5-ESS1-1 lessons
Support an argument that the Sun looks brighter than other stars because it is much closer to Earth.
The Next Generation Science Standards code 5-ESS1-1 asks students to: “Support an argument that the Sun looks brighter than other stars because it is much closer to Earth.” These Fieldbook lesson teaches it hands-on, with everyday materials, a printable teacher guide and a student sheet.
Sun, Earth and Moon Grades 4–5
- How far away is the Sun, really? 50–60 min
Teams build the Sun, Earth and Moon to one scale, with an exercise ball, a peppercorn and a grain of salt, then pace out the real distances on the school field. They use the model and a flashlight test to argue why the Sun looks so much bigger and brighter than any other star.
NGSS is used as written in Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, so the code 5-ESS1-1 matches there. Other states word and number their own versions: see curriculum alignment for your state's codes.
More NGSS standards for Grade 5
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