Astronomy fourth grade

Astronomy Unit of StudyFourth Grade DFES 2014

What makes a neighborhood?1. How would you describe our location of

planet Earth? Is this a neighborhood? What is in it? Resource: pg. 216

2. What are the places in Earth’s neighborhood?

Our Solar SystemPages 208-209

planets moons comets star other

orbit the sun orbits a planet ice and rock only 1 in our system: the sun!

asteroids

gassy or rocky rocky burn up in contact with atmosphere

gassy space junk and satellites

What physical features do the planets have?

Mercury Venus Earth Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune Pluto--dwarf planet

red=inner rocky plantets

blue=outer gas planets

Pages 212-215

How can we remember the order of the planets?Planet order song (mellow)

Planet order (rap)

Acronym: MVEMJSUNPMy Very Eager Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas!

The Rocky P’s and Gassy G’sClassify the planets into 2 groups!

Rocky Planets Gassy Giants

How did you do?

What do the planets have in common?

All planets orbit the _____, the only _____ in our solar system.

They all orbit in a path around the _____.

What do the planets have in common?

All planets orbit the sun, the only star in our solar system.

They all orbit in a path around the sun in our solar system.

orbit: to make a complete revolution

How is earth unlike other planets?

Earth is unique because….1.2.3.

How is earth unlike other planets?

Earth is unique because….1. It has atmosphere

and weather.2. It was liquid water.3. It is inhabited by

organisms.

What have we learned?1. The rocky planets are________2. The gas giants are ________3. The smallest planets are_________4. The largest planets are__________5. The order of the planets from closest to the sun to the

farthest from the sun _______________6. Earth is unique because_________________________

The Earth, Moon, and Sun1. Work in pairs to write descriptions of the SUN,

EARTH, and the MOON. 2. Use any of the following resources:

● Text pgs 190, and pages 196-197.● NASA Kids Explore● Study Jams: The Moon● Study Jams: A Day on Earth● Orbit of the Earth and Moon● The Earth, Moon, and the Sun

Earth, Moon, and Sun

Earth Moon Suntype: type: type:

atmosphere: atmosphere: atmosphere:

surface: surface surface

movementand position

movementand position

movement and position

What type of object is each, what atmosphere does it have, and how is its surface classified?

Venn Diagram

Key for Venn Diagram

How do the moon and sun differ?

The moon ______the earth. It is a natural _________ because it goes around another object. The sun, on the other hand, never ever ________. The sun _________light while the moon ___________the light from the sun. We would _______without the sun, but we could live without the moon.

With the Sun’s Light Without the Sun’s Light

Why do we have shadows?You will need:● a light source● an object● a surface

How do shadows change?I noticed... I wonder...

Why do shadows change?I noticed… I wonder...

Changes in Outdoor ShadowsQualitative Quantitative

Illustrate/Create a ModelLabel the light source, object, shadow, and the time of day.

What can we conclude?When the light source was _________, the shadow __________ from _____ to_____ centimeters in length.

Quick WriteExplain and illustrate how earth’s rotation causes changes in the sunlight we receive in the western hemisphere during a 24 hour cycle. What evidence do you have that earth rotates?

A Day on Earth with Study Jams

Lunar ObservationsI noticed I wonder

Page 218-219

Research Time!Sources of data:1. primary source--observations from your log2. text pgs. 196-2023. nonfiction books at your table4. Star Child5. NASA6. The Moon’s Phases

How does the moon appear to change over time?

Why does the moon appear to change?

The moon has a cycle or phases. Check out this video clip!

How does the moon affect earth?

Let’s see how water changes on earth!

Bill Nye

Discussion Time!1. What causes day and night?

2. Which celestial bodies orbit?

3. What is earth’s natural satellite?

4. How can we classify the planets?

What Causes the Seasons?

There are reasons for the seasons! Watch this clip and take the quiz!

Create a Model!

You will need:A light sourceA replica of earthAn axis point

Let’s Review!When the northern hemisphere is tilted away from the sun, it is __________. But, in the southern hemisphere, it is _____________.

It is hotter in the summer because the rays are more _________ than in the winter.

Observing the Night Sky1. What tool can we use magnify the surface of

the moon from earth?2. Which star is a constant source of direction

in the night sky?3. Why do the positions of the constellations

vary throughout the year?

ConstellationsWhat are constellations?

Why were they important to natives and the explorers?

How could the stars help you find a direction?

Quantify It!1. How many:

a. Hours in a day? b. Days in a month? c. Days in a year?

2. How many?a. low tides in one day?b. high tides in one day?c. hours between low and high tide?

Some Answers Earth revolves around the Sun one time each year in about 365 days.

Earth rotates every 24 hours to create day and night.

There are 29 ½ days each month.

Review Time!Read and answer questions 1-10 on pages 222-223.

Create a foldable as a study guide on the Earth and Moon (see page 203).