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?
Get a See-Think-Wonder chart to record your ideas.
THINK-PAIR-SHARE:
Record your answers in the SEE column of your chart.
THINK-PAIR-SHARE:
Record your answers in the THINK column of your chart.
THINK-PAIR-SHARE:
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.
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Activity Step 1 Slide Image
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Activity Step 2 Slide Image
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Activity Step 3 Slide Image
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Activity Step 5 Slide Image
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Activity Step 6 Slide Image
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?
Night-Sky Patterns printout | Print 30 copies |
See-Think-Wonder worksheet | 30 copies |
Spaceship Earth Teacher Guide teacher-only resource | 1 copy |
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:
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