Mission Library

Season Search
Daylight and Seasons
Grades K-3

The Mission
21 min

Storyline

Students will use their knowledge of seasonal daylight patterns to help people on Tristell and Dejerria.

New settlers are about to head to Tristell to live but they don't know how Tristell's seasons compare to what they're used to on Earth. By analyzing daylight patterns, the crew will determine what's going to be different on Tristell so the future settlers know how to prepare. Then, the crew will head to Dejerria to help Dug plan a party for the longest day of the year!

3-Dimensional Science

Phenomenon

The amount of daylight changes from season to season in a way that can be observed and predicted.

Science and Engineering Practices

Asking Questions and Defining Problems

  • Ask questions based on observations to find more information about the natural and/or designed world(s).

  • Ask and/or identify questions that can be answered by an investigation.

Developing and Using Models

  • Distinguish between a model and the actual object, process, and/or events the model represents.

  • Compare models to identify common features and differences.

  • Develop and/or use a model to represent amounts, relationships, relative scales (bigger, smaller), and/or patterns in the natural and designed world(s).

Planning and Carrying Out Investigations

  • With guidance, plan and conduct an investigation in collaboration with peers (for K).

  • Plan and conduct an investigation collaboratively to produce data to serve as the basis for evidence to answer a question.

  • Make observations (firsthand or from media) and/or measurements to collect data that can be used to make comparisons.

Analyzing and Interpreting Data

  • Use observations (firsthand or from media) to describe patterns and/or relationships in the natural and designed world(s) in order to answer scientific questions and solve problems.

Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking

  • Use counting and numbers to identify and describe patterns in the natural and desgined world(s).

  • Describe, measure, and/or compare quantitative attributes of different objects and display the data using simple graphs.

Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

  • Make observations (firsthand or from media) to construct an evidence-based account for natural phenomena.

Engaging in Argument from Evidence

  • Construct an argument with evidence to support a claim.

Crosscutting Concepts

Patterns

Children recognize that patterns in the natural and human designed world can be observed, used to describe phenomena, and used as evidence.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

ESS1.B: Earth and the Solar System

Patterns of movement of the sun, moon, and stars as seen from Earth can be observed, described, and predicted.

ESS1.C: The History of Planet Earth

Patterns of movement of the sun, moon, and stars as seen from Earth can be observed, described, and predicted.

Resources
Targeted Standards
Timeline
Skills in Action