Module 1 (P5) - How Can We Use the Sky to Navigate?

How Can We Use the Sky to Navigate? is part of Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, a brand-new curriculum series by the Smithsonian Science Education Center. It is aligned to a group of grade 5 standards. It has a focus on Earth and space science with a secondary focus on physical science and engineering. In this module, students:

• Use evidence of the Sun and stars’ daily pattern of motion to support a claim that Earth rotates on an axis

• Carry out an investigation to determine which of two solutions is better for measuring the altitude of Polaris

• Engage in argument about the plausibility of sailing long distances without instruments by using evidence that the patterns of the Sun and stars can be used to navigate

Below are digital resources that support teaching of this module.