Grade 3ScienceTEKS 3.9A

Grade 3 Science TEKS 3.9A:Orbits of Sun, Earth, Moon

Free, teacher-ready lessons and worksheets for Orbits of Sun, Earth, Moon in Grade 3 Science, fully aligned to Texas TEKS 3.9A.

Construct models and explain the orbits of the Sun, Earth, and Moon in relation to each other

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Worksheets Available
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      Grade 3 Science TEKS Lessons

      TEKS 3.9A: Orbits of Sun, Earth, Moon

      • The Sun, Earth, and Moon

        About this lesson

        Learning Target: I can construct models and explain the orbits of the Sun, Earth, and Moon in relation to each other.

        Focuses On:

        • The orbits of the Sun, Earth, and Moon in relation to each other.

        Builds On:

        K.9B:

        observe, describe, and illustrate the Sun, Moon, stars, and objects in the sky such as clouds

        Next Level:

        4.9B:

        collect and analyze data to identify sequences and predict patterns of change in the observable appearance of the Moon from Earth

        Read More:

        This lesson is designed to support students' understanding of the orbits of the Sun, Earth, and Moon and their relationship to one another through the use of models.


        The lesson begins with an introduction to the Sun as the center of our solar system and the concept of an orbit. It then explains how the Earth orbits the Sun while the Moon simultaneously orbits the Earth.


        This lesson builds on the understanding from prior grade levels that objects in the sky are in motion.

        Grade 3ScienceTEKS 3.9A

      Grade 3 Science TEKS Worksheets

      TEKS 3.9A: Orbits of Sun, Earth, Moon

      See all 8 worksheets

      • The Sun, Earth, and Moon

        Grade 3ScienceTEKS 3.9A

      • Order of the Planets

        Grade 3ScienceTEKS 3.9A

      • Skill Builder: The Sun, Earth, and Moon

        Grade 3ScienceTEKS 3.9A

      • Skill Builder: Order of the Planets

        Grade 3ScienceTEKS 3.9A

      • Full Topic: The Solar System

        Grade 3ScienceTEKS 3.9A

      • CER: The Solar System

        Grade 3ScienceTEKS 3.9A

      • Skill Builder: CER: The Solar System

        Grade 3ScienceTEKS 3.9A

      • Vocabulary: The Solar System

        Grade 3ScienceTEKS 3.9A

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      Frequently Asked Questions

      How do you teach Orbits of Sun, Earth, Moon to 3rd graders?

      To teach Orbits of Sun, Earth, Moon to 3rd grade Science students, anchor the concept in a hands-on investigation or real-world phenomenon, then build academic vocabulary and scientific reasoning through guided practice. TEKS 3.9A asks students to construct models and explain the orbits of the Sun, Earth, and Moon in relation to each other. Crystal Instruction's free ClearLessons for 3.9A walk through this progression with modeling, guided practice, and built-in checks for understanding, while the ClearSheets provide scaffolded practice. You can download both free on this page.

      What is 3.9A in 3rd grade Science?

      TEKS 3.9A is a 3rd grade Science standard for Orbits of Sun, Earth, Moon. It requires students to construct models and explain the orbits of the Sun, Earth, and Moon in relation to each other. It is part of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Grade 3 Science.

      Where can I find free TEKS 3.9A lessons and worksheets?

      You can download free TEKS 3.9A lessons and worksheets directly on this page — no login or account required. Crystal Instruction provides free PDF versions of our Orbits of Sun, Earth, Moon ClearLessons and ClearSheets for Grade 3 Science, and each one is also available as an interactive lesson inside the full Crystal Instruction platform.

      What skills are included in 3rd grade Orbits of Sun, Earth, Moon?

      TEKS 3.9A (Orbits of Sun, Earth, Moon) covers the following 3rd grade Science skills: students learn to construct models and explain the orbits of the Sun, Earth, and Moon in relation to each other. Free resources for this standard include The Sun, Earth, and Moon.

      Are TEKS 3.9A resources aligned to STAAR?

      Although Grade 3 Science is not directly tested on the Texas STAAR test, TEKS 3.9A builds the foundational skills students need for later STAAR assessments. Every Crystal Instruction ClearSheet for 3.9A is STAAR-aligned, and our ClearLessons are built to STAAR rigor using released STAAR test items, so students practice Orbits of Sun, Earth, Moon at the depth STAAR expects.