NGSS Earth & Space: "Solstice Science" STEM Unit |1-ESS1-1, -2

Teach your K-3 students about the science behind the winter season with three engaging lessons.

***VIEW THE DEMO***

View demo (with intro screens and a few sample interactions only) here.

Learn how winter traditions are a reflection of changes in the Earth during this darker, colder season.

Students will learn about:

❄ Winter lights--candles, lights and fires--and winter life--seeds, evergreens and berries--as signs of changes in sunlight during winter.

After a computer interactive presentation, students will observe three winter life specimens--including evergreen and deciduous tree branches, and pinecones--and note their observations on provided worksheets.

❄ How the tilt of the sun in winter results in less sunlight due to indirect exposure.

After a computer interactive, students will construct their own model of the earth in winter and summarize their learning in pictures and writing.

❄ Ways to measure changes in light exposure between winter and summer solstice.

Students will make a "Shadow Simulator" to discover how shadows change with the seasons and record their observations.

Then, to align with NGSS, students will observe seasonal changes monthly between winter and spring or summer. They will log what their class wears over time, how shadow length changes on the playground, and what changes they observe in plant and animal life in a science journal. Logs are differentiated with the more complex one including math computation.

❄ ❄ BONUS STEAM PROJECT: Students will make a candle holder craft and poetry greeting card that synthesizes learning. The poetry assignment includes a graphic organizer.

Lesson plans combine a series of:

• engaging hands-on activities

• observation labs

• writing exercises

• 3D dioramas

• computer interactives

Interactives run on Flash, PowerPoint viewer and MS Excel. They are versatile enough to be used:

• On any computer with a classroom projector

• With a smart whiteboard (or interactive flipchart)

• On a PC in a homeschool setting

This is an excellent way to incorporate science into your January and February lesson plans! It can also stand alone.

SOLSTICE SCIENCE IS ALSO INCLUDED IN THESE BUNDLES:

• NGSS Earth & Space Combo: "Solstice Science" & "Astro Observatory" Units

• NGSS Grade 1 Bundle: Complete STEM Curriculum

• NGSS First Grade Super Bundle: Complete STEM Curriculum w/Biomimicry Expansion (BEST VALUE!)

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! Terms of Use: This product gives the End User (purchaser) the right to use the lesson plans in their classroom. Please purchase one additional, discounted multi-seat license per classroom if sharing with additional classrooms or for school district use. Thank you!

All projects are aligned to Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). See preview file for lesson overview and standards alignment.

Keywords: winter, lights, collaborate, collaborative, multisensory, solstice, season, tilt, axis, hemisphere, equator, pole, snow, ice, fire, gift, orbit, latitude, sunlight, seed, berries, berry, pine cone, pinecone, senses, space, solar system, NGSS 1-ESS1-2, NGSS 1.ESS1.2.