Unpacked Content
Scientific and Engineering Practices
Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
Crosscutting Concepts
Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
Knowledge
Students know:
- Earth's spin axis is fixed in direction over the short term but tilted relative to its orbit around the sun.
Skills
Students are able to:
- Use mathematical representations to describe cyclic patterns of the seasons.
Understanding
Students understand that:
- The seasons are a result of Earth's tilt relative to its orbit around the sun and are caused by the differential intensity of sunlight on different areas of Earth across the year.
- Patterns can be used to identify cause-and-effect relationships.
Vocabulary
- zenith
- solar angle
- surface area
- horizon
- north/ south pole
- axis
- revolution
- rotation
- hemisphere
