STANDARD E5: THE EARTH IN SPACE AND TIME Students explain theories about how the Earth and universe formed and evolved over a long period of time. Students predict how human activities may influence the climate of the future.

E5.p1 Sky Observations (prerequisite) Common sky observations (such as lunar phases) can be explained by the motion of solar system objects in regular and predictable patterns. Our galaxy, observable as the Milky Way, is composed of billions of stars, some of which have planetary systems. Seasons are a result of the tilt of the rotation axis of the Earth. The motions of the moon and sun affect the phases of the moon and ocean tides.

Reach for the Stars - Students will demonstrate an understanding and basic knowledge of the properties and evolution of sun-sized and massive stars, open clusters and globular clusters, and normal and star-forming galaxies.