Eclipses

Ages 4–8 · 4 minutes · Science

Eclipses are out of this world! Learn why they occur and the different types.

An eclipse is an amazing event and a chance to learn how the Sun, Earth and Moon all affect each other. Students will discover the differences between lunar and solar eclipses and why they occur.

Part of

All About Outer Space

Standards alignment

Common Core State Standards

Some materials allow light to pass through them, others allow only some light through and others block all the light and create a dark shadow on any surface beyond them, where the light cannot reach. Mirrors can be used to redirect a light beam. (Boundary: The idea that light travels from place to place is developed through experiences with light sources, mirrors, and shadows, but no attempt is made to discuss the speed of light.)
Patterns of the motion of the sun, moon, and stars in the sky can be observed, described, and predicted.
The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.
Events have causes that generate observable patterns.

Alabama

SC23.1.8 — Observe, describe, and predict patterns of the sun, moon, and stars as they appear in the sky.

Alaska

The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.
Some materials allow light to pass through them, others allow only some light through and others block all the light and create a dark shadow on any surface beyond them, where the light cannot reach. Mirrors can be used to redirect a light beam. (Boundary: The idea that light travels from place to place is developed through experiences with light sources, mirrors, and shadows, but no attempt is made to discuss the speed of light.)
Patterns of the motion of the sun, moon, and stars in the sky can be observed, described, and predicted.
Events have causes that generate observable patterns.

Arizona

E2 — The Earth and our solar system are a very small part of one of many galaxies within the Universe.
K.E2U1.5 — Observe and ask questions about patterns of the motion of the sun, moon, and stars in the sky.
Events have causes that generate observable patterns.
1.P2U1.1 — Plan and carry out investigations demonstrating the effect of placing objects made with different materials in the path of a beam of light and predict how objects with similar properties will affect the beam of light.

Arkansas

Patterns of the motion of the sun, moon, and stars in the sky can be observed, described, and predicted.
Some materials allow light to pass through them, others allow only some light through and others block all the light and create a dark shadow on any surface beyond them, where the light cannot reach. Mirrors can be used to redirect a light beam. (Boundary: The idea that light travels from place to place is developed through experiences with light sources, mirrors, and shadows, but no attempt is made to discuss the speed of light.)
1-ESS1-1 — Use observations of the sun, moon, and stars to describe patterns that can be predicted.
1-PS4-2 — Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that objects can be seen only when illuminated.

California

The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.
Patterns of the motion of the sun, moon, and stars in the sky can be observed, described, and predicted.
Some materials allow light to pass through them, others allow only some light through and others block all the light and create a dark shadow on any surface beyond them, where the light cannot reach. Mirrors can be used to redirect a light beam. (Boundary: The idea that light travels from place to place is developed through experiences with light sources, mirrors, and shadows, but no attempt is made to discuss the speed of light.)

Colorado

ESS1.A — The Universe and its Stars: Patterns of the motion of the sun, moon and stars in the sky can be observed, described and predicted. At night one can see the light coming from many stars with the naked eye, but telescopes make it possible to see many more and to observe them and the moon and planets in greater detail.
SC.1.3.1 — Patterns of movement of the sun, moon and stars as seen from Earth can be observed, described and predicted.
SC.1.3.1.a — Use observations of the sun, moon, and stars to describe patterns that can be predicted.
PS4.B — Electromagnetic Radiation: Objects can be seen only when light is available to illuminate them. Very hot objects give off light (e.g., a fire, the sun).

Connecticut

Patterns of the motion of the sun, moon, and stars in the sky can be observed, described, and predicted.
The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.
Some materials allow light to pass through them, others allow only some light through and others block all the light and create a dark shadow on any surface beyond them, where the light cannot reach. Mirrors can be used to redirect a light beam. (Boundary: The idea that light travels from place to place is developed through experiences with light sources, mirrors, and shadows, but no attempt is made to discuss the speed of light.)
Events have causes that generate observable patterns.

Delaware

Some materials allow light to pass through them, others allow only some light through and others block all the light and create a dark shadow on any surface beyond them, where the light cannot reach. Mirrors can be used to redirect a light beam. (Boundary: The idea that light travels from place to place is developed through experiences with light sources, mirrors, and shadows, but no attempt is made to discuss the speed of light.)
The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.
Events have causes that generate observable patterns.
Patterns of the motion of the sun, moon, and stars in the sky can be observed, described, and predicted.

