Shadows and Stars: Epic 4th/5th Grade Classroom Mission

Storyline

Using their knowledge of shadows, stars, and patterns, students will decipher clues to find the Crooked Snakes before they get away with a heist.

The crew has been called in to investigate a break-in that's been connected to the Crooked Snakes, a suspicious criminal organization wreaking havoc on Viper 1. Students must first use their knowledge of shadows to uncover where the Crooked Snakes hid the next clue. Then, after discovering a second clue, the crew will need to analyze data about stars and their relative brightness to figure out where a suspected heist is happening. They'll have to work fast in order to get to the right star base before the Crooked Snakes escape again.

Est. time: 36 min.

Targeted Standards

NGSS 5-ESS1-1 Support an argument that differences in the apparent brightness of the sun compared to other stars is due to their relative distances from Earth.

NGSS 5-ESS1-2 Represent data in graphical displays to reveal patterns of daily changes in length and direction of shadows, day and night, and the seasonal appearance of some stars in the night sky. Examples of patterns could include the position and motion of Earth with respect to the sun and selected stars that are visible only in particular months. Assessment does not include causes of seasons.

3-Dimensional Science

Phenomenon

The location of Earth in relation to the Sun causes patterns in the sky that can be observed, described, and predicted.

Science and Engineering Practices

Asking Questions and Defining Problems

The crew seeks to understand the mysterious activities of the Crooked Snakes and their plans for "Operation Starfall".

Developing and Using Models

The crew uses sensors and security footage to reconstruct and analyze the clues left by the Crooked Snakes to locate hidden objects.

Planning and Carrying Out Investigations

The crew works together to investigate and find solutions to the problems presented by the Crooked Snakes.

Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

The crew analyzes data and evidence to uncover the criminal group's intentions and prevent their heist.

Crosscutting Concepts

Patterns

The crew observes patterns in the clues and evidence to deduce the next course of action and uncover the Crooked Snakes' plans.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

ESS1.B: Earth and the Solar System

The crew warps to different star bases, encountering various celestial objects and phenomena during their space travel.

ESS2.E: Biogeology

The crew investigates the impact of the toxic red substance on fish and the environment, showing the connections between geology and biology.