Observing the Stars

HISD 2nd Grade Science
Teacher Facing
Observing Stars

M3 L18
March 28, 2024

HISD 2nd Grade Science
Observing Stars

M3 L18
March 28, 2024

16

Observing Stars

LO: SWBAT use observations as evidence to explain
how a group of Polynesians could use Arcturus
to navigate to Hawaii.

DOL: Given a problem, SW correctly explain how a
group of Polynesians could use Arcturus to navigate to Hawaii in at least 2 of 3 questions.

SCI.2.8C observe, describe, and record patterns of objects in the sky, including the appearance of the Moon

17

Essential Understandings &

Guiding Questions

How did the Polynesians use observations of stars to navigate from island to island?

Lesson Vocabulary

sunset

star

nighttime

Arcturus over Polynesia

Multiple Choice

The picture shows Arcturus path across the Polynesian map.

What is Arcturus?

• A moon

• A Bright Star

• East to West

• West to East

Phenomenon Question: How did the Polynesians use
observations of stars to navigate from island to island?

Open Ended

This is a model of the Polynesian map with Artcturus. What do you notice about it?

Can you notice where Arcturus is to Hawaii?

(Left, Right, Above, Below?)

How can we find out if these stars moved in the same
way?

Conceptual Checkpoint Part B: Q1

The Polynesians need to navigate back to Hawaii. When should the Polynesians point their boat toward Arcturus? Circle your answer.

Fill in the Blanks

Conceptual Checkpoint Part B: Q2

Look at the answer you chose. Explain how that answer will help the Polynesians navigate to Hawaii.

Conceptual Checkpoint Part C

Circle the answer that includes all the evidence that supports the claim.

Drag and Drop

Fill in the blank for the evidence we just learned about Arcturus. Use your picture evidence and clues.



When Arcturus is ​

Placeholder

in the sky​, it is ​

Placeholder

Hawaii.

Drag these tiles and drop them in the correct blank above

high

night

low

above

next

Conceptual Checkpoint Part C: Q1

Circle the answer that includes all the evidence that supports the claim.

Multiple Choice

Select the answer that includes ALL the evidence that supports the claim.

Conceptual Checkpoint B & C Debrief

How could the
Polynesians use
their observations of Arcturus to navigate
to Hawaii?

Phenomenon Question:How did the Polynesians use
observations of stars to navigate from island to island?

What can we add
to show how the
original Polynesian
navigators used
stars to navigate?

What changes in our observations of stars throughout the night?

Driving Question Board

29

30

What is similar about how the Polynesians used the Easter Island statues and stars? What is different?

Easter Island: What do you notice about the statues in
this picture?

31

DOL :Given a problem,
SW correctly explain
how a group of
Polynesians could use
Arcturus to navigate to
Hawaii in at least 2 of 3
questions.

Demonstration of Learning