Tu Bishvat

Grade/Class: Grade 3 

Context: Students are learn about Tu Bishvat with a particular focus on natural cycles (machzorim) that exist in the world.

Learning: For Tu Bishvat, grade 3 students engaged in a STEAM project where they learned about machzorim related to the moon. They used flashlights and styrofoam balls to explore the different phases of the moon and how the moon's orientation changes in the sky depending on the time of day and location on Earth. The students learned about the Jewish calendar and how it is based on the cycles of the moon, as well as the different names for the full moons throughout the year that relate to seasonal changes and traditional Jewish holidays. They also learned about the science behind the phases of the moon and how they relate to the moon's position in relation to the sun and Earth. Through this activity, the students were able to integrate their learning of STEAM concepts with Jewish education, enriching their understanding of both subjects.