This lesson has been designed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a teaching aid on the topic of weather. This lesson discusses the four seasons and weather patterns that correspond to seasons.

Learn characteristics of the moon such as relative size and surface features. Then demonstrate how the moon’s phases are a result of its orbit around the Earth.

Details: This lesson can be added to 5th Grade Amplify Patterns of Earth and Sky: Analyzing Stars on Ancient Artifacts, with Lesson 2.1 after looking for patterns, making observations, and reflecting on the Model.Pursuits addressed: Identity-Students will learn about constellations from their own cultural perspectives and recognize that people from all over the world have stories related to the stars in the sky.Skills-The students will research constellations from a cultural perspective and create a class book to share with the rest of the school about constellations and their stories from around the world.Intellect-Students will interview their families to find out if their families have any constellation stories or information related to their cultures.Criticality- Students will understand that there are more than Greek and Roman names and stories for the constellations. The stories  are told and retold  by those in power.  

Students learn about an astrophysicist that is working in science to open possible ideas for themselves in science careers. Pursuits addressed: Identity-Students will learn about people who they can relate to who are currently working in STEM related careers and study possible STEM related careers that could be meaningful to their own lives/cultures.Skills-The students will research scientists who they can relate to culturally who are working on STEM related careers and then write letters to these scientists in a way that is interesting, genuine, authentic, and allows them to use their own voice.Intellect-Students will choose which scientists they would each like to study by finding scientists who they can relate to culturally who are currently working in STEM related careers and showing examples of Black Excellence.Details: This lesson can be added to 5th Grade Amplify Patterns of Earth and Sky: Analyzing Stars on Ancient Artifacts, with Lesson 2.1 after looking for patterns, making observations, and reflecting on the Model. Explain to the students that this is exactly what astrophysicists do.