Earth, Moon, Sun System

1. The sun is the primary source of energy for all living things.
2. Objects in the sky have patterns of movement.
   1. Earth orbits (revolves) around the sun and spins (rotates) on its axis.
   2. The sun appears to move across the sky in the same way every day but changes its path over the seasons. (Note: students should never look directly at the sun.)
3. Demonstrate day and night by modeling earth as it spins on its axis.
4. The moon moves across the sky.
5. The observable shape (phases) of the moon change from day to day in a cycle that lasts about a month. There are eight distinct, traditionally recognized moon phases.

Solar System

1. From earth the sun can only be seen during the day, the moon can be seen sometimes at night, and sometimes during the day.
2. Time is related to the motions within the earth-moon-sun-system.
   1. Earth orbits (revolves) around the sun in approximately 365 days.
   2. Earth spins (rotates) on its axis every 24 hours.
   3. The moon orbits around earth in about 29 days.
   4. Earth is the third planet in our solar system.

Stars

1. Observe that there are numerous stars in the sky.
2. The stars are unevenly distributed and differ in size, color, and brightness.
   

Galaxies and Universe

1. Celestial objects can be seen in greater detail when observed using a light telescope or binoculars.
2. Journals may be used to recognize and record short and long term changes in the night sky.