How are we connected to the patterns we see in the sky and space?
This earth and space science unit builds science ideas about Earth’s position in space and other celestial bodies. However, before students explain space, they start reflecting on interesting experiences observed in the sky.
Students are first introduced to a common but unique occurrence: a sunset in Manhattan known as Manhattanhenge. Twice a year, tourists flock to the busy streets of New York City to witness the sun setting perfectly nestled and aligned with the tall skyscrapers. As students debrief Manhattanhenge, they are motivated to think about different patterns and stories about the sun, the moon, and beyond.
From indigenous astronomies to cultural holidays (e.g. Lunar New Year), the skies and space play unique roles in our lives and histories. The Earth in Space Unit uses large data sets and graphical displays for students to analyze and interpret how we can understand and predict these patterns in the sky. Students gradually build models to explain these sky patterns. They zoom out in their models as they incorporate different bodies in space, like the sun, the moon, and other planets. However, don’t expect your child to map out the whole universe in a single unit; they have to go home eventually!