Florida

SC.1.E.5.4 — Identify the beneficial and harmful properties of the Sun.
SC.4.E.5.3 — Recognize that Earth revolves around the Sun in a year and rotates on its axis in a 24-hour day.
SC.3.P.10.3 — Demonstrate that light travels in a straight line until it strikes an object or travels from one medium to another.

Georgia

S1P1.a — Use observations to construct an explanation of how light is required to make objects visible.
S1P1.c — Plan and carry out an investigation of shadows by placing objects at various points from a source of light.

Hawaii

The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.
Some materials allow light to pass through them, others allow only some light through and others block all the light and create a dark shadow on any surface beyond them, where the light cannot reach. Mirrors can be used to redirect a light beam. (Boundary: The idea that light travels from place to place is developed through experiences with light sources, mirrors, and shadows, but no attempt is made to discuss the speed of light.)
Patterns of the motion of the sun, moon, and stars in the sky can be observed, described, and predicted.
Events have causes that generate observable patterns.

Idaho

Patterns of the motion of the Sun, Moon, and stars in the sky can be observed, described, and predicted. (1-ESS-1.1)
The orbits of Earth around the Sun and of the Moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the Sun, Moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year. (5-ESS1.2)

Illinois

ESS1.B-E1 — The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.
PS4.B-P2 — Some materials allow light to pass through them, others allow only some light through and others block all the light and create a dark shadow on any surface beyond them, where the light cannot reach. Mirrors can be used to redirect a light beam. (Boundary: The idea that light travels from place to place is developed through experiences with light sources, mirrors, and shadows, but no attempt is made to discuss the speed of light.)
ESS1.A-P1 — Patterns of the motion of the sun, moon, and stars in the sky can be observed, described, and predicted.

Indiana

4.ESS.1 — Investigate how the moon appears to move through the sky and it changes day to day, emphasizing the importance of how the moon impacts the Earth, the rising and setting times, and solar and lunar eclipses.
1.PS.4 — Make observations to collect evidence and explain that objects can be seen only when illuminated.
K.ESS.2 — Describe and compare objects seen in the night and day sky, observing that the sun and moon move across the sky.

Iowa

The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.
Patterns of the motion of the sun, moon, and stars in the sky can be observed, described, and predicted.
Some materials allow light to pass through them, others allow only some light through and others block all the light and create a dark shadow on any surface beyond them, where the light cannot reach. Mirrors can be used to redirect a light beam. (Boundary: The idea that light travels from place to place is developed through experiences with light sources, mirrors, and shadows, but no attempt is made to discuss the speed of light.)

Kansas

Some materials allow light to pass through them, others allow only some light through and others block all the light and create a dark shadow on any surface beyond them, where the light cannot reach. Mirrors can be used to redirect a light beam. (Boundary: The idea that light travels from place to place is developed through experiences with light sources, mirrors, and shadows, but no attempt is made to discuss the speed of light.)
The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.
Patterns of the motion of the sun, moon, and stars in the sky can be observed, described, and predicted.
Events have causes that generate observable patterns.

Kentucky

Some materials allow light to pass through them, others allow only some light through and others block all the light and create a dark shadow on any surface beyond them, where the light cannot reach. Mirrors can be used to redirect a light beam. (Boundary: The idea that light travels from place to place is developed through experiences with light sources, mirrors, and shadows, but no attempt is made to discuss the speed of light.)
Patterns of the motion of the sun, moon, and stars in the sky can be observed, described, and predicted.
The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.

Louisiana

1-ESS1-1 — Use observations of the sun, moon, and stars to describe patterns that can be predicted.
1-PS4-2 — Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that objects in darkness can be seen only when illuminated.

Maine

Events have causes that generate observable patterns.
1-ESS1-1 — Use observations of the sun, moon, and stars to describe patterns that can be predicted.

Maryland

DCI.ESS1.B.3-5.1 — The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.
DCI.PS4.B.K-2.2 — Some materials allow light to pass through them, others allow only some light through and others block all the light and create a dark shadow on any surface beyond them, where the light cannot reach. Mirrors can be used to redirect a light beam. (Boundary: The idea that light travels from place to place is developed through experiences with light sources, mirrors, and shadows, but no attempt is made to discuss the speed of light.)
CCC.2.K-2.2 — Events have causes that generate observable patterns.
DCI.ESS1.A.K-2.1 — Patterns of the motion of the sun, moon, and stars in the sky can be observed, described, and predicted.

Massachusetts

1-PS4-3 — Conduct an investigation to determine the effect of placing materials that allow light to pass hrough them, allow only some light through them, block all the light, or redirect light when put in the path of a beam of light.
PreK-PS4-2(MA) — Connect daily experiences and investigations to demonstrate the relationships between the size and shape of shadows, the objects creating the shadow, and the light source.

