RPSEC Student Programs for
South Carolina & Georgia Schools

South Carolina Schools

Georgia Schools

Grade 4: SCSS 3.1, 3.2, 3.8
Grade 8: SCSS 4.1, 4.9, 4.10

Grade 4 Science
Astronomy
Standard 4-3: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the properties, movements, and locations of objects in the solar system. (Earth Science)

Indicators:
3.1 Recall that Earth is one of many planets in the solar system that orbit the Sun.
3.2 Compare properties (including the type of surface and atmosphere) and the location of Earth to the Sun, which is a star, and the Moon.
3.8 Recognize the purpose of telescopes.

Grade 8 Science
Astronomy: Earth and Space Systems
Standard 8-4: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics, structure, and predictable motions of celestial bodies. (Earth Science)

Indicators:
4.1 Summarize the characteristics and movements of objects in the solar system (including planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and meteors).
4.9 Recall the Sun’s position in the universe, the shapes and compositions of galaxies, and the distance measurement unit (light year) needed to identify star and galaxy locations.
4.10 Compare the purposes of the tools and the technology that scientist use to study space (including various types of telescopes, satellites, space probes, and spectroscopes).

Grade 4: S4E1 a, b, c, d
Grade 6: S6E1 a, b, c, d, f

Grade 4 Science
Astronomy
S4E1: Students will compare and contrast the physical attributes of stars, star patterns, and planets.

Indicators:
a. Recognize the physical attributes of stars in the night sky such as number, size, color and patterns.
b. Compare the similarities and differences of planets to the stars in appearance, position, and number in the night sky.
c. Explain why the pattern of stars in a constellation stays the same, but a planet can be seen in different locations at different times.
d. Identify how technology is used to observe distant objects in the sky.

Grade 6 Science
S6E1: Students will explore current scientific views of the universe and how those views evolved.

Indicators:
a. Relate the Nature of Science to the progression of basic historical scientific theories (geocentric and heliocentric) as they describe our solar system, and the Big Bang as it describes the formation
b. Describe the position of the solar system in the Milky Way galaxy and the universe.
c. Compare and contrast the planets in terms of
Size relative to the earth
Surface and atmospheric features
Relative distance from the sun
Ability to support life
d. Explain the motion of objects in the day/night sky in terms of relative position.
f. Describe the characteristics of comets, asteroids, and meteors.