Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

The Sun, Earth, and Cardinal Directions

Subject Area

Science

Grade(s)

1

Overview

In this lesson, students record the position of the sun in the morning and afternoon and make connections to the directions east and west. They practice moving north, south, east, and west and use cardinal directions to read a map.

    Science (2015) Grade(s): 1

    SC15.1.8

    Observe, describe, and predict patterns of the sun, moon, and stars as they appear in the sky (e.g., sun and moon appearing to rise in one part of the sky, move across the sky, and set; stars other than our sun being visible at night, but not during the day).

    Unpacked Content

    UP:SC15.1.8

    Vocabulary

    • observe
    • describe
    • predict
    • pattern
    • sun
    • moon
    • star
    • sky
    • day
    • night
    • sunset
    • sunrise
    • motion
    • appear

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • Stars are not seen in the sky during the day, but are seen in the sky at night.
    • The sun is at different positions in the sky at different times of the day, appearing to rise in one part of the sky in the morning and appearing to set in another part of the sky in the evening.
    • The moon can be seen during the day and at night, but the sun can only be seen during the day.
    • The moon is at different positions in the sky at different times of the day or night, appearing to rise in one part of the sky and appearing to set in another part of the sky.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • Organize data from observations in order to describe objects in the day/night sky
    • Use patterns found in data from observations to describe and predict the position of objects in the day/night sky.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • Patterns related to the appearance of objects in the sky can be observed and used to provide evidence that future appearances of those objects can be predicted.

    Scientific and Engineering Practices

    Analyzing and Interpreting Data

    Crosscutting Concepts

    Patterns
    Link to Resource

    CR Resource Type

    Lesson/Unit Plan

    Resource Provider

    National Geographic
    Accessibility
    License

    License Type

    Custom
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