MS-ESS1-3 lessons
Analyze data to find the scale properties (sizes and distances) of objects in the solar system.
The Next Generation Science Standards code MS-ESS1-3 asks students to: “Analyze data to find the scale properties (sizes and distances) of objects in the solar system.” 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 · partly supports this standard
- 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 MS-ESS1-3 matches there. Other states word and number their own versions: see curriculum alignment for your state's codes.
More NGSS standards for middle school
All standards we teach · Curriculum alignment by state and province
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