MS-ESS1-1
The standard
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.
Next Generation Science Standards
What this standard means
Students need to model how Earth, the moon, and the sun move in relation to each other. They should use that model to explain why moon phases repeat, why eclipses happen only at certain times, and why seasons change through the year.
Mastery means students can connect what they see in the sky to positions and motion in the system. They can point to the model and explain cause and effect. Common sticking points are thinking Earth's shadow causes moon phases, mixing up rotation and revolution, and believing seasons are caused by distance from the sun.
Ways to teach it
- Use a lamp, foam balls, and pencils to model moon phases, eclipses, and Earth's tilt during different seasons.
- Ask students to write: Why do we not have a solar eclipse every time there is a new moon?
- Show four Earth, moon, and sun diagrams, then have students label the phase, eclipse type, or season shown.
- Have students compare a local sunrise chart and moon phase calendar to patterns shown in their class model.
Plan a lesson for MS-ESS1-1
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related standards
- MS-ESS1-2
Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.
- MS-ESS2-4
Develop a model to describe the cycling of water through Earth's systems driven by energy from the sun and the force of gravity.
- MS-ESS2-1
Develop a model to describe the cycling of Earth's materials and the flow of energy that drives this process.
- 1-ESS1-1
Use observations of the sun, moon, and stars to describe patterns that can be predicted.