How can we obtain and communicate information to model and compare the characteristics and movements of objects in the Solar System?
Background Information
In grades 3 -7 you may remember developing and using models of Earth's Solar System to exemplify the location and order of the planets as they orbit the Sun and the main composition (rock or gas) of the planets. During the previous module you may remember learning about the characteristics and movements of all the planets in our Solar System.
Introduction
Earth is a very special planet out in space. Any "natural" object found beyond Earth's atmosphere (which is the majority of the Universe!) including the Moon, the Sun, the planets as well as many other objects are considered celestial objects. Our Solar System contains many small objects, that, like the planets, orbit the Sun. Scientists classify these objects based on their sizes, shapes, compositions, and orbits. The major categories include dwarf planets, comets, asteroids and meteoroids, meteors, and meteorites. Most of which have a great "impact" on Earth and require careful scientific study.
What are Celestial Objects?
Celestial objects are any natural object that is located outside of Earth's atmosphere, such as the Moon, the Sun, an asteroid, planet, or star.
Essential Question
What are the characteristics and movements of dwarf planets, moons, asteroids, comets, meteoroids, meteors, meteorites and other celestial objects found in space?
Take a moment to think about what you would really like to learn this week about celestial objects found in space and add your question(s) to your science journal.