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Patterns of the apparent motion of the sun, the moon, and stars in the sky can be observed, described, predicted, and explained with models. This NSTA Teacher Learning Journey is designed to enhance teacher's content and pedagogical knowledge on the topic of "Earth, Sun, and Moon" and provides a suggested sequence of study. Teachers are encouraged to reflect and document throughout this professional learning experience using NSTA's Learning Plan.
Patterns of the apparent motion of the sun, the moon, and stars in the sky can be observed, described, predicted, and explained with models.The Moon orbits Earth approximately once per month, causing the pattern of moon phases. Although half of the Moon’s surface is always illuminated by the Sun and half is always shaded, the portion of the illuminated surface that we see changes as the Moon orbits Earth. The seasons are caused by the tilt of Earth’s axis with respect to the plane of its orbit around the Sun. Because the angle and direction of tilt does not change as Earth orbits the Sun, during half of the year the north polar region tilts toward the Sun, resulting in increased heating (summer) and away from the Sun during the other half of the year, resulting in cooling (winter). The seasons are reversed in the Southern Hemisphere. (Source: Earth, Sun, and Moon NSTA SciPack).Educators are encouraged to begin their exploration with NSTA's Enhanced E-Book: Earth, Sun, and Moon. Other e-book chapters from different NSTA Press sources are provided along with a lesson plan from Science and Children. On-going reflection, sharing, and Q&A is recommended using NSTA's Community Forums.
Elementary
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