Description
1st Grade Sun, Moon & Stars Unit | NGSS 1-ESS1-1 & 1-ESS1-2 | Earth Science Activities
This 1st grade Earth Science unit is designed specifically to align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) 1-ESS1-1 and 1-ESS1-2. Students explore patterns of the sun, moon, and stars, as well as seasonal changes in daylight, through engaging hands-on investigations, data collection, literature connections, and interactive activities.
This unit helps young scientists develop a strong conceptual understanding of predictable patterns in the sky while practicing observation, recording data, and identifying patterns.
NGSS Standards Addressed:
✔ 1-ESS1-1 – Observing and predicting patterns of the sun, moon, and stars
✔ 1-ESS1-2 – Relating daylight hours to different times of year
Activities Included in This 1st Grade Sun, Moon & Stars Unit:
✔ What’s in the Sky?
Students observe and record objects seen in the sky during the day and night.
✔ Shine On! Sun Observations
Students collect data on the sun’s location at different times of day, use a simple sundial to observe shadow changes, analyze data, and record findings.
✔ Making Patterns
Students create and extend patterns, then trade with classmates to continue each other’s patterns.
✔ Hello Moon! Moon Phases & Patterns
Students track moon patterns using a Moon Log or complete it together as a class using real-time data from a website.
✔ Little Bear’s Shadow Investigation
Using a flashlight and counting bear, students investigate patterns in shadows.
✔ Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
Students learn about constellations through a video and/or literature and then create their own constellations.
✔ Four Seasons Exploration
Students learn about the four seasons through literature and complete an activity focusing on weather, clothing, plants, and activities.
✔ The Sun’s Heat Investigation
Students practice reading thermometers and collect data comparing temperatures in direct sunlight and shade.
✔ Sunrise & Sunset Data Analysis
Students analyze sunrise and sunset data throughout the year, identify patterns, and compare daylight hours in summer and winter.
✔ Word Wall Cards & Vocabulary Activities
Two sets of word wall cards are included—one with pictures and definitions and one with word-only cards—along with multiple suggested activities.
✔ Post-Test Assessment
A “Show What You Know” post-test is included to assess student understanding.
Teacher Support Included:
✔ Teacher directions for every activity
✔ Suggested children’s literature
✔ Curated video links for background knowledge
✔ Flexible options for whole-group, small-group, or center use
Perfect For:
- 1st Grade Science
- NGSS Earth Science Units
- Sun, Moon & Stars
- Seasons & Daylight Patterns
- Hands-On Science Investigations
- Inquiry-Based Learning
This low-prep, high-engagement Earth Science unit makes abstract celestial patterns meaningful, observable, and exciting for first-grade learners.
Do you teach 1st Grade? I have an First Grade Science Complete Curriculum that includes this product along with many others to help you teach first grade science aligned to NGSS. All NGSS standards for 1st grade science are covered with this bundle. This bundle is 20% off the list price.
Are you a principal, elementary science teacher or homeschool parent interested in these Entire Year Bundles for multiple grade levels? You can now purchase the NGSS Mega Bundle for an even bigger discount. This MEGA BUNDLE includes entire year science bundles aligned to NGSS for grades 1-5, Check it out here:
It pays to follow my TpT store. All new products are 50% off for the first 48 hours. Also, leave feedback for your purchases; not only can you earn TpT credits for future purchases, feedback also helps me improve my products.
*The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) is a registered trademark of WestEd. Neither WestEd nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards were involved in the production of this product, and do not endorse it.
1st Grade Science: Space Systems: Patterns and Cycles (NGSS Aligned)
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Description
1st Grade Sun, Moon & Stars Unit | NGSS 1-ESS1-1 & 1-ESS1-2 | Earth Science Activities
This 1st grade Earth Science unit is designed specifically to align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) 1-ESS1-1 and 1-ESS1-2. Students explore patterns of the sun, moon, and stars, as well as seasonal changes in daylight, through engaging hands-on investigations, data collection, literature connections, and interactive activities.
This unit helps young scientists develop a strong conceptual understanding of predictable patterns in the sky while practicing observation, recording data, and identifying patterns.
NGSS Standards Addressed:
✔ 1-ESS1-1 – Observing and predicting patterns of the sun, moon, and stars
✔ 1-ESS1-2 – Relating daylight hours to different times of year
Activities Included in This 1st Grade Sun, Moon & Stars Unit:
✔ What’s in the Sky?
Students observe and record objects seen in the sky during the day and night.
✔ Shine On! Sun Observations
Students collect data on the sun’s location at different times of day, use a simple sundial to observe shadow changes, analyze data, and record findings.
✔ Making Patterns
Students create and extend patterns, then trade with classmates to continue each other’s patterns.
✔ Hello Moon! Moon Phases & Patterns
Students track moon patterns using a Moon Log or complete it together as a class using real-time data from a website.
✔ Little Bear’s Shadow Investigation
Using a flashlight and counting bear, students investigate patterns in shadows.
✔ Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
Students learn about constellations through a video and/or literature and then create their own constellations.
✔ Four Seasons Exploration
Students learn about the four seasons through literature and complete an activity focusing on weather, clothing, plants, and activities.
✔ The Sun’s Heat Investigation
Students practice reading thermometers and collect data comparing temperatures in direct sunlight and shade.
✔ Sunrise & Sunset Data Analysis
Students analyze sunrise and sunset data throughout the year, identify patterns, and compare daylight hours in summer and winter.
✔ Word Wall Cards & Vocabulary Activities
Two sets of word wall cards are included—one with pictures and definitions and one with word-only cards—along with multiple suggested activities.
✔ Post-Test Assessment
A “Show What You Know” post-test is included to assess student understanding.
Teacher Support Included:
✔ Teacher directions for every activity
✔ Suggested children’s literature
✔ Curated video links for background knowledge
✔ Flexible options for whole-group, small-group, or center use
Perfect For:
- 1st Grade Science
- NGSS Earth Science Units
- Sun, Moon & Stars
- Seasons & Daylight Patterns
- Hands-On Science Investigations
- Inquiry-Based Learning
This low-prep, high-engagement Earth Science unit makes abstract celestial patterns meaningful, observable, and exciting for first-grade learners.
Do you teach 1st Grade? I have an First Grade Science Complete Curriculum that includes this product along with many others to help you teach first grade science aligned to NGSS. All NGSS standards for 1st grade science are covered with this bundle. This bundle is 20% off the list price.
Are you a principal, elementary science teacher or homeschool parent interested in these Entire Year Bundles for multiple grade levels? You can now purchase the NGSS Mega Bundle for an even bigger discount. This MEGA BUNDLE includes entire year science bundles aligned to NGSS for grades 1-5, Check it out here:
It pays to follow my TpT store. All new products are 50% off for the first 48 hours. Also, leave feedback for your purchases; not only can you earn TpT credits for future purchases, feedback also helps me improve my products.
*The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) is a registered trademark of WestEd. Neither WestEd nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards were involved in the production of this product, and do not endorse it.
