What to know Stars can be different sizes and can give different amounts of light. Apparent brightness is affected by a star’s light and distance. Except for the Sun, stars are so distant that they appear as points of light. 🔎 Think like a scientist A star that appears faint is not necessarily small; it may be extremely far away.
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LESSON 7.2 · SC.3.E.5.2 · SC.3.E.5.3
The Sun Is a Star Learning goal: Identify the Sun as our closest star and explain its appearance.
What to know The Sun is a star that emits energy, including light. It appears larger and brighter than other stars because it is much closer to Earth. Apparent size is not the same as actual size. 🔎 Think like a scientist A nearby lamp can look larger than a distant stadium light; distance changes appearance. The Sun is our nearby star.
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What to know Gravity pulls objects toward Earth. Other forces can lift or support an object against gravity. When the upward force ends, gravity continues pulling. 🔎 Think like a scientist Your hand lifts a ball against gravity. When released, the ball falls toward Earth.
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What to know Telescopes collect more light than an unaided eye. Faint objects become easier to detect. A telescope is an observation tool; it does not create extra stars. 🔎 Think like a scientist The same patch of sky contains faint stars that become visible when a telescope gathers enough of their light.
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Unit 7 benchmark map Crystal Lake’s unit outline is mapped to Florida’s official Grade 3 science course. Lessons group connected ideas so benchmarks are learned in context.
SC.3.E.5.1 Stars DifferSC.3.E.5.2 · SC.3.E.5.3 The Sun Is a StarSC.3.E.5.4 GravitySC.3.E.5.5 Telescopes Reveal More
Sources and curriculum references Crystal Lake Elementary — Grade 3 Science outline Local Unit 1 scope: science, scientists, and the framework of investigation.
CPALMS — Science, Grade Three course 5020040 Florida’s official current Grade 3 science course and benchmark set.
Florida DOE — Grade 3 course standards Official consolidated course-standard language, including SC.3.N.1 and SC.3.N.3.