Get a free trial until June 30, 2026!
New members get full access to our science units, hands-on activities, mini-lessons, & more!

New members get a full, free trial through June 2026!
This Mystery is out of date! Please proceed to Spaceship Earth to see the updated version.
Back > Share
Star Trails - Previous Version
Spaceship Earth Unit | Anchor Phenomenon
Back > Share

Star Trails - Previous Version

Spaceship Earth Unit | Anchor Phenomenon
Scroll for prep

Check out this picture of the night sky.

DISCUSS: What do you notice? How would you describe the stars?

This photograph captures a moment in time--maybe a second or two. The camera’s shutter opened and closed quickly, letting in a little light.

Here’s another photo of the stars.

DISCUSS: What do you notice?

To make a photo like this, the camera’s shutter stayed open for 3 hours. Check out this sped up video of a similar photo.
Video trouble?

Get a See-Think-Wonder chart to record your ideas.

THINK-PAIR-SHARE:

  • What do you observe in this photo of the night sky?
  • Do you notice any patterns?

Record your answers in the SEE column of your chart.

THINK-PAIR-SHARE:

  • Why do you think there are bright streaks in the sky, rather than stars?

Record your answers in the THINK column of your chart.

THINK-PAIR-SHARE:

  • What else do you wonder about this picture?

Record your answers in the WONDER column of your chart.

For thousands of years, astronomers have observed the night sky and tried to explain what they saw.

In this activity, you’ll start with this photo of the sky and figure out what causes the streaks you see. Like astronomers before you, you’ll create a model that helps you explain what you see in the sky. After each Mystery, you'll add to or change your model as you get new ideas.

We'll walk you through it, step by step.

Reveal answer

Reveal answer

Reveal answer

Reveal answer

Reveal answer

Reveal answer

Conceptual Model

Models are used by scientists to understand and explain something. A model is revised, or changed, as new information is learned.

There are many types of models, but you just finished creating a conceptual model.

A conceptual model helps scientists explain things that they can't see. After each Mystery, you will add the new things you've learned to your model.

You've completed the Unit Starter!

Be sure to keep each student's Star Trails Model accessible. They will use it after each Mystery in the Unit Connection.

Teach Mystery 1 next: How fast does the Earth spin?

🎉 That’s it for this lesson! How did it go?
Sign up now for more great lessons!
Sign up

Image & Video Credits

Mystery Science respects the intellectual property rights of the owners of visual assets. We make every effort to use images and videos under appropriate licenses from the owner or by reaching out to the owner to get explicit permission. If you are the owner of a visual and believe we are using it without permission, please contact us—we will reply promptly and make things right.

Other
Ferris wheel by Pablo77
Fire Spinner by Wandee007
Helicopter by Journey601
Highway light streaks by Ure
Perseids at MaryHill Stonehenge by Nikky Stephen
Photographer and stars by Luck Luckyfarm
Sparkler smiley face by Pavel L Photo
Star Trail video by Naotharp
Credits

Featured Reviews

“It really showed me what the student knew and didn't understand about space and how the earth and space interact.”
· Kate · Teacher
“The students were very engaged by the phenomena. There was a lot of good discussion.”
· Elizabeth · Teacher
“The kids are now really interested in this phenomenon!”
· Tami · Teacher
“Student conversation was rich!”
· Karen · Teacher
“They had some many wonders. They are begging to know why the picture is that way. Great way to start a unit.”
· Penny · Teacher
“The comparison photos of light in motion - every kid was able to relate to at least one of the images.”
· Kieran · Teacher
“they loved the star trail pictures!”
· Barbara · Teacher

Grade 5

Earth & Space Patterns

Sky Patterns & Modeling

5-PS2-1, 5-ESS1-1, 5-ESS1-2

Activity Prep

Print Prep
The Unit Starter introduces the unit anchoring phenomenon, star trails. Students generate observations and questions about the phenomenon and create an initial model to explain what causes these patterns to form.
Preview activity

Before starting this lesson, review the unit Teacher Guide which gives an overview of the Spaceship Earth Anchor Layer.

In the Unit Starter, students are introduced to the unit anchoring phenomenon, star trails photography. In the activity, they create an initial conceptual model to explain how the star trails patterns are created. Students will re-visit their model after each Mystery to add new information to it.

It is important to encourage students to recognize that even if they don't know the full answer yet, they are going to learn a lot throughout the unit to help them explain the phenomenon and that they'll have an opportunity to change or add to their first model.

Step 1: Set up your classroom Set up your classroom by creating a class "See-Think-Wonder" chart (the student version is linked below). We recommend using chart paper, or a space on your board that won't be erased since you will revisit it throughout the unit.

Step 2: Print out worksheets Each student needs a:

Grade 5

Earth & Space Patterns

Sky Patterns & Modeling

5-PS2-1, 5-ESS1-1, 5-ESS1-2

Slow internet or video problems?
 
Astronomy Anchor Phenomenon: Star Trails - Previous Version

How did the lesson go?
Terrible OK Good Great Terrific!

How can we improve it?

If you'd like our team to reply to you, please Contact Support instead.

Thanks for your feedback! If you have a question or need help, please contact us. Please consider sharing your review:

Sorry the lesson didn’t go well. We read every single review in an effort to improve our Mysteries.

Thanks for letting us know. We’ll wait to ask you for feedback until after you've actually taught it.

Thanks for the feedback! We read every single review in an effort to improve our Mysteries.

Is the video not playing properly?

Please follow these steps:

  1. Very rarely a video will fail to completely load in your browser. Try to reload this page to see if that fixes the problem.
  2. If reloading does not help, try our other video player .
  3. If the video still fails to play, open this video in a new tab and please let us know you’re having trouble. We want to fix this issue for you.

Close

How can we help you?

💡For purchasing info, see our Pricing Page

This episode is locked

This lesson is not included in your limited access.

View pricing

This episode is locked

Your membership is expired. The archive of past Mini Lessons is not included in your limited access.

View pricing