Unit Plan 21 (Grade 1 Science): Night Sky Observations

Focus: Observe moon shape, star patterns, and predictable nightly changes to describe patterns that can be predicted using careful observations and simple records.

Grade Level: 1

Subject Area: Science (Earth & Space Science • Patterns)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 30–45 minutes per session

I. Introduction

In this unit, students become night-sky observers. They investigate what can be seen in the sky after sunset—especially the moon and stars—and learn that the sky follows patterns that can be described and predicted. Because nighttime observing can be tricky during school hours, students use a mix of safe outdoor observations (early evening with family/guardians when possible), teacher-provided photos, and classroom visuals (videos, sky images, and simple simulations).

Across the week, students record what they notice about the moon’s shape (it can look different on different nights) and how star patterns stay in the same arrangement even though they appear to move across the sky during the night. Students practice making careful observations, using drawings and simple words, and then use those observations to make a prediction about what they might see next. The unit ends with a Night Sky Observation Book/Poster that shows patterns and a student prediction supported by evidence.

Essential Questions

• What objects can we observe in the night sky?
• How does the moon’s shape appear to change across nights?
• What do we notice about star patterns (constellations) over time?
• How can we use observations to describe a pattern and make a prediction?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Make and record observations of the moon and stars using drawings, labels, and simple comparison language.
2. Describe that the moon’s shape can look different across nights and identify a simple pattern from a short sequence of observations.
3. Recognize that star patterns stay in the same arrangement (a pattern) even when they appear in different parts of the sky.
4. Use an observation sequence (photos, classroom visuals, and/or home logs) to describe a pattern and make a simple prediction about what will be seen next.
5. Create a Night Sky Observation Book/Poster that includes evidence (drawings/data), a pattern statement, and a prediction.

Standards Alignment — Grade 1 (NGSS-Aligned)

• 1-ESS1-1 — Use observations of the sun, moon, and stars to describe patterns that can be predicted.
  • Example: Track moon shapes across several nights and notice that star patterns remain the same even as the sky appears to move.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can observe the moon and stars and draw what I see.
• I can describe the moon’s shape using words like round, curved, or partly lit.
• I can notice that star patterns stay the same even when they appear in different places.
• I can describe a pattern from my observations.
• I can make a prediction about what the night sky might look like next time.