Teaching article
The Sun and Earth belong to different kinds of object
Compare authoritative descriptions before using a sorting activity.
Brightness in a drawing is not a definition of a star. Compare current official descriptions of the Sun and Earth, using a small set of properties that actually explains their different classifications.
Read the defining features. Compare the Sun and Earth. Explain the grouping.
Let the descriptions support the sorting
The Sun is a star; Earth is a planet in this comparison.
Use the source's definitions and a small comparison table. Artwork brightness and apparent size are affected by presentation choices.
What description supports the category? Use two examples first.
Brightness in a picture is not a definition.
Resources
- Solar System Planet Order — Use the sequence cards and add a note that spacing is not a distance scale.
Further reading
Read next
- An orbit model shows a relationship, not every force
- Read a crater photograph before explaining its history
- Turn a broad space interest into a question worth checking
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