We discovered that as we age, we can no longer hear high-pitched noises. The natural aging of cells in our ears is a process called presbycusis. We learned that everyone can hear 8000 Hz or cycles per second. The frequency 17,400 Hz is only heard by teenagers. Some retail stores install devices that emit this frequency to keep teens from loitering outside their stores.

We played an 8th grade science game with national curriculum standards.

We played a middle school science board game that covered the standards for seventh grade science.

We reviewed the details of our solar system. Then we played an astronomy game.

PJ took a test on Lesson 2 The Solar System.

PJ took a test on planets. We reviewed for a test on Topic 8. Then we practiced identifying objects in our solar system.

Lesson 2 The Solar System – We read “The Incredible Shrinking Mercury is Active After All” and discovered the planet closest to the Sun is shrinking because it is tectonically active. We discovered which moons were the largest in the gas planets.

Lesson 2 The Solar System – We discovered how scientists learn about objects in the solar system. They use telescopes, satellites, rovers, the International Space Station, and computers which help interpret data. Scientists use models to study objects that are too large, too small, or too dangerous to study directly. We discovered that a model cannot show all the characteristics of objects in the solar system.

Lesson 2 The Solar System – We learned that objects in the solar system can be analyzed and interpreted by comparing and contrasting their characteristics, structures, and other features that can be observed through telescopes and other technologies. We discovered that the Sun emits light, while the other objects that orbit it reflect light. The Sun has a larger mass than the objects that orbit it. The Sun is the only star in our solar system.

I planned for science.