Patterns of Earth and Sky Vocabulary

Front

What is an explanation?

Back

A description of how something works or why something happens.

Front

What is a model in science?

Back

Something scientists make to answer questions about the real world.

Front

What is a star?

Back

A huge object in space that gives off heat and light.

Front

Who is an astronomer?

Back

A scientist who studies stars, planets, and other objects in the universe.

Front

What is the only star in our solar system?

Back

The sun.

Front

What is gravity?

Back

A force that pulls objects toward each other, keeping planets in orbit around stars.

Front

What is a planet?

Back

A large object that orbits a star and does not produce its own light.

Front

What is the solar system?

Back

A collection of planets, moons, asteroids, and comets that orbit the sun.

Front

What is an asteroid?

Back

A small rocky body that orbits the sun, mostly found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

Front

What is a comet?

Back

A small icy body that, when passing close to the sun, heats up and releases gas and dust, forming a glowing coma and tail.