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Star Trails
Spaceship Earth Unit | Anchor Phenomenon
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Star Trails

Spaceship Earth Unit | Anchor Phenomenon
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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.
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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.

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 Night-Sky Patterns accessible. They will use it after each Mystery in the Unit Connection.

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

🎉 That’s it for this lesson! How did it go?
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Featured Reviews

“Wow - kids were mesmerized by the star trails. Kept asking me to replay the video. Love the new anchor layers!!! ”
· Sue · Teacher

Grade 5

Earth & Space Patterns

Sky Patterns & Modeling

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

Activity Prep

Print Prep
THIS LESSON WAS REVISED ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2019. Here is the previous version.
Note: This lesson is part of this unit’s Anchor Layer. If you have the Anchor Layer turned on, we recommend teaching all lessons in the remainder of this unit in order.

The anchor phenomenon for this unit is star trails that appear in long-exposure photographs. Students generate observations and questions about the phenomenon and create an initial model to explain what causes these patterns to form.
Preview activity
Night-Sky Patterns printout Print 30 copies
See-Think-Wonder worksheet 30 copies
Spaceship Earth Teacher Guide teacher-only resource 1 copy
Prep Instructions

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

The anchor phenomenon for this unit is 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

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Astronomy Anchor Phenomenon: Star Trails

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