S4E1. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to compare and contrast the physical attributes of stars and planets. 

b. Construct an argument on why some stars (including the Earth’s sun) appear to be larger or brighter than others.

c. Construct an explanation of the differences between stars and planets. 

d. Evaluate strengths and limitations of models of our solar system in describing relative size, order, appearance and composition of planets and the sun. (Clarification statement: Composition of planets is limited to rocky vs. gaseous.)

MGSE4.MD.2 Use the four operations to solve word problems involving distances, intervals of time, liquid volumes, masses of objects, and money, including problems involving simple fractions or decimals, and problems that require expressing measurements given in a larger unit in terms of a smaller unit. Represent measurement quantities using diagrams such as number line diagrams that feature a measurement scale.

standards

It was a normal day in the life of Callie, Josh, and Brian. They were excited for gym class today because they got to play basketball.

"Good morning class. When I say your name, just say here!

Callie, Brian and Josh."

Here!

Here!

Here!

Just as the students were getting ready to start, BOOM! POW! BLAM!

The students heard the gym doors slam open and could not believe what they were seeing walking towards them!

Guys! What is that?!

I can't tell, they look squishy!

"Greetings fellow aliens! My name is Bemi, and this is my brother, Grok. We seem to have been dropped off on the wrong planet. Nothing about this unusual place looks like home," said Bemi.

"Oh no, Bemi. Mother and Father will be so angry when we don't make it home for supper," said Grok.

Ah ha!!!

The students stood silently with a look of disbelief on their faces. Finally, Coach Curry asked, “What planet are you from?”

Bemi looked at Coach Curry and replied, “That’s the problem. We don’t know the name. We only know what it looks like. I’m sorry we can’t be of more help.”

Coach Curry thought for a moment and suddenly, “AH HA! The students and I have recently studied the solar system, stars, and our universe. We could help you by identifying the planets and keeping track of the distance between Earth and the planet that we pass!"

Bemi, Grok, Coach Curry and the students boarded the bus and started on their journey down the road.

Not long after hitting the road, Callie asked, "Coach Curry, how are we going to get to space in a bus that travels on a road?"

With a sly smile, Coach Curry injected something into the bus through the ignition and before they knew it..............

They were shooting through town, out of the state, and into the universe. They had no idea their teacher could be so cool!

"In order for us to make sure that we check every planet, we have to start from the Sun. Once we reach the Sun, we will start measuring how far the first planet is from the Sun using our bus' Super Mega measuring tape," said Coach Curry.

"Everyone, the Sun is actually a star. A star is a ball of hot gas and dust!"

Finally, the bus jolted to a stop and all of the students looked out of the bus window.

"Coach Curry, I'm not sure where we are. This place looks scary," said Callie

"Well class, let's look at how far we have traveled from the sun, the characteristics of this planet, and the order in the Solar System," Coach Curry said.

It's SO hot here!

Weight on Mercury: 32

Weight on Earth: 85

"Students, we have traveled exactly 35.98 million miles since we started measuring from the Sun. This planet is the first planet in our Solar System. So where are we, class?"

"Hmmm, I remember talking about this planet... There are craters everywhere and I don't see a moon," said Callie.

"We are on Mercury! Is this your home Bemi?" said Brian

"Oh no, kind Earthling.." said Grok

Coach Curry could see the defeat in the aliens' eyes.

"Don't worry guys, we will get you home! To the next planet!"

The students braced themselves as the bus shot off!

"Students, If you will look out your windows you will notice that there are many stars in our galaxy. Does anyone know what galaxy the Solar System belongs to??"

"The milkdud galaxy!!" said Josh

"Close but not exactly. We belong to the Milky Way Galaxy. It is a flattened disk of MILLIONS of stars. In our Solar System we only have ONE STAR. That is the Sun," Coach Curry explained

Stars and planets are different, Stars twinkle and planets don't. Anyone remember the song "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star?"

Your weight on Venus: 77

your weight on Earth: 85

"This isn't home either, Grok...."

"Callie, will you please check the bus' measuring tape? How far are we from the Sun now?"

"Coach Curry, we are 67 million miles from the Sun."

"Students, what do we notice about this planet?"

"Well Coach, there are thick yellow clouds everywhere, and for some reason I feel so much heavier here. I haven't even eaten lunch yet!" cried Josh.

"AHHH! We're on Venus. You will be much heavier here because there is more gravity than there was on Mercury!" exclaimed Brian.

"Our next stop should look very familiar. We are rounding out the third plant on this journey. Does anyone know where we are?" said Coach Curry.

"It is Earth!" said Brian.

"That's correct! Earth is where we live. It is the only planet that we know of that can have living things. Living things need air and water to live. The Earth has one moon and it orbits around Earth, just like the Earth orbits around the Sun." said Coach Curry.

"We know that this is not Bemi's and Grok's home planet," Said Callie.

Earth can be recognized by the blue oceans, white clouds, and brown lands.

"Class, look out the window. We are approaching the 4th planet."

"Coach Curry, there is a volcano over there!" exclaimed Brian.

"And why are there channels that looked like dried up rivers?" asked, Josh

"Callie, please look at our Mega Measuring Tape. How far are we from the Sun?" said Coach Curry

"141.6 million miles from the Sun, sir," stated Callie.

"Class, we have reached Mars. Scientist believe that there is no life on Mars and it is sometimes called the Red Planet. We once believed that there was life here, but with better technology, this has been proven to be false!" said Coach Curry

Weight on Mars: 32 lbs

Weight on Earth: 85 lbs