Natural Satellite
A natural satellite, also known as a moon, is a celestial body that orbits a planet or a minor planet (or dwarf planet) as its natural satellite. Moons are relatively small in comparison to the planets they orbit, and they are held in orbit by the gravitational pull of the larger body. The Earth's moon is a well-known example of a natural satellite.
Characteristics of Natural Satellites
Natural satellites exhibit the following characteristics:
- Orbital Motion: They orbit around their parent body in a predictable path due to gravitational forces.
- Size and Mass: Moons are generally smaller and less massive than the planets they orbit.
- Surface Features: Some natural satellites have surfaces with craters, mountains, and other geological features.
- Atmosphere: While most moons do not have a significant atmosphere, a few may have traces of an atmosphere.
- Orbital Resonance: Some moons have orbital resonances, where their orbital periods are related by a ratio of small integers.
Formation of Natural Satellites
Natural satellites are formed through various processes, including:
- Accretion: Moons can form from the debris left over from the formation of the parent planet or through the capture of passing objects by the planet's gravity.
- Collision and Capture: In some cases, moons are formed when a large object collides with the parent planet, and the debris coalesces to form a moon. Alternatively, a passing object may be captured by the planet's gravity and become its moon.
- Co-formation: Some moons are believed to have formed simultaneously with their parent planets as part of the same process of planetary formation.
Study Guide
To better understand the concept of natural satellites, consider the following study guide:
- Define the term "natural satellite" and provide examples of natural satellites in our solar system.
- Explain the role of gravitational forces in maintaining the orbital motion of natural satellites.
- Compare and contrast the characteristics of natural satellites with those of planets.
- Discuss the potential for life on natural satellites and the factors that influence habitability.
- Explore the formation theories of natural satellites and provide examples to support each theory.
- Research and present the latest discoveries about natural satellites in our solar system.
By exploring these topics, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of natural satellites and their significance in our solar system.
.◂Science Worksheets and Study Guides Sixth Grade. Introduction to matter
Study Guide
Introduction to matter 
Worksheet/Answer key
Introduction to matter Worksheet/Answer key
Introduction to matter Worksheet/Answer key
Introduction to matter Vocabulary/Answer key
Introduction to matter Vocabulary/Answer key
Introduction to matter
Worksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyThe resources above cover the following skills:
Science, Grade 6, Adopted 2017 – The provisions of §§112.18-112.20 of this subchapter shall be implemented by school districts beginning with the 2018-2019 school year.
Introduction.
Grade 6 science is interdisciplinary in nature; however, much of the content focus is on physical science. National standards in science are organized as multi-grade blocks such as Grades 5-8 rather than individual grade levels. In order to follow the grade level format used in Texas, the various national standards are found among Grades 6, 7, and 8. Recurring themes are pervasive in sciences, mathematics, and technology. These ideas transcend disciplinary boundaries and include change and constancy, patterns, cycles, systems, models, and scale. The strands for Grade 6 include the following.
Matter and energy.
Matter can be classified as elements, compounds, or mixtures. Students have already had experience with mixtures in Grade 5, so Grade 6 will concentrate on developing an understanding of elements and compounds. It is important that students learn the differences between elements and compounds based on observations, description of physical properties, and chemical reactions. Elements are represented by chemical symbols, while compounds are represented by chemical formulas. Subsequent grades will learn about the differences at the molecular and atomic level.