Important Science Concepts

Enduring Understandings

Weather Changes

Weather conditions can vary from day to day. Weather conditions can change within a day. We use tools such as rain gauges, windsocks, and thermometers to gather information about weather. We can use charts, tables, and graphs for recording and comparing weather.

The Sun and Water Cycle

• The Sun is our closest star and is composed of gas.
• The sun's heat and light provides energy for the water cycle, warms the earth, and provides sunlight for plants to grow and produce food.
• The Sun is the major source of energy for Earth. The water cycle, winds, ocean currents and growth of plants are affected by the Sun’s energy. Seasons result from varying amounts of the Sun’s energy hitting Earth’s surface.

Sun, Earth, Moon, and Solar System

• Each of the planets in our solar system orbits the Sun and maintains it place in relationship to the Sun and each other.
• The Earth, Moon and Sun interact in ways that affect our planet in fundamental ways.
• Model can be used to represent the Moon orbiting the Earth and the Earth orbiting the Sun.