Open-and-go lessons that inspire kids to love science.

Science curriculum for K—5th grades.

Video thumbnail
90 sec
  • Hands-on — lead students in the doing of science and engineering.
  • NGSS-aligned and Common Core — make the transition to the Next Generation Science Standards and support Common Core.
  • Less prep, more learning — prep in minutes not hours. Captivate your students with short videos and discussion questions.

Sign up now to try Mystery Science for free.

Sign up   or   Pin for later

Spaceship Earth

Sun, Moon, Stars, & Planets

  1. Lessons
  2. Activity Prep
  3. Assessments

Spaceship Earth (Grades 4-5) Mystery 1: Day, Night, & Earth's Rotation

Why does the sun rise and set?

Exploration (20 min)
Activity: Sky Viewer (25 min)
Optional Extras (2 hrs)

Spaceship Earth (Grades 4-5) Mystery 2: Earth's Rotation & Time

Who set the first clock?

Exploration (20 min)
Activity: Make a Shadow Clock (25 min)
Optional Extras (2 hrs)

Spaceship Earth (Grades 4-5) Mystery 3: Seasons & Earth's Revolution

Why do the stars change with the seasons?

Exploration (20 min)
Activity: Universe-in-a-Box (25 min)
Optional Extras (2 hrs)

Spaceship Earth (Grades 4-5) Mystery 4: Seasonal Changes & Sun's Path

How can the sun tell you the season?

Exploration (20 min)
Activity: Guess the Season (25 min)
Optional Extras (2 hrs)

Spaceship Earth (Grades 4-5) Mystery 5: Moon Phases, Lunar Cycle

Why does the moon change shape?

Exploration (20 min)
Activity: Model the Moon's Phases (25 min)
Optional Extras (2 hrs)

Spaceship Earth (Grades 4-5) Mystery 6: Planets & Solar System

What are the wandering stars?

Exploration (20 min)
Activity: Running to Neptune (25 min)
Optional Extras (2 hrs)