Are Planets Farther from the Sun Colder?
Data Story
In this Claim, Evidence, Reasoning (CER) Data Story, students investigate whether planets that are farther from the Sun are always colder. Students first examine each variable separately before comparing distance and temperature together. They discover that while there is an overall pattern, there is also an important exception (Venus). Students use evidence from multiple graphs to evaluate a scientific claim, reinforcing that real-world data often contain both patterns and exceptions. Students will: Read and interpret bar graphs. Compare numerical data about the planets. Identify patterns in data. Recognize exceptions to a pattern. Use evidence from multiple graphs to support or revise a claim. Explain that scientific conclusions are based on evidence rather than assumptions. Big Mathematical Idea Data often contain patterns, but patterns can also have exceptions. Strong conclusions come from considering both the overall pattern and any exceptions in the data.
Our solar system has eight planets. Some planets are very hot, and others are very cold. In this investigation, you'll explore graphs showing how far each planet is from the Sun and compare that information with each planet's average temperature. Then you'll decide whether the student's claim is supported by the data. Click Next to begin!
Topics and standards: Claim-Evidence-Reasoning, 3-MD-B-3, Tuva Jr., 4-MD-B-4, 3-E-15-1, 3-E-15-2, 4-E-12-1, 4-E-12-3, 4-E-12-4, 5-E-10-3