacher prompt (show of hands): - Why do we get day and night? - What do you think the Moon is doing while we are having daytime?
Tell students: "Today we start Earth's place in the universe by focusing on the Sun, Earth, and Moon. We will use a quick model and connect motion + position to patterns we can observe."
Rotate: spin in place around an axis. Revolve (orbit): travel around another object. Axis: an imaginary line an object spins around. System: a group of parts that interact.
- Earth rotates: this creates day and night.
- The Moon revolves (orbits) around Earth.
- Earth revolves (orbits) around the Sun.
- Relative position + motion create patterns we can observe (today: day/night; later: phases, seasons, tides, eclipses).
Assessment Questions
3 questionsWhat causes day and night on Earth?
Which statement is correct?
In 1-2 sentences: Explain how motion and position in the Sun-Earth-Moon system can create patterns we observe in the sky. Name at least one pattern.
Standards Alignment
Resource Details
- Subject
- Science
- Language
- EN-US
- Author
- Teacher
- License
- CC-BY-4.0
- PRISM ID
- nc-6th-sci-earth-place-universe-intro-10min