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Space Science · Sky Patterns

Sun, Moon & Stars: Patterns in the Sky

Use repeated sky observations to notice patterns in the Sun, Moon, stars, day and night, and the amount of daylight at different times of year.

Teacher workspace

Start with the lesson plan.

35 min~10 min prep4 materialsNGSS verified · 1-ESS1-1 · 1-ESS1-2

Plan with confidence

Lesson overview

What students will learn

  • Use repeated sky pictures or observations to describe a simple pattern.
  • Describe that the Sun appears in different parts of the sky at different times and that the Moon can sometimes be seen during the day or at night.

Key science ideas

  • We usually see the Sun in the daytime sky.
  • Many stars are easiest to see when the sky is dark.
  • The Moon can sometimes be seen during the day and sometimes at night.

Lesson at a glance

  • Grade 1
  • 35 min
  • ~10 min prep
  • 1-ESS1-1 · 1-ESS1-2
  • 4 materials

What’s included

  • Lesson Plan
  • Investigation
  • Teacher Slides
  • Printable Worksheet
  • Teacher Answer Key
  • Interactive Activity
  • Vocabulary