Academic Standard
The Universe
Initiative:
Tennessee State Standards
Set:
Science (2009-2018)
Type:
Standard
Code:
6
Grade range:
6
Groupings:
Subject = Earth & Space Science
Subject = Earth & Space Science
The universe includes the sum total of everything that exists including all matter and energy, the planets, stars, galaxies, and the contents of intergalactic space. As someone once said, what makes the universe so hard to comprehend is that there is nothing to compare it with. The most widely accepted model for the origin of the universe is the Big Bang. According to this theory, the universe is 13.7 billion years old, was infinitely hot at birth, and has cooled down as it has expanded. Even with technologies that allow different wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum to be recorded, only a small fraction of the universe is open to exploration.Conceptual StrandThe cosmos is vast and explored well enough to know its basic structure and operational principles.Guiding QuestionWhat big ideas guide human understanding about the origin and structure of the universe, Earths place in the cosmos, and observable motions and patterns in the sky?
Grade Level Expectation
Analyze information about the major components of the universe.
Describe the relative distance of objects in the solar system from earth.
Explain how the positional relationships among the earth, moon, and sun control the length of the day, lunar cycle, and year.
Describe the different stages in the lunar cycle.
Produce a model to demonstrate how the moon produces tides.
Illustrate the relationship between the seasons and the earth-sun system.
Describe the causes of lunar and solar eclipses.
Check For Understanding
Use data to draw conclusions about the major components of the universe.
Construct a model of the solar system showing accurate positional relationships and relative distances.
Investigate how the earth, sun, and moon are responsible for a day, lunar cycle, and year.
Explain why the positions of the earth, moon, and sun were used to develop calendars and clocks.
Illustrate the positions of the earth, moon, and sun during specific tidal conditions.
Diagram the relationship of the earth and sun that accounts for the seasons.
Model the positions of the earth, moon, and sun during solar and lunar eclipses.
State Performance Indicator
Use data to draw conclusions about the major components of the universe.
Explain how the relative distance of objects from the earth affects how they appear.
Distinguish among a day, lunar cycle, and year based on the movements of the earth, sun, and moon.
Explain the different phases of the moon using a model of the earth, moon, and sun.
Predict the types of tides that occur when the earth and moon occupy various positions.
Use a diagram that shows the positions of the earth and sun to explain the four seasons.
Explain the difference between a solar and a lunar eclipse.
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