RPSEC Student Programs for
South Carolina & Georgia Schools

South Carolina Schools

Georgia Schools

Grade 8: SCSS 4.1, 4.4, 4.5

Grade 8 Science
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).
4.4 Explain the motions of Earth and the Moon and the effects of these motions as they orbit the Sun (including day, year, phases of the Moon, eclipses, and tides).
4.5 Explain how the tilt of Earth’s axis affects the length of the day and the amount of heating on Earth’s surface, thus causing the seasons of the year.

Grade 6: S6E1 a, b, c, d, e, f / S6E2 a, b, c

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.
e. Explain that gravity is the force that governs the motion in the solar system.
f. Describe the characteristics of comets, asteroids, and meteors.

S6E2: Students will understand the effects of the relative positions of the earth, moon and sun.

Indicators:
a. Demonstrate the phases of the moon by showing the alignment of the earth, moon, and sun.
b. Explain the alignment of the earth, moon, and sun during solar and lunar eclipses.
c. Relate the tilt of the earth to the distribution of sunlight throughout the year and its effect on climate.