1-ESS1-1
The standard
Use observations of the sun, moon, and stars to describe patterns that can be predicted.
Next Generation Science Standards
What this standard means
Students need to notice sky patterns from what they can see or from teacher-provided images and videos. They should describe where the sun or moon seems to appear, how it seems to move, and when stars can usually be seen.
Mastery looks like using simple observations to make a prediction, such as, “The sun will set on the other side of the sky later.” Students often mix up actual movement with apparent movement, think the moon only appears at night, or say stars disappear during the day instead of being hidden by sunlight.
Ways to teach it
- Track the sun’s shadow by marking a stick’s shadow with chalk three times during the school day and comparing positions.
- Ask students to write or tell: What do you notice about the sky in the morning, afternoon, and night?
- Show three sky pictures, sunrise, noon, night, and have students predict which comes next and explain why.
- Connect to bedtime routines by asking students what sky objects they notice when going to school versus getting ready for bed.
Plan a lesson for 1-ESS1-1
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related standards
- K-ESS2-1
Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time.
- 3-PS2-2
Make observations and/or measurements of an object's motion to provide evidence that a pattern can be used to predict future motion.
- MS-ESS1-1
Develop and use a model of the Earth-sun-moon system to describe the cyclic patterns of lunar phases, eclipses of the sun and moon, and seasons.
- 5-ESS1-2
Represent data in graphical displays to reveal patterns of daily changes in length and direction of shadows, day and night, and the seasonal appearance of some ...