Mercury

Part of

• All About Outer Space

Standards alignment

Common Core State Standards

• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• MS-ESS1-2 — Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.
• MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.

Alabama

• SC23.6.4 — Analyze and use data to determine scale properties and characteristics of objects in the solar system including sizes, distances, orbital periods, basic composition, and ability to support life.
• SC23.6.3 — Construct an evidence-based explanation of the role of gravity on the movement of natural and manmade objects within galaxies and the solar system.

Alaska

• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• MS-ESS1-2 — Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.
• MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.

Arizona

• E2 — The Earth and our solar system are a very small part of one of many galaxies within the Universe.
• 3.E1U1.4 — Construct an explanation describing how the Sun is the primary source of energy impacting Earth systems.
• 5.E2U1.7 — Develop, revise, and use models based on evidence to construct explanations about the movement of the Earth and Moon within our solar system.

Arkansas

• The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.

California

• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• MS-ESS1-2 — Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.
• MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.

Colorado

• ESS1.B — Earth and the Solar System: The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them. This model of the solar system can explain eclipses of the sun and the moon. Earth’s spin axis is fixed in direction over the short-term but tilted relative to its orbit around the sun. The seasons are a result of that tilt and are caused by the differential intensity of sunlight on different areas of Earth across the year. The solar system appears to have formed from a disk of dust and gas, drawn together by gravity.

Connecticut

• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• MS-ESS1-2 — Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.
• MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.

Delaware

• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• MS-ESS1-2 — Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.
• MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.

Florida

• SC.5.E.5.3 — Distinguish among the following objects of the Solar System -- Sun, planets, moons, asteroids, comets -- and identify Earth's position in it.
• SC.4.E.5.3 — Recognize that Earth revolves around the Sun in a year and rotates on its axis in a 24-hour day.
• SC.5.E.5.2 — Recognize the major common characteristics of all planets and compare/contrast the properties of inner and outer planets.

Georgia

• S6E1.c — Analyze and interpret data to compare and contrast the planets in our solar system in terms of: • size relative to Earth, • surface and atmospheric features, • relative distance from the sun, and • ability to support life.
• S6E1.d — Develop and use a model to explain the interaction of gravity and inertia that governs the motion of objects in the solar system.

Hawaii

• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• MS-ESS1-2 — Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.
• MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.

Idaho

• The solar system consists of the Sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the Sun by its gravitational pull on them. (MS-ESS-1.2, MS-ESS-1.3)
• MS-ESS-1.3 — Students who demonstrate understanding can: Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.
• MS-ESS-1.2 — Students who demonstrate understanding can: Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the orbital motions within galaxies and the solar system.

Illinois

• ESS1.B-M1 — The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• MS-ESS1-2 — Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.
• MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.

Indiana

• 6.ESS.3 — Compare and contrast the Earth, its moon, and other planets in the solar system, including comets and asteroids. (Comparisons should be made in regard to size, surface features, atmospheric characteristics, and the ability to support life.)
• 5.ESS.1 — Analyze the scale of our solar system and its components: our solar system includes the sun, moon, seven other planets and their moons, and many other objects like asteroids and comets.
• 6.ESS.1 — Describe the role of gravity and inertia in maintaining the regular and predictable motion of celestial bodies.

Iowa

• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• MS-ESS1-2 — Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.
• MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.

Kansas

• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• MS-ESS1-2 — Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.
• MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.

Kentucky

• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• 6-ESS1-2 — Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.
• 6-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.

Louisiana

• Obtain and combine information from books and other reliable media to explain phenomena.
• MS-ESS1-2 — Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.
• MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.

Maine

• MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.
• MS-ESS1-2 — Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.

Maryland

• DCI.ESS1.B.6-8.1 — The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• MS-ESS1-2 — Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.
• MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.

Michigan

• MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.
• MS-ESS1-2 — Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.

Minnesota

• 6E.3.1.1.1 — Develop and use scale models of solar system objects to describe the sizes of objects, the location of objects, and the motion of the objects; and include the role that gravity and inertia play in controlling that motion. (P: 2, CC: 3, CI: ESS1)
• 6E.2.1.1.1 — Analyze and interpret data to determine similarities and differences among features and processes occurring on solar system objects. (P: 4, CC: 3, CI: ESS1)

Mississippi

• E.5.8A.1 — Develop and use scaled models of Earth’s solar system to demonstrate the size, composition (i.e., rock or gas), location, and order of the planets as they orbit the Sun.
• E.2.8.4 — With teacher support, gain an understanding that scientists are humans who use observations and experiments to learn about space. Obtain information from informational text or other media about scientists who have made important discoveries about objects in space (e.g., Galileo Galilei, Johannes Kepler, George Ellery Hale, Jill Tarter) or the development of technologies (e.g., various telescopes and detection devices, computer modeling, and space exploration).

Missouri

• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• 6-8.ESS1.A.3 — Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.
• 6-8.ESS1.B.1 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.

Montana

• MS-ESS1-2 — develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system;
• MS-ESS1-3 — analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system;

Nebraska

• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• SC.5.11.3 — Gather and analyze data to communicate understanding of space systems: Earth’s stars and solar system.

Nevada

• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• MS-ESS1-2 — Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.
• MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.

New Hampshire

• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• MS-ESS1-2 — Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.
• MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.

New Jersey

• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• MS-ESS1-2 — Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.
• MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.

New Mexico

• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• MS-ESS1-2 — Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.
• MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.

New York

• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• MS-ESS1-2 — Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.
• MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.

North Carolina

• ESS.3.1.1 — Use models to recognize that the Earth is part of a system called the solar system that includes the sun (a star), planets, and many moons, and that the Earth is the third planet from the sun.
• ESS.3.1 — Remember the major components and patterns observed in the earth/moon/sun system.
• ESS.6.1.2 — Analyze and interpret data to compare the planets in our solar system in terms of: size and gravitational force relative to Earth, surface and atmospheric features, relative distance from the sun, and ability to support life.
• ESS.6.1.3 — Use models to explain how the gravitational forces of the Sun and planets impact the structure of our solar system.

North Dakota

• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• MS-ESS1-2 — Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.
• MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.

Ohio

• 5.ESS.1 — The solar system includes the sun and all celestial bodies that orbit the sun. Each planet in the solar system has unique characteristics.

Oklahoma

• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them. (8.ESS1.2, 8.ESS1.3)
• Natural objects and/or observable phenomena exist from the very small to the immensely large or from very short to very long time periods. (3.LS4.1, 5.ESS1.1)

Pennsylvania

• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• 3.3.6-8.C — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.
• 3.3.6-8.B — Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motion within galaxies and the solar system.

Rhode Island

• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• MS-ESS1-2 — Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.
• MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.

South Carolina

• 5-ESS1-2.DCI.B: — Earth and the Solar System The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year. NRC Framework Link

South Dakota

• Explaining how gravity plays a role in the motions of galaxies and our solar system.
• Using data to scale measurements and properties within the context of our solar system.

Tennessee

• 3.ESS1.1 — Use data to categorize the planets in the solar system as inner or outer planets according to their physical properties.
• 5.ESS1.3 — Use data to categorize different bodies in our solar system including moons, asteroids, comets, and meteoroids according to their physical properties and motion.

Texas

• 3.8D — identify the planets in Earth's solar system and their position in relation to the Sun.
• 3.9B — identify the order of the planets in Earth's solar system in relation to the Sun.
• 6.11A — describe the physical properties, locations, and movements of the Sun, planets, moons, meteors, asteroids, and comets;

Utah

• 6.1.2 — Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity and inertia in orbital motions of objects in our solar system. (ESS1.B)
• 6.1.3 — Use computational thinking to analyze data and determine the scale and properties of objects in the solar system. Examples of scale could include size or distance. Examples of properties could include layers, temperature, surface features, or orbital radius. Data sources could include Earth and space-based instruments such as telescopes or satellites. Types of data could include graphs, data tables, drawings, photographs, or models. (ESS1.A, ESS1.B)
• 6.3.4 — Construct an explanation supported by evidence for the role of the natural greenhouse effect in Earth's energy balance, and how it enables life to exist on Earth. Examples could include comparisons between Earth and other planets such as Venus or Mars. (ESS2.D)

Vermont

• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• MS-ESS1-2 — Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.
• MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.

Virginia

• 4.5.a — Planets rotate on their axes and revolve around the sun.
• 4.5.b — Planets have characteristics and a specific order in the solar system.
• 4.5.c — The sizes of the sun and planets can be compared to one another.
• 4.1.d.i — Use evidence (i.e., measurements, observations, patterns) to construct or support explanations and to make inferences.

Washington

• The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects, including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
• MS-ESS1-2 — Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.
• MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.

Washington, D.C.

• MS-ESS1-2 — Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.
• MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.
• Obtain and combine information from books and other reliable media to explain phenomena.

West Virginia

• Investigating and explaining cause and effect
• S.6.14 — Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system. 5.6.15 Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.
• Recognizing scale, proportion, and quantity

Wisconsin

• The solar system contains many varied objects held together by gravity. Solar system models explain and predict eclipses, lunar phases, and seasons.
• Students recognize natural objects and observable phenomena exist from the very small to the immensely large. They use standard units to measure and describe physical quantities such as mass, time, temperature, and volume.
• Living things need water, air, and resources from the land, and they live in places that have the things they need. Humans use natural resources for everything they do.

Wyoming

• The solar system contains many varied objects held together by gravity. Solar system models explain and predict eclipses, lunar phases, and seasons.
• MS-ESS1-2 — Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.
• MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.