Students use an orbital model to determine when a solar eclipse will occur. Which alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon causes a solar eclipse?

Students observe tidal data from coastal regions and connect the timing of high and low tides to the Moon’s orbit around Earth.

Students examine diagrams showing Mars appearing to move backward (retrograde) in the night sky. They use Earth’s and Mars' orbital motions to explain this phenomenon.

Students track the Moon’s phases for a month and use orbital models to predict what phase will occur on a given future date.

Students analyze statements about planetary orbits. Mark each statement as true or false.

Astronomers predict Halley’s Comet will return in 2061, just as it has roughly every 76 years since ancient times.