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Unit 9
THE SUN
THE SUN
(Pacing Days)
Enduring Understanding: The origin and eventual fate of the Universe still remains one of the greatest questions in science. Gravity
and energy influence the development and life cycles of galaxies, including our own Milky Way Galaxy, stars, the planetary systems,
Earth, and residual material left from the formation of the Solar System. Humankind’s need to explore continues to lead to the
development of knowledge and understanding of the nature of the Universe.
A. Energy is involved in all physical and chemical processes. It is conserved, and can be transformed from one form to another and
into work. At the atomic and nuclear levels energy is not continuous but exists in discrete amounts. Energy and mass are related
through Einstein's equation E=mc2.
B. The properties of atomic nuclei are responsible for energy-related phenomena such as radioactivity, fission and fusion.
C. A working definition of matter is that it takes up space, has mass, and has measurable properties. Matter is comprised of atomic,
subatomic, and elementary particles.
D. Electrons are key to defining chemical and some physical properties, reactivity, and molecular structures. Repeating (periodic)
patterns of physical and chemical properties occur among elements that define groups of elements with similar properties. The
periodic table displays the repeating patterns, which are related to the atom's outermost electrons. Atoms bond with each other to form
compounds.
E. In a chemical reaction, one or more reactants are transformed into one or more new products. Many factors shape the nature of
products and the rates of reaction.
F. Carbon-based compounds are building-blocks of known life forms on earth and numerous useful natural and synthetic products.
G. Waves are the propagation of a disturbance. They transport energy and momentum but do not transport matter.
Essential Questions
(Used to guide daily instruction, with pacing
indicated)
What is the sun? What is the internal structure
of the Sun? What surface features does the sun
exhibit? How do different phenomena on the
sun affect the Earth? What is the nature of the
Sun’s magnetic field and it relationship to the
various types of solar activity?
SC.912.E.5.4 The student will be able to
explain the physical properties of the Sun
and its dynamic nature and connect them
to conditions and events on Earth.

The student will be able to describe the
Sun as a medium-sized star with
sunspots and storms that can affect
weather and radio transmissions on
Earth.

The student will describe observable
effects of the Sun on Earth, such as
changes in light and temperature.

The student will observe and recognize
effects of the Sun on Earth, such as
temperature changes.
What is luminosity and how is it measured?
What are sunspots? How do sunspots affect
weather and radio transmissions on the earth?
How do solar flares affect the earth?
Why do we have seasons? How does the angle
of light change on earth during different
seasons and why? What causes different parts
of the earth to have different temperatures?
How does the sun affect earth’s temperatures
(see climate above)
What is nuclear fusion and nuclear fission?
How does the sun produce its energy?
How do atoms decay? What is half life?
What are safety related issues related to
nuclear power plants?
What are the pros and cons of nuclear power
SC.912.P.10.9 The student will describe
the quantization of energy at the atomic
level.
SC.912.P.10.11 The student will be able to
explain and compare nuclear reactions
(radioactive decay, fission and fusion), the
energy changes associated with them and
their associated safety issues.
 The student will identify that
atoms can be changed to release
energy, such as in nuclear power
 plants, and recognize one related
Honors Extension(s)
plants?
safety issue.
 The student will recognize that
nuclear power plants generate
electricity and can be dangerous.
 The student will recognize the
universal symbols for radioactive
and other hazardous materials.
What are the universal symbols used for
radioactive and other hazardous materials?
What are alpha, beta, and gamma radiation?
What energy changes are associated with the
different types of radiation?
What is the hydrologic cycle? How does heat
get transferred through the water cycle and
cause the changes in state of matter?
SC.912.P.10.4 The student will be able to
describe heat as the energy transferred by
convection, conduction, and radiation, and
explain the connection of heat to change in
temperature or states of matter.

What is unique about frozen water that allows
life to continue on the earth? (ice rises/floats
above water, allowing fish to live below it; if
lakes froze from the bottom upward, then the
ice would never thaw and life wouldn’t survive)

What is radiation?
What is conduction?
What is convection?
Which type of heat transfer does not require a
medium?

How does radiation from the sun travel to the
earth?
Where does the Earth get its heat to power the
planet’s atmosphere, oceans, and life cycles?
The student will relate the transfer
of heat to the states of matter,
including gases result from
heating, liquids result from cooling
a gas, and solids result from further
cooling a liquid.
The student will observe and
recognize ways that heat travels,
such as through space (radiation),
through solids (conduction), and
through liquids and gases
(convection).
The student will recognize the
source and recipient of heat
transfer.
How is a Hertzsprung - Russell diagram
constructed and used to identify stellar
properties?
What is the difference between luminosity and
apparent brightness? How is stellar luminosity
determined?
How are stars classified according to their
colors, surface temperatures, and spectral
characteristics?
How are physical laws used to estimate
stellar distances?
How can knowledge of a star’s
spectroscopic properties lead to an
estimate of its distance?
How are stellar masses measured and how
does mass relate to other stellar
properties?
SC.912.E.5.3 The student will describe
and predict how the initial mass of a star
determines its evolution.
The student will be able to read and
understand the relationships of color,
temperature, luminosity and size on
the H-R diagram.