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Space Science · Earth & Space Patterns

Earth’s Rotation, Shadows & Sky Patterns

Analyze shadow measurements and sky records to identify daily and seasonal patterns, then support careful claims with graphed evidence.

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55 min~10 min prep4 materialsNGSS verified · 5-ESS1-2

Lesson Plan

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Lesson overview

What students will learn

  • Graph shadow length and direction data to identify a daily pattern.
  • Distinguish daily day-and-night patterns from seasonal night-sky patterns.

Key science ideas

  • Shadow length and direction change during a day.
  • Day and night repeat daily as Earth rotates.
  • Some stars are visible during particular seasons.

Lesson at a glance

  • Grade 5
  • 55 min
  • ~10 min prep
  • 5-ESS1-2
  • 4 materials

What’s included

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

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