Content Standard: G. The Universe
Students will gain knowledge about the universe and how humans have learned about it, and about the principles upon which it operates.
Common Assessment(s): MAP Task: Map for an Alien ,(also K6,Scientific Reasoning, L4, Communication)

Performance Indicators Students will be able to:	Essential Elements (Specific grade level learning objectives)			Suggested Performance Activities	Suggested Classroom Assessments	Vocabulary
1. Illustrate the relative positions of the sun, moon, and planets.	The sun is the only star in our universe. Each of the nine planets revolve around the sun. The moon revolves around our earth.			Students will examine and prepare models and diagrams of the sun, moon, and planets. McGraw-Hill text grade 3, pp. 225-256	Students will be able to illustrate and explain the relative positions of the sun, moon, and planets.	astronaut axis of Earth diagrams earth eclipse gravitational pull gravity heat energy Jupiter light energy lunar Mars Mercury models moon Neptune orbit patterns (seasons, phases of moon, rotation patterns...)phases of moon (quarters, crescent, new, half) planets Pluto revolution rotate satellite Saturn seasons solar solar system sun telescope tides Uranus Venus
2. Trace the sources of earth's heat and light energy to the sun.	Light and heat from the sun are the earth's main sources of energy. Our food supply depends on the sun.			Students will brainstorm and discuss the significance of the sun to life on earth. Students will describe how the absence of the sun would affect life on earth. McGraw-Hill grade 3 text, p. 226	Students will be able to describe how the sun affects life on earth.
3. Describe earth's rotation on it axis and its revolution around the sun.	Axis is a real or imaginary line through the center of the earth, it is slightly tilted. Earth rotates on a tilted axis. Earth revolves (move in a circle) around the sun in an oval path.			Students will examine models and diagrams of the earth showing its rotation and revolution. Students will use dramatic activities to demonstrate these concepts. McGraw-Hill grade 3 text p. 197	Students will demonstrate or explain the rotation of the earth on its axis and it revolution around the sun.
4. Explore the relationship between the earth and its moon.	The changing view of the moon is called the moon's phases. Ocean tides are caused by the pull of gravity between the Earth, Moon and Sun.			Students will track and chart the moon's phases throughout one cycle. McGraw-Hill, Unit 4 p. 206-207 www.mhschool.com/science	Students will be able to illustrate the phases of the moon.