How Can We Predict When the Sky Will Be Dark? is part of Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, a new curriculum series by the Smithsonian Science Education Center. It is aligned to a group of grade 1 standards. It has a focus on earth and space science with a secondary focus on physical science. In this module, students:

• Analyze and interpret observations of the sky to identify when the Sun, Moon, and stars are visible and the Sun and Moon’s daily pattern of motion in the sky.

• Use observations to explain that we see objects when light shines on them or if they give off their own light.

• Compare two models of the Moon to identify which model better represents the observed patterns of the real Moon.

• Plan and carry out an investigation to identify the pattern of daylight throughout the year.

• Carry out an investigation to identify the times of the year that it will be dark when kids walk to or from school.

• Explain how different light sources will allow objects to be seen when kids walk to school in the dark.