HS-ESS1-1: Nuclear Fusion and the Sun's Energy

Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on the energy transfer mechanisms that allow energy from nuclear fusion in the sun’s core to reach Earth. Examples of evidence for the model include observations of the masses and lifetimes of other stars, as well as the ways that the sun’s radiation varies due to sudden solar flares (“space weather”), the 11-year sunspot cycle, and non-cyclic variations over centuries.

Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include details of the atomic and sub-atomic processes involved with the sun’s nuclear fusion.

The following assessments were shared by teachers implementing the NGSS.  Many of these are drafts and should be used accordingly.  Feel free to improve these assessments or contribute your own.  Learn more here.

ELA/Literacy

• RST.11-12.1 - Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts, attending to important distinctions the author makes and to any gaps or inconsistencies in the account.

Mathematics

• HSA-CED.A.2 - Create equations in two or more variables to represent relationships between quantities; graph equations on coordinate axes with labels and scales. 

• HSA-CED.A.4 - Rearrange formulas to highlight a quantity of interest, using the same reasoning as in solving equations. 

• HSA-SSE.A.1 - Interpret expressions that represent a quantity in terms of its context.

• HSN-Q.A.1 - Use units as a way to understand problems and to guide the solution of multi-step problems; choose and interpret units consistently in formulas; choose and interpret the scale and the origin in graphs and data displays. 

• HSN-Q.A.2 - Define appropriate quantities for the purpose of descriptive modeling.

• HSN-Q.A.3 - Choose a level of accuracy appropriate to limitations on measurement when reporting quantities.

• MP.2 - Reason abstractly and quantitatively.

• MP.4 - Model with mathematics.

*Next Generation Science Standards is a registered trademark of Achieve. Neither Achieve nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards were involved in the production of this product, and do not endorse it.  Visit the official NGSS website.