Mrs. Cloutier’s

Third Grade Class 2010-2011

Science
Text Box: May 2, 2011 Dear Parents: You might say our last science unit is out of this world! We’re going to be exploring the Solar System – the Sun and all the objects that travel around it. First, we will research the eight planets (and Pluto as a dwarf planet) and their moons. Then, we will study other satellites such as asteroids, meteorites, and comets. Our space search may also take us beyond the Solar System to faraway galaxies and constellations. A solar system is a star plus all of its satellites. The star at the center of our Solar System is the Sun, a huge ball of glowing gases that produces tremendous amounts of heat and light. Even from millions of miles away, the Sun’s energy affects conditions on all planets that travel around it. Planets are held in their orbits by the gravitational pull of the Sun. Some planets have their own satellites, for example, Earth’s Moon. Our Sun is but one of the estimated 100 billion stars in our Milky Way galaxy. And, our galaxy is but one of countless star clusters scattered throughout the universe. Cosmic sizes, numbers, and distances are almost too great to understand or express – they are, well, astronomical! We will discuss that the difference between weights is based on the gravitational pull on an object. The larger the planet or star, the greater the gravity and the greater the weight. Take advantage of opportunities to stargaze with your child at home, after dark. Together, look for bright stars, planets, and major constellations in the night sky. If there are any questions, please contact me. Thank you for your time and cooperation. This will be an extremely exciting science unit; I hope you and your child enjoy it. Thank you, Mrs. Cloutier  Check out this really cool site: http://www.kidsastronomy.com