Venus
Ages 7–10 · 8 minutes · Science
Can you take the heat? Journey to Venus, the second planet from the sun.
Students continue their exploration of the solar system with the second planet, Venus. Students will compare Venus with other rocky planets to learn:
- why Venus is the hottest planet, even though Mercury is closer to the sun
- why the surface of Venus is so difficult to explore
- how the atmosphere and surface Venus differ from Earth, despite the two being almost the exact same size
Part of
Standards alignment
Common Core State Standards
- 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.
- 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.
- SC23.6.1a — Construct an evidence-based explanation of how the relative positions of the sun and Earth result in observable phenomena, including day and night cycles, length of year, and seasons.
Alaska
- 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.
- 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.
- E1 — The composition of the Earth and its atmosphere and the natural and human processes occurring within them shape the Earth’s surface and its climate.
- 3.E1U1.4 — Construct an explanation describing how the Sun is the primary source of energy impacting Earth systems.
- 6.E1U1.6 — Investigate and construct an explanation demonstrating that radiation from the Sun provides energy and is absorbed to warm the Earth’s surface and atmosphere.
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 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.
- 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.
Colorado
- SC.MS.3.2.b — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.
Connecticut
- 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.
- MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in 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.
Delaware
- 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.
- 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.
Florida
- 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.
- SC.4.E.6.5 — Investigate how technology and tools help to extend the ability of humans to observe very small things and very large things.
- SC.3.E.6.1 — Demonstrate that radiant energy from the Sun can heat objects and when the Sun is not present, heat may be lost.
Georgia
- S4E1.a — Ask questions to compare and contrast technological advances that have changed the amount and type of information on distant objects in the sky.
- 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.
- S4E1.d — Evaluate strengths and limitations of models of our solar system in describing relative size, order, appearance and composition of planets and the sun.
Hawaii
- 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.
- MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.
Idaho
- 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. (5-ESS1.2)
Illinois
- ESS1.B-E1 — 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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.
Kansas
- 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.
- MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.
Kentucky
- 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.
- 6-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.
Louisiana
- 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.
- Obtain and combine information from books and other reliable media to explain phenomena.
Maryland
- DCI.ESS1.B.3-5.1 — 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.
- MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.
Massachusetts
- 5-ESS1-2 — Use a model to communicate Earth’s relationship to the Sun, Moon, and other stars that explain (a) why people on Earth experience day and night, (b) patterns in daily changes in length and direction of shadows over a day, and (c) changes in the apparent position of the Sun, Moon, and stars at different times during a day, over a month, and over a year.
Michigan
- MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.
Minnesota
- 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.2.8.3 — Observe and compare the details in images of the moon and planets using the perspective of the naked eye, telescopes, and data from space exploration.
- 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).
- E.6.8.4 — Obtain and evaluate information to model and compare the characteristics and movements of objects in the solar system (including planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and meteors).
- 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.
Missouri
- 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.
- 6-8.ESS1.B.1 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.
Montana
- MS-ESS1-3 — analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system;
Nebraska
- 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.
- SC.5.11.3 — Gather and analyze data to communicate understanding of space systems: Earth’s stars and solar system.
Nevada
- 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.
- MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.
New Hampshire
- 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.
- MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.
New Jersey
- 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.
- MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.
New Mexico
- 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.
- MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in 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.
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-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in 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.
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.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.4.1.1 — Use models to explain the cause of day and night based on the rotation of the Earth on its axis.
North Dakota
- MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in 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.
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.
- 5.ESS.3 — Most of the cycles and patterns of motion between the Earth and sun are predictable.
Oklahoma
- 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. (5.ESS1.2)
- 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)
Pennsylvania
- 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.
- 3.3.6-8.C — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.
Rhode Island
- 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.
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
- 6-ESS2-3.DCI.ETS2.A: — Interdependence of Science, Engineering, and Technology Technologies extend the measurement, exploration, modeling, and computational capacity of scientific investigations. NRC Framework Link
South Dakota
- Using data to scale measurements and properties within the context of our solar system.
- MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the 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.ETS2.2 — Describe how human beings have made tools and machines (X-ray cameras, microscopes, satellites, computers) to observe and do things that they could not otherwise sense or do at all, or as quickly or efficiently.
- 1.ESS1.2 — Observe natural objects in the sky that can be seen from Earth with the naked eye and recognize that a telescope, used as a tool, can provide greater detail of objects in the sky.
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;
- 6.11C — describe the history and future of space exploration, including the types of equipment and transportation needed for space travel.
Utah
- 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)
- 4.4.2 — Analyze and interpret data of observable patterns to show that Earth rotates on its axis and revolves around the Sun. Emphasize *patterns*that provide evidence of Earth's rotation and orbits around the Sun. Examples of *patterns*could include day and night, daily changes in length and direction of shadows, and seasonal appearance of some stars in the night sky. Earth's seasons and its connection to the tilt of Earth's axis will be taught in Grades 6 through 8. (ESS1.B)
Vermont
- 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.
- 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-ESS1-3 — 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.
Washington
- 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.
- MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in 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.
Washington, D.C.
- MS-ESS1-3 — Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.
West Virginia
- Investigating and explaining cause and effect
- Tracking energy and matter flows into, out of, and within systems to understand system behavior
- Recognizing scale, proportion, and quantity
Wisconsin
- 5 — The Earth’s orbit and rotation, and the orbit of the moon around the Earth cause observable patterns.
- 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.
Wyoming
- The Earth’s orbit and rotation, and the orbit of the moon around the Earth cause observable patterns.
- The solar system contains many varied objects held together by gravity. Solar system models explain and predict eclipses, lunar phases, and seasons.