Come back soon to see what’s new!

Join my Mailing List

Get the news right in your inbox!

Privacy Policy

First Grade Science Patterns in Space Lesson Ideas

Wendy

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 seen the moon and the stars up in the sky at night.  In addition, they have noticed the moon phases too as the moon “changes shape” in a repeating pattern.

Patterns in Space First Grade Science Lessons Resources by Wendy Wished.  Pin for Later.

Focus on Patterns

Our goal of science lessons is to teach first grade students that patterns in space are observable.  For example, day is followed by night.  Stars are only seen at night.  There are repeating seasons.  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, you want to start building their skills of observing and predicting now.

Teach Science Vocabulary

Teaching patterns observed in outer space begins with introducing vocabulary. Have visuals ready to share.  Using real photos from the internet or videos are perfect for introducing the unit. Share photos in whole group, review in small group, then post them as a reference in your room.

First grade science vocabulary concepts for patterns in space are posted on bulletin boards.

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 is 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. 

Read about day and night in a nonfiction book to support Patterns in Space Science Lesson.

When teaching patterns in space science lessons, nonfiction books will supply your first grade students with real information.  In addition, nonfiction books give you the opportunity to have your students notice text features.  Check out the table of contents, the glossary, and the 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 so popular with students in my classroom.  The small size I think did the trick.  Several students became expert folders and became very popular with their peers.  Basically, I didn’t have to fold them all anymore.  A win for me!

Mini books are educational and engaging. You can find mini books here.

Make Connections

Sooner or later as you progress in teaching your patterns in space science lesson, your first grade students will start thinking of connections to their own life.  Hands will start popping up to share.  Try to control the eye roll and groan as when your students see connections to their own life it is a good thing.

They have seen a full moon.  The sun is always in the same direction when they leave the school building at the end of 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. 

The connections between the patterns and their own life are being identified and students will want to share.  With this in mind, you need to let your students turn and talk.  Allow them the time to share as well as listen to others.

Write about What was Learned

Writing is the perfect follow up activity to reading.  At this point, students will use the information which they just read about and put it into their own words. 

First grade students write about their own observations of patterns such as day and night for this science task.

Document Observations

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.

Students can use a Venn diagram to compare and contrast two concepts.

Play a Patterns in Space 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.  Now your game incorporates math concepts too.  I love sprinkling content throughout the day and across the curriculum.

Incorporate the outer space theme across the curriculum as in this math roll the die then chart the results activity.

Include a Digital Activity

Today’s students are surrounded by a world of technology so include something digital for your first grade kids in your patterns in space science lesson too. I created Boom Cards™ digital task cards for students to “play” on BoomLearning.com. They are interactive games and support the concepts which students need to learn. These make learning fun. View a few slidess in the “deck” of the online interactive game here.

Patterns in Space Boom Cards add a digital component to your first grade science lessons.

Space Theme Math FREE File

I want to make it so easy for your patterns in space science lessons to spill the space theme into math lessons too.  With this in mind, I made these math worksheets for you.  Again the students are pulled in with the opportunity to get out their crayons.  But for you and your lesson plans, it’s all about the math concepts being addressed.

You can unsubscribe at any time.


Teaching First Grade Science Patterns in Space Activities

The space unit has always been a favorite science lesson of mine to teach but now the emphasis is on teaching patterns which can be observed.  I hope these ideas help enhance your science lessons about patterns in space for your first grade students.

Get all of the materials shown for an easy to teach engaging unit or supplement your own lesson.

Just click ➡️ Wendy Wished.

Enjoy teaching science this year!

.

Wendy Wished
Let’s survive the adventure of teaching together.

If you want more tips for teaching science, check out this post about

what to include in science lessons.

Need help with primary science lesson plans?  Three important things to include in each unit.

Teaching 1st and 2nd Grade is a Challenging Job

Teaching 1st and 2nd Grade is a Challenging Job

Hi! I am a wife and mom of two + a dog. I have been a full time teacher my entire life. Sit back, read a few posts, and take away an idea or two.

I’m just a click away

Wendy Wished 4 That

Shop my Store

Topics

Instagram

Instagram has returned invalid data.

Follow @wendywished

Pre-K, Kindergarten, First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Homeschooler, Not Grade Specific - TeachersPayTeachers.com
×