Michigan

1-ESS1-1 — Use observations of the sun, moon, and stars to describe patterns that can be predicted.
1-PS4-2 — Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that objects can be seen only when illuminated.

Minnesota

3E.2.1.1.1 — Record observations of the sun, moon, and stars and use them to describe patterns that can be predicted. (P: 4, CC: 1, CI: ESS1)
3.2.1 — Students will be able to apply scientific principles and empirical evidence (primary or secondary) to explain the causes of phenomena or identify weaknesses in explanations developed by the students or others.

Mississippi

P.1.6A.2 — Use evidence from observations to explain how shadows form and change with the position of the light source.
E.2.8.5 — Use informational text and other media to observe, describe and predict the visual patterns of motion of the Sun (sunrise, sunset) and Moon (phases).

Missouri

Some materials allow light to pass through them, others allow only some light through and others block all the light and create a dark shadow on any surface beyond them, where the light cannot reach. Mirrors can be used to redirect a light beam. (Boundary: The idea that light travels from place to place is developed through experiences with light sources, mirrors, and shadows, but no attempt is made to discuss the speed of light.)
Patterns of the motion of the sun, moon, and stars in the sky can be observed, described, and predicted.
The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.
1.ESS1.A.2 — Use observations of the sun, moon, and stars to describe patterns that can be predicted.

Montana

1- ESS1-1 — use observations of the sun, moon, and stars to describe patterns that can be predicted; and
1-PS4-2 — make observations to construct an evidence-based explanation that objects can be seen only when illuminated;
1-PS4-3 — plan and conduct an investigation to determine the effect of placing objects made with different materials in the path of a beam of light; and

Nebraska

Some materials allow light to pass through them, others allow only some light through and others block all the light and create a dark shadow on any surface beyond them, where the light cannot reach. Mirrors can be used to redirect a light beam. (Boundary: The idea that light travels from place to place is developed through experiences with light sources, mirrors, and shadows, but no attempt is made to discuss the speed of light.)
The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.
SC.1.11.3 — Gather, analyze, and communicate evidence of patterns and cycles of space systems.
SC.1.11.3.A — Use observations of the sun, moon, and stars to describe patterns that can be predicted.

Nevada

Patterns of the motion of the sun, moon, and stars in the sky can be observed, described, and predicted.
Some materials allow light to pass through them, others allow only some light through and others block all the light and create a dark shadow on any surface beyond them, where the light cannot reach. Mirrors can be used to redirect a light beam. (Boundary: The idea that light travels from place to place is developed through experiences with light sources, mirrors, and shadows, but no attempt is made to discuss the speed of light.)
The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.
Events have causes that generate observable patterns.

New Hampshire

Some materials allow light to pass through them, others allow only some light through and others block all the light and create a dark shadow on any surface beyond them, where the light cannot reach. Mirrors can be used to redirect a light beam. (Boundary: The idea that light travels from place to place is developed through experiences with light sources, mirrors, and shadows, but no attempt is made to discuss the speed of light.)
The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.
Patterns of the motion of the sun, moon, and stars in the sky can be observed, described, and predicted.
Events have causes that generate observable patterns.

New Jersey

The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.
Patterns of the motion of the sun, moon, and stars in the sky can be observed, described, and predicted.
Some materials allow light to pass through them, others allow only some light through and others block all the light and create a dark shadow on any surface beyond them, where the light cannot reach. Mirrors can be used to redirect a light beam. (Boundary: The idea that light travels from place to place is developed through experiences with light sources, mirrors, and shadows, but no attempt is made to discuss the speed of light.)
Events have causes that generate observable patterns.

New Mexico

Patterns of the motion of the sun, moon, and stars in the sky can be observed, described, and predicted.
Some materials allow light to pass through them, others allow only some light through and others block all the light and create a dark shadow on any surface beyond them, where the light cannot reach. Mirrors can be used to redirect a light beam. (Boundary: The idea that light travels from place to place is developed through experiences with light sources, mirrors, and shadows, but no attempt is made to discuss the speed of light.)
The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.
Events have causes that generate observable patterns.

New York

The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.
Some materials allow light to pass through them, others allow only some light through and others block all the light and create a dark shadow on any surface beyond them, where the light cannot reach. Mirrors can be used to redirect a light beam. (Boundary: The idea that light travels from place to place is developed through experiences with light sources, mirrors, and shadows, but no attempt is made to discuss the speed of light.)
Events have causes that generate observable patterns.

North Carolina

ESS.3.1 — Remember the major components and patterns observed in the earth/moon/sun system.
ESS.3.1.1 — Use models to recognize that the Earth is part of a system called the solar system that includes the sun (a star), planets, and many moons, and that the Earth is the third planet from the sun.

North Dakota

Some materials allow light to pass through them, others allow only some light through and others block all the light and create a dark shadow on any surface beyond them, where the light cannot reach. Mirrors can be used to redirect a light beam. (Boundary: The idea that light travels from place to place is developed through experiences with light sources, mirrors, and shadows, but no attempt is made to discuss the speed of light.)
Patterns of the motion of the sun, moon, and stars in the sky can be observed, described, and predicted.
1-ESS1-1 — Describe patterns that can be predicted through observations of the sun, moon, and stars.
Objects can be seen if light is available to illuminate them or if they give off their own light.

Ohio

K.ESS.2 — The moon, sun and stars can be observed at different times of the day or night.
1.PS.2 — Objects can be moved in a variety of ways, such as straight, zigzag, circular and back and forth.

Oklahoma

The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the Sun, Moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year. (5.ESS1.2)
Patterns of the motion of the Sun, Moon, and stars in the sky can observed, described, and predicted. (1.ESS1.1)
Some materials allow light to pass through them, others allow only some light through, and others block all the light and create a dark shadow on any surface beyond them, where the light cannot reach. (1.PS4.3)

Oregon

1.ESS1.1 — Use observations of the sun, moon, and stars to describe patterns that can be predicted. [Clarification Statement: Examples of patterns could include that the sun and moon appear to rise in one part of the sky, move across the sky, and set; and stars other than our sun are visible at night but not during the day.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment of star patterns is limited to stars being seen at night and not during the day.]
1.PS4.2 — Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that objects can be seen only when illuminated. [Clarification Statement: Examples of observations could include those made in a completely dark room, a pinhole box, and a video of a cave explorer with a flashlight. Illumination could be from an external light source or by an object giving off its own light.][assessment boundary: assessment does not include speed of light or the interaction of waves for the purpose of magnification.]

Pennsylvania

The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.
Patterns of the motion of the sun, moon, and stars in the sky can be observed, described, and predicted.

Rhode Island

Some materials allow light to pass through them, others allow only some light through and others block all the light and create a dark shadow on any surface beyond them, where the light cannot reach. Mirrors can be used to redirect a light beam. (Boundary: The idea that light travels from place to place is developed through experiences with light sources, mirrors, and shadows, but no attempt is made to discuss the speed of light.)
Patterns of the motion of the sun, moon, and stars in the sky can be observed, described, and predicted.
The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.
Events have causes that generate observable patterns.

South Carolina

1-ESS1-1.DCI.A: — The Universe and Its Stars Patterns of the motion of the sun, moon, and stars in the sky can be observed, described, and predicted. NRC Framework Link
1-PS4-3.DCI.B: — Electromagnetic Radiation Light travels from place to place. Some materials allow light to pass through them, others allow only some light through, and others block all the light and create a dark shadow on any surface beyond them, where the light cannot reach. Mirrors can be used to redirect a light beam. NRC Framework Link
1-ESS1-1. — Use observations of the sun, moon, and stars to describe patterns that can be predicted. Clarification Statement: Examples of patterns could include that the sun and moon appear to rise in one part of the sky, move across the sky, and set; and stars other than our sun are visible at night but not during the day. State Assessment Boundary: Assessment of star patterns is limited to stars being seen at night and not during the day.

South Dakota

1-ESS1-1 — Use observations of the sun, moon, and stars to describe patterns that can be predicted.

Tennessee

1.ESS1.1 — Use observations or models of the sun, moon, and stars to describe patterns that can be predicted.
2.ESS1.1 — Recognize that some of Earth’s natural processes are cyclical, while others have a beginning and an end. Some events happen quickly, while others occur slowly over time.

Texas

3.8C — construct models that demonstrate the relationship of the Sun, Earth, and Moon, including orbits and positions; and
3.9A — construct models and explain the orbits of the Sun, Earth, and Moon in relation to each other; and
K.8B — demonstrate and explain that light travels through some objects and is blocked by other objects, creating shadows.

Utah

1.1.1 — Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the movement of the Sun, Moon, and stars to describe predictable patterns. Examples of *patterns*could include how the Sun and Moon appear to rise in one part of the sky, move across the sky, and set; or how stars, other than the Sun, are visible at night but not during the day. (ESS1.A)
1.3.3 — Plan and carