OECS Logo

Space Systems: Patterns and Cycles

Back to Science

Students explore patterns in the sky by observing the sun, moon, and stars. They learn about day and night cycles, track the moon's changing shapes, and discover how celestial objects follow predictable patterns that help us understand time and seasons.

Essential Learning Outcomes

ELO-1
Sky Patterns

Use observations of the sun, moon, and stars to describe patterns that can be predicted.

Students will:

  • Define terms: day, night, pattern, path, full moon, crescent moon, half moon, constellation
  • Understand that clocks help us track day and night patterns
  • Identify objects found in day sky and night sky
  • Compare the position of the sun at different times of day
  • Describe different shapes of the moon throughout a month
  • Observe and track celestial patterns in a simple journal

ELO-2
Daylight Variations

Make observations at different times of the year to relate the amount of daylight to the time of year.

Students will:

  • Recognize that daylight hours can vary throughout the year
  • Understand that Earth's tilt affects seasonal changes
  • Compare daylight differences in Caribbean vs. northern/southern regions
  • Appreciate how location affects seasonal temperature variations

Note: This outcome is covered briefly to introduce the concept, as Caribbean regions have minimal seasonal daylight variation.