NY Science Standards (HS - Space Systems)

Develop a model based on evidence to illustrate the life span of the Sun and the role of nuclear fusion in the Sun's core to release energy that eventually reaches Earth in the form of radiation. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on the energy transfer mechanisms that allow energy from nuclear fusion in the Sun's core to reach Earth. Examples of evidence for the model could include observations of the masses and lifetimes of other stars, as well as the ways that the Sun's radiation varies due to sudden solar flares ("space weather"), the 11-year sunspot cycle, and non-cyclic variations over centuries.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include details of the atomic and sub-atomic processes involved with the Sun's nuclear fusion.]

Construct an explanation of the Big Bang theory based on astronomical evidence of light spectra, motion of distant galaxies, and composition of matter in the universe. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on the astronomical evidence of the red shift of light from galaxies as an indication that the universe is currently expanding at an accelerated rate, the cosmic microwave background as the remnant radiation from the Big Bang, and the observed composition of ordinary matter of the universe, primarily found in stars and interstellar gases (from the spectra of electromagnetic radiation from stars), which matches that predicted by the Big Bang theory (3/4 hydrogen and 1/4 helium).]

Communicate scientific ideas about the way stars, over their life cycle, produce elements. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on how nucleosynthesis varies as a function of the mass of a star and the stage of its lifetime.] [Assessment Boundary: Details of the many different nucleosynthesis pathways for stars of differing masses are not assessed.]

Use mathematical or computational representations to predict the motion of orbiting objects in the solar system. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on Newtonian gravitational laws governing orbital motions, which apply to human-made satellites as well as planets and moons.] [Assessment Boundary: Mathematical representations for the gravitational attraction of bodies and Kepler's Laws of orbital motions should not deal with more than two bodies, nor involve calculus.]

Construct an explanation using evidence to support the claim that the phases of the moon, eclipses, tides and seasons change cyclically. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis of the explanation should include how the relative positions of the moon in its orbit, Earth, and the Sun cause different phases, types of eclipses or strength of tides. Examples of evidence could include various representations of relative positions of the Sun, Earth and moon.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include mathematical computations to support explanations but rather relies on conceptual modeling using diagrams to show how celestial bodies interact to create these cyclical changes.]