Standard #: SC.4.E.5.4


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Relate that the rotation of Earth (day and night) and apparent movements of the Sun, Moon, and stars are connected.


General Information

Subject Area: Science
Grade: 4
Body of Knowledge: Earth and Space Science
Big Idea: Earth in Space and Time - Humans continue to explore Earth's place in space. Gravity and energy influence the formation of galaxies, including our own Milky Way Galaxy, stars, the Solar System, and Earth. Humankind's need to explore continues to lead to the development of knowledge and understanding of our Solar System.
Date Adopted or Revised: 02/08
Content Complexity Rating: Level 3: Strategic Thinking & Complex Reasoning - More Information
Date of Last Rating: 05/08
Status: State Board Approved
Assessed: Yes

Related Courses

Course Number1111 Course Title222
5020050: Science - Grade Four (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
7720050: Access Science Grade 4 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2018, 2018 - 2023, 2023 and beyond (current))


Related Access Points

Access Point Number Access Point Title
SC.4.E.5.Pa.3 Identify morning, noon, and night.
SC.4.E.5.In.4 Recognize that the Sun appears to rise and set because of Earth’s rotation in a 24-hour day.
SC.4.E.5.Su.4 Recognize that the side of Earth facing the Sun has daylight.


Related Resources

Educational Games

Name Description
Astro Adventure (Earth, Space and Beyond)

This is a series of interactive modules on Engineering Interact, a free resource developed by the University of Cambridge Engineering department. It is a great whole group, small group, or individual interactive activity to explain a variety of concepts related to the solar system, including the rotation of the earth, what gives us our calendar, what causes the changes in seasons, how the planets are classified, and the phases of the moon.

Taking a Voyage Away from Home In this printable lesson, K-2 Students create a model of the Sun and Earth. They also put together a simple puzzle of the solar system.

Lesson Plans

Name Description
Moon Phases

This activity asks students to use models of Earth, the Sun, and the Moon system to discover why moon phases occur. Students use a Styrofoam ball to represent the Moon, which will be lit by a single light source in the classroom, to observe how different portions of the ball are illuminated as they hold it in various positions.

How is the Earth Connected to the Moon, Sun and Other Parts of the Universe? There are many connections between the Earth and other heavenly bodies. The Earth's rotation creates night and day. The moon's rotation and revolution around the Earth creates the moon phases.
The Lunar Cycle In this lesson, students learn about the Moon's changing appearance and its pattern of movement. Through class discussion, activities, and multimedia resources, students explore the phases of the Moon and are introduced to the concept of orbital motion. The Moon, Earth's only natural satellite, is easily observed with the naked eye. Over the course of one month, students observe and investigate its full range of appearances and its pattern of movement in the sky. Students then model the sun, earth and moon system in the classroom.

Original Student Tutorial

Name Description
Rotation of the Earth

Explore the motion of objects in the sky like the Sun, Moon and stars and their connection to the rotating Earth in this interactive tutorial.

Teaching Ideas

Name Description
Earth and Moon Viewer This website can be used to show students views of the moon. The Earth can also be viewed.
Star Light, Star Bright

As a result of this activity, students will be able to identify different constellations and the myths associated with them. Students will also have a better understanding of why the stars appear to move across the sky and why different constellations can be seen in different seasons.

Video/Audio/Animation

Name Description
Observe Sunrise and Sunset This video segment produced for Teachers' Domain features a time-lapse video of clouds forming, changing, and moving across the sky from day to night.

Student Resources

Original Student Tutorial

Name Description
Rotation of the Earth :

Explore the motion of objects in the sky like the Sun, Moon and stars and their connection to the rotating Earth in this interactive tutorial.

Video/Audio/Animation

Name Description
Observe Sunrise and Sunset: This video segment produced for Teachers' Domain features a time-lapse video of clouds forming, changing, and moving across the sky from day to night.


Parent Resources

Educational Game

Name Description
Astro Adventure (Earth, Space and Beyond):

This is a series of interactive modules on Engineering Interact, a free resource developed by the University of Cambridge Engineering department. It is a great whole group, small group, or individual interactive activity to explain a variety of concepts related to the solar system, including the rotation of the earth, what gives us our calendar, what causes the changes in seasons, how the planets are classified, and the phases of the moon.

Teaching Idea

Name Description
Earth and Moon Viewer: This website can be used to show students views of the moon. The Earth can also be viewed.


Printed On:4/26/2024 4:10:04 PM
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