Unit D: Cycles on Earth and in Space
Chapter 3: Earth and Its place in the Solar System
Chapter 3 Introduction
Looking up at a clear night sky, you will see tiny points of light. If you could leave Earth and travel through space to get closer to those lights, you would see that they are other worlds and other suns, but not like the Earth and the sun that we know.
Click on the button below to watch and interact with a video. |
Chapter 3, Lesson 1: What Is the Solar System?
Summary
The solar system has nine planets that orbit the sun. Earth is one of those planets. Asteroids and comets are also parts of the solar system. Click on the button below to watch and interact with a video. |
Chapter 3, Lesson 2: What Causes Earth's Seasons?
Summary
Earth rotates on its axis and revolves around the sun. Earth has seasons because its axis is tilted. The sun heats Earth's surface differently at different times of the year. Night and day happen as Earth rotates. Places on Earth's surface move from sunlight into darkness and back. Click on the button below to watch and interact with a video. |
Chapter 3, Lesson 3: How Do the Moon and Earth Interact?
Summary
Phases are the different shapes the moon seems to have in the sky. The moon goes through its phases every 29 1/2 days. Eclipses happen when one object in space moves into the shadow of another. There are lunar eclipses and solar eclipses. Click on the button below to watch and interact with a video. |
Chapter 3, Lesson 4: What is Beyond the Solar System?
Summary
Constellations are groups of stars that form patterns. A telescope is a tool that makes faraway things look clearer and bigger. More stars can be seen with a telescope than without one. |
For Review
Click on the picture below to watch a Bill Nye video about space.
Click on the picture below to watch a Bill Nye video about space.