Foundation Level Science - Astronomy

Candidates demonstrate an understanding of the foundations of the astronomy contained in the Science Content Standards for California Public Schools (1998) as outlined in the Science Framework for California Public Schools: Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve (2002) from an advanced standpoint. To ensure a rigorous view of astronomy and its underlying structures, candidates have a deep conceptual knowledge of the subject matter. Candidates understand that knowledge of the structure and composition of the universe can be learned from studying stars and galaxies and their evolution. They recognize that objects in the sky move in regular and predictable patterns. Candidates explain how and why the moon’s appearance changes during the four-week lunar cycle. They understand how telescopes magnify the appearance of distant objects in the sky, including the moon and the planets. They realize that the solar system consists of planets and other bodies that orbit the sun in predictable paths.

0001 Astronomy (SMR 1.1)

1. Describe the chemical composition and physical structure of the universe

2. Describe the structure of the solar system and its place in the Milky Way galaxy

3. Distinguish between stars and planets

4. Recognize that stars vary in color, size, and luminosity

5. Describe a simple model of how fusion in stars produces heavier elements and results in the production of energy, including light

6. Describe the regular and predictable patterns of stars and planets in time and location

7. Explain and predict changes in the moon’s appearance (phases)

8. Describe the use of astronomical instruments in collecting data, and use astronomical units and light years to describe distances