ESS.1.1.1

Use models to recognize differences in the features of the day and night sky and apparent movement of objects across the sky as observed from Earth.

District Recommended Resources for 1st Grade Science

Science Phenomena Resources

Other Phenomena Sites

Next Generation Science Standards YouTube Channel

Step 1: Lesson Standards & Learning Goals

NC K-12 Science Supporting Document Grade 1

Dimension 1: SEP

Develop and Use Models: Develop and/or use a model to represent patterns of movement in the day and night sky.

Dimension 2: CCC

Dimension 3: Disciplinary Core Ideas:

Patterns of the motion of the sun, moon, and stars in the sky can be observed, described, and predicted (A Framework for K-12 Science Education).

Sample Essential Questions

How can I recognize the differences between the daytime sky and the nighttime sky?
How can I explain why the sun and moon appear to move?
What kind of patterns can we observe in the day and night sky?

Vocabulary

appearance
change
day
earth
month
moon
night
pattern
sky
stars
sun

Students will be able to...

Developing and Using Models - Compare models (e.g. student drawing/picture or chart) to identify common features and differences of the day and night sky.
- - Use observations of the sun, moon, and stars to describe patterns that can be predicted.
    - Describe features of the day sky (e.g. sun).
    - Describe features of the night sky (e.g. stars, moon).
    - Explain the differences between the daytime sky and the nighttime sky.
Analyze and Interpret Data - Use and share pictures, drawings, and/or writings of observations. (taking student observations and creating a classroom set of data, e.g. Venn diagram of observations, charting).
Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information - Read grade-appropriate texts and/or use media to obtain scientific and/or technical information to determine patterns in and/or evidence about the natural and designed world(s). (e.g., utilizing online/paper resources to observe the movement of the sun, moon, and stars over time).
Safety Note: Remind students to never look directly at the sun but indirectly look at it in relation to other objects.

Students will know...

The sun is at different positions in the sky at different times of the day, appearing to rise in one part of the sky in the morning and appearing to set in another part of the sky in the evening.
The moon is at different positions in the sky at different times of the day or night, appearing to rise in one part of the sky and appearing to set in another part of the sky.
Patterns in the motion of the sun, moon, and stars in the sky can be observed, described, and predicted.
Stars other than our sun are visible at night but not during the day.

Step 2: Assessment

Formative Assessments

Writing Prompts

With guidance and support from adults, create a graphic organizer for differences in the daytime sky and the nighttime sky.
Write a narrative about the changes in the sky from day to night.
Explain how the daytime sky appears to be different from the nighttime sky.
Write a creative story about traveling between Earth, the Moon, and the Sun.
What is your favorite time of day? Write about and draw what the sky looks like during this time of day.

Mini Projects and Investigations

During the school day, students go outside and draw and write observations of the daytime sky. For homework, students go outside at night and draw and write observations of the nighttime sky.
Cover a wall or door with black paper and allow students to create a mural depicting Earth, and the Moon, Sun, and stars.
Have students create board games or sports related to traveling through space or landing on the Moon.
Place students in groups and have each group plan and then present a skit in which the characters include Earth, the Moon, and the Sun.
Help students use manipulatives or create scale models to develop their understanding of large numbers used in this unit, such as the distances from Earth to the Moon and to the Sun, or the relative size of each.
Seesaw Lesson: Sun, Moon, and Stars

NCDPI Formative Assessment Examples

Grade 1

Culminating Activity

Draw and label the daytime sky on one half of a page and the nighttime sky on the other half of a page. Write two sentences about each. Include content vocabulary.

Step 3: Lesson Instructions