Teacher Information
Next Generation Science Standards addressed
5-ESS1-1. Support an argument that differences in the apparent brightness of the sun compared to other stars is due to their relative distances from Earth.
5-ESS1-2. Represent data in graphical displays to reveal patterns of daily changes in length and direction of shadows, day and night, and the seasonal appearance of some stars in the night sky.
5-ESS2-1. Develop a model using an example to describe ways the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere interact.
5-ESS2-2. Describe and graph the amounts and percentages of water and fresh water in various reservoirs to provide evidence about the distribution of water on Earth.
5-PS2-1. Support an argument that the gravitational force exerted by Earth on objects is directed down.
3-5-ETS1-1.Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.
3-5-ETS1-2.Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
Lesson Sequence
Approximately 15 days, 40 - 60 minutes each day; most lessons have extensions that can take longer.
01 Introduction to Mission 5 (task description at Home)
02 Our Star?
03 Pictures in the Stars
04 Have a Sunny Birthday!
05 Patterns in Shadows
06 Gravity Gets Me Down, Man
07 Water, Water Everywhere (if time, plan an extra day for extension Moving Water Cycle)
08 Many Spheres
09 What Will We Eat?
10 Other Systems
11 Research and Design (multi-day)
12 Connecting the Systems
Lessons compiled, adapted, and/or written by Alyssa Mayer for Booker T. Washington STEM Academy; updated March 2017