Studying Moon Cycles

Students in 5th grade explored space, the sun, and the orbits of planets as part of their larger study of stars and the solar system.

First they tracked and measured shadows to study the motion of the Earth. This activity involved asking questions about shadows, recording numeric observations of changing shadows, and looking for patterns that appear overtime.

Next, students developed physical models of orbits in our solar system and explored the phenomenon of solar eclipses.

This is a perfect example of applying the Next Generation Science Standards crosscutting concepts of patterns, cause and effect, and scale, proportion and quantity.

Great job ASA 5th graders for making learning meaningful, engaging, active and fun!