Your first grade students will feel so smart when you teach patterns in space science lessons since they already have some background knowledge. Students have observed the moon and the stars up in the sky at night. In addition, they have noticed the moon “changes shape”. They may even be able to make predictions, but these activities will help them dig deeper and learn the “Why?”
Patterns in the Sky can be Observed
Our goal of these science lessons is to teach first grade students that patterns in space are observable and predictable.
- Day is followed by night.
- There are repeating seasons.
- We know when the next full moon will happen.
When you notice a pattern, you can make predictions.
This will be a very important aspect in future science lessons throughout the years to come. With this in mind, start building your students’ skills of observing and predicting now.
Teach Patterns in the Sky Vocabulary
Teaching patterns observed in outer space begins with introducing vocabulary.
The best method is to have visuals ready to share.
Find real photos from the internet or videos. These are perfect for introducing the unit.
Build student knowledge of the words that will be used throughout all of the activities.
Share photos in whole group, review in small group, then post them as a reference in your room.
Assess their Knowledge about Patterns in the Sky
Find out what your students already know. Have them brainstorm and write down all the things they can.
This will help you know which vocabulary they already know and what you need to teach.
It will also point out which details students may not know yet or who may need more review in a small group.
Writing Activities in Science
Writing can be incorporated into all areas of curriculum… including science.
Brainstorm together as a class. Create a list of all the things students contribute. Then give students time to put the information and details into their own words.
Even though the topic is science, your students are building their writing skills using capital letters, punctuation, a topic sentence, details, and more.
This page provides room for students to draw (they’ll love that!) Plus, there is a word bank providing correct spelling of words they can use in their writing.
Read about Patterns in Space
Get a book into the hands of your first grade students even during science.
If it is a book from the copy machine which provides places to color – that’s even better. It will become theirs as they color, label, or even add things.
They won’t need to return it to the library or the classroom bookshelf. It will be theirs to keep in their desk and then take home.
Hopefully, it will be read again and again, perhaps, even shared with their families.
Get the Benefits of Nonfiction Books
When teaching patterns in space, nonfiction books will supply your first grade students with real information and many details.
In addition, nonfiction books give you the opportunity to have your students notice text features:
- table of content
- glossary
- summary
Can your students add some labels to an illustration?
Let them take on ownership of the book during the lesson.
Use Science Mini Books
Mini books became a favorite with students in my classroom. The small size I think did the trick. Several students became expert folders and their peers would come to them for help (instead of me). I passed them out like regular worksheets and the kids knew to fold them and get started filling in information, coloring, drawing, and (the best part) completing the word search on the back.
Best of all, these mini books are educational as well as engaging. You can find mini books here.
Make Connections
The hope is that your students will start to make connections between the patterns being discussed and their own life.
- They have seen a full moon.
- The sun is up in the sky during the day.
- They may wake up when it is dark but then the sun shines and it isn’t dark anymore.
Your students have a wealth of experiences about patterns that happen in their daily lives.
Give them time to share as well as listen to others. Speaking and listening are important skills too.
Allow them to turn and talk.
Document Patterns Observed
Since an emphasis on observation is so important in science lessons, let your students document what they notice. They can compare and contrast highlighting the similarities and differences. These are great skills to develop in your little scientists.
This paper allows students to document the location of the sun in the sky. Make observations at the beginning and then at the end of the day. Students could also check at the same time on two different days to see if the location is the same or different.
Play a Patterns in Space Vocabulary Game
Just say, “game” and your students will be jumping out of their seats to participate in this part of the lesson. Using a die makes it engaging for the students.
Before you hand over the die, discuss how to use it and establish some rules of tossing the die so things don’t get out of control.
For the purpose of accountability, provide a charting paper.
This game incorporates math concepts too by using a chart to document the data and focusing on “most” and “least” concepts.
I love sprinkling content throughout the day and across the curriculum.
Space Theme FREE File for Math
It’s easy for your science lessons to spill the space theme into math lessons as well.
Use these math worksheets to connect science and math.
Again, your students will be eager to have the opportunity to get out their crayons. But for you and your lesson plans, it’s all about the math concepts being addressed.
There are 6 different worksheets for you to use for morning work, extra practice, or review of previously taught concepts.
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Teaching First Grade Science Patterns in Space
Patterns in space is an engaging science unit to teach. Your students will be proud of what they already know. The activities shared in this post will help you build upon that knowledge. Teach them that patterns can be observed and predicted.
Kids learn in many ways… so use
- vocabulary
- Venn diagrams
- writing and drawing activities
- books
- mini books
- graphing activities
- math review
I hope these ideas help enhance your science lessons about patterns in space for your first grade students. What will you add to your lesson?
Get all of the materials shown for an easy to teach engaging unit or supplement your own lesson.
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If you want more tips for teaching science, check out this post about