Mississippi Science E.5.8B

E.5.8B is a cluster heading. These are the individual standards under it.

• E.5.8B.1

  Analyze and interpret data from observations and research (e.g., from NASA, NOAA, or the USGS) to explain patterns in the location, movement, and appearance of ...

• E.5.8B.2

  Develop and use a model of the Earth-Sun-Moon system to analyze the cyclic patterns of lunar phases, solar and lunar eclipses, and seasons.

• E.5.8B.3

  Develop and use models to explain the factors (e.g., tilt, revolution, and angle of sunlight) that result in Earth's seasonal changes.

• E.5.8B.4

  Obtain information and analyze how our understanding of the solar system has evolved over time (e.g., Earth-centered model of Aristotle and Ptolemy compared to ...

01

What Students Need to Do

Students track the Moon’s shape and position using dated sky observations. They use models to explain day and night, Moon phases, eclipses, and seasons. They compare Earth-centered and Sun-centered models with observations.

02

What Mastery Looks Like

Students can predict the Moon’s next phase from a month of sketches. They use a lamp and globe to show why eclipses happen and why Earth’s tilt causes seasons. They explain why the Sun-centered model better fits observations.

03

Common Misconceptions

Students may think Earth’s shadow causes ordinary Moon phases or that every full moon brings an eclipse. They may think seasons happen because Earth moves closer to the Sun. Some confuse the Sun’s apparent daily movement with the Sun orbiting Earth.

04

How to Assess It

Exit ticket: Give students four dated Moon sketches in order. Ask them to draw the next phase and explain why it is not caused by Earth’s shadow.

1. 01

   Use a lamp, foam Moon ball, and tilted globe to model a lunar eclipse, then compare sunlight on each hemisphere.

2. 02

   Show Galileo’s drawings of Venus’s phases beside Earth-centered and Sun-centered diagrams; ask which diagram explains all the drawings.

3. 03

   Give pairs dated Moon photos from one month; have them order the photos and sketch the next phase.

4. 04

   Use a local moonrise calendar; have students graph four weeks of times and explain why the Moon is not always visible at night.

• ESS.1B

  Students will develop an understanding of Earth, the solar system, and the laws that predict the motion of celestial bodies.

• E.7.9C

  Students will demonstrate an understanding that the seasons are the direct result of the Earth's tilt and the intensity of sunlight on the Earth's hemispheres.

• E.K.8A

  Students will demonstrate an understanding of the pattern of seasonal changes on the Earth.

• E.2.8

  Students will demonstrate an understanding of the appearance, movements, and patterns of the sun, moon, and stars.