Prek-2 A1

Science Curriculum Preview Committee Clarification of Learning Results

Revised 08/22/04

PreK-2

G3. Demonstrate an understanding that the sun is one of many stars in the universe and is the closest star to earth.

Curriculum Organizing Questions

What is a star?

Is the sun a star?

Why does the sun appear to be so much bigger and brighter than other stars?

Elaboration
This concept is not developmentally appropriate for this age level and should be presented at a very basic and introductory level, if at all.

Specific Ideas

The sun is a star.

The earth orbits the sun.

Developmental & Instructional Implications
The ideas "the sun is a star" and "the earth orbits the sun" appear counter-intuitive to elementary-school students (Baxter, 1989; Vosniadou & Brewer, 1992) and are not likely to be believed or even understood in those grades (Vosniadou, 1991). Whether it is possible for elementary students to understand these concepts even with good teaching needs further investigation. Benchmarks p. 335.

Examples

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Curriculum Organizing Questions	What is a star? Is the sun a star? Why does the sun appear to be so much bigger and brighter than other stars?
Elaboration	This concept is not developmentally appropriate for this age level and should be presented at a very basic and introductory level, if at all.
Specific Ideas	The sun is a star. The earth orbits the sun.
Developmental & Instructional Implications	The ideas "the sun is a star" and "the earth orbits the sun" appear counter-intuitive to elementary-school students (Baxter, 1989; Vosniadou & Brewer, 1992) and are not likely to be believed or even understood in those grades (Vosniadou, 1991). Whether it is possible for elementary students to understand these concepts even with good teaching needs further investigation. Benchmarks p. 335.
Examples