In this unit, we learned about the Moon and stars. We can use what we learned to
predict some things about how the Moon and stars change. Discuss. What does it
mean to predict something?
The Moon changes in cycles. Look at the missing spot in this cycle. Discuss. What
would the Moon look like in that spot? How do you know?
This is what the Moon would look like in the missing spot of the cycle. If we know
the whole cycle, we can tell what the Moon will look like in the future. That means
we can predict what it will look like.
Now, let’s look at stars. Let’s predict what will happen when the Sun comes up.
Discuss. When the Sun comes up, will we still be able to see the stars? Why or why
not?
When the Sun comes out during the day, we can’t see the stars anymore. The Sun
outshines them. We can predict that this will happen each day.
We started this unit by looking at this book. Layla was confused by one picture.
She didn’t know that she could see the Moon during the day. Can you help her
predict which things we can see during the day or the night?
Step 01/07
You will get a sheet that looks like this. You will write your name at the
top.
Step 02/07
The box on the left shows a place during the day. The box on the right
shows the same place during the night.
Step 03/07
The Sun, Moon, and stars are in boxes down the middle.
Step 04/07
Draw lines to connect the Day box with the things you can see in the
sky during the day. If you predict that we can see the Sun during the
day, you would draw a line like this.
Step 05/07
If you don’t think you will be able to see something in the sky, then
don’t connect it with a line.
Step 06/07
Then, on the other side of the paper, draw lines to connect the Night
box with the things you predict you can see in the sky during the
night.
Step 07/07
Get a sheet. Put your name at the top. Then, draw lines to predict
what you think you will be able to see in the sky during the day and
night.
In this performance task, students will apply what they learned over the course of this unit to predict when the Sun, Moon, and stars will be visible in the sky.
Before starting this lesson, review the unit Teacher Guide for an overview of the Moon & Stars Anchor Layer.
Students can work individually, in pairs, or you may choose to work with small groups. Print as many copies of the What can I see in the sky? worksheet as you will need for your students. One copy will be needed for each individual, each pair, or each small group.
With your students, begin the lesson. It begins with a brief unit review. Then, move through the activity. The activity includes a step-by-step guide and discussion questions throughout.
Standards
Use observations of the sun, moon, and stars to describe patterns that can be predicted.
