Grade 3
Earth Science Module
Investigating Objects in the Sky
In a code such as 5.2.4.D.1, the “5” indicates the science standards, the “2” indicates the physical science standard
within the set of science standards, the “4” indicates a third grade cumulative progress indicator, the “D” indicates a
“strand” or theme within the science standards, and the “1” indicates the first of the third grade cumulative progress
indicators within the “D” strand.
III. Scope and Sequence: Grade 3 – Investigating Objects in the Sky
In completing the work in Lesson 1 of Investigating Objects in the Sky, students are expected to develop understandings and skills
including:
Objects in the sky, specifically the Sun, Moon, and stars, have positions in the sky that can be observed and described.
In doing so they begin to acquire knowledge and abilities such as:
Formulate a general description of the daily motion of the Sun across the sky based on shadow observations. Explain
how shadows could be used to tell the time of day. (5.4.4.A.1)
Express current thinking and understanding of the positions and movement of objects in the sky.
In doing so they begin to acquire knowledge and abilities such as:
Use scientific facts, measurements, observations, and patterns in nature to build and critique scientific arguments.
(5.1.4.A.3)
In completing the work in Lessons 2 and 6 of Investigation Objects in the Sky, students are expected to develop understandings and
skills including:
The Moon’s position in the sky can be observed and described sometimes during the day and sometimes at night.
From Earth, the observable shape of the Moon changes from day to day in a cycle that lasts about a month.
In doing so they begin to acquire knowledge and abilities such as:
Determine a set of general rules describing when the Sun and Moon are visible based on actual sky observations.
(5.4.2.A.1)
Identify patterns of the Moon’s appearance and make predictions about its future appearance based observational data
(5.4.4.A.2)
III. Scope and Sequence: Grade 3 – Investigating Objects in the Sky
Page 2
Observe the phases of the Moon and the changes in its position over time.
Explain understanding of the lunar cycle-the repeating pattern of changes in the observable shape of the Moon.
In doing so they begin to acquire knowledge and abilities such as:
Use outcomes of investigations to build and refine questions, models, and explanations. (5.1.4.A.2)
Use scientific facts, measurements, observations, and patterns in nature to build and critique scientific arguments.
(5.1.4.A.3)
Design and follow simple plans using systematic observations to explore questions and predictions. (5.1.4.B.1)
Measure, gather, evaluate, and share evidence using tools and technologies. (5.1.4.B.2)
Formulate explanations from evidence. (5.1.4.B.3)
Communicate and justify explanations with reasonable and logical arguments. (5.1.4.B.4)
Monitor and reflect on one’s own knowledge regarding how ideas change over time. (5.1.4.C.1)
Revise predictions or explanations on the basis of learning new information. (5.1.4.C.2)
Present evidence to interpret and/or predict cause-and-effect outcomes of investigations. (5.1.4.C.3)
Actively participate in discussions about student data, questions, and understandings. (5.1.4.D.1)
Work collaboratively to pose, refine, and evaluate questions, investigations, models, and theories. (5.1.4.D.2)
Demonstrate how to safely use tools, instruments, and supplies. (5.1.4.D.3)
III. Scope and Sequence: Grade 3 – Investigating Objects in the Sky
Page 3
In completing the work in Lesson 3 of Investigating Objects in the Sky, students are expected to develop understandings and skills
including:
Objects in the sky, specifically the Sun, Moon, and stars, have patterns of movement or apparent movement that can be
observed, described, and used to make predictions.
In doing so they begin to acquire knowledge and abilities such as:
Present evidence that represents the relationship between a light source, solid object, and the resulting shadow.
(5.2.2.C.3)
Formulate a general description of the daily motion of the Sun across the sky based on shadow observations. Explain
how shadows could be used to tell the time of day. (5.4.4.A.1)
Explore the changing position of the Sun in the daytime sky.
In doing so they begin to acquire knowledge and abilities such as:
Use outcomes of investigations to build and refine questions, models, and explanations. (5.1.4.A.2)
Use scientific facts, measurements, observations, and patterns in nature to build and critique scientific arguments.
(5.1.4.A.3)
Design and follow simple plans using systematic observations to explore questions and predictions. (5.1.4.B.1)
Measure, gather, evaluate, and share evidence using tools and technologies. (5.1.4.B.2)
Formulate explanations from evidence. (5.1.4.B.3)
Communicate and justify explanations with reasonable and logical arguments. (5.1.4.B.4)
III. Scope and Sequence: Grade 3 – Investigating Objects in the Sky
Page 4
Monitor and reflect on one’s own knowledge regarding how ideas change over time. (5.1.4.C.1)
Revise predictions or explanations on the basis of learning new information. (5.1.4.C.2)
Present evidence to interpret and/or predict cause-and-effect outcomes of investigations. (5.1.4.C.3)
Actively participate in discussions about student data, questions, and understandings. (5.1.4.D.1)
Work collaboratively to pose, refine, and evaluate questions, investigations, models, and theories. (5.1.4.D.2)
Demonstrate how to safely use tools, instruments, and supplies. (5.1.4.D.3)
In completing the work in Lessons 4 and 5 of Investigating Objects in the Sky, students are expected to develop understandings and
skills including:
Stars remain in the same patterns relative to one another.
The positions of constellations change over the course of a night.
The positions of constellations change over the course of the seasons.
In doing so they begin to acquire knowledge and abilities such as:
Formulate a general description of the daily motion of the Sun across the sky based on shadow observations. Explain
how shadows could be used to tell the time of day. (5.4.4.A.1)
Recognize that stars have positions and patterns of movement that can be observed and described.
In doing so they begin to acquire knowledge and abilities such as:
III. Scope and Sequence: Grade 3 – Investigating Objects in the Sky
Page 5
Use outcomes of investigations to build and refine questions, models, and explanations. (5.1.4.A.2)
Use scientific facts, measurements, observations, and patterns in nature to build and critique scientific arguments.
(5.1.4.A.3)
Design and follow simple plans using systematic observations to explore questions and predictions. (5.1.4.B.1)
Measure, gather, evaluate, and share evidence using tools and technologies. (5.1.4.B.2)
Formulate explanations from evidence. (5.1.4.B.3)
Communicate and justify explanations with reasonable and logical arguments. (5.1.4.B.4)
Monitor and reflect on one’s own knowledge regarding how ideas change over time. (5.1.4.C.1)
Revise predictions or explanations on the basis of learning new information. (5.1.4.C.2)
Present evidence to interpret and/or predict cause-and-effect outcomes of investigations. (5.1.4.C.3)
Actively participate in discussions about student data, questions, and understandings. (5.1.4.D.1)
Work collaboratively to pose, refine, and evaluate questions, investigations, models, and theories. (5.1.4.D.2)
Demonstrate how to safely use tools, instruments, and supplies. (5.1.4.D.3)
In completing the work in Lessons 7, 8 and 9 of Investigating Objects in the Sky, students are expected to develop understandings and
skills including:
Objects in the sky, specifically the Sun, Moon, and stars, have patterns of movement or apparent movement that can be
observed, described, and used to make predictions.
III. Scope and Sequence: Grade 3 – Investigating Objects in the Sky
Page 6
Earth is one of several planets that orbit the Sun, and the Moon orbits Earth.
In doing so they begin to acquire knowledge and abilities such as:
Generate a model with explanatory value that explains both why objects roll down ramps as well as why the Moon
orbits Earth. (5.4.4.A.3)
Analyze and evaluate evidence in the form of data tables and photographs to categorize and relate solar system objects
(e.g., other planets.) (5.4.4.A.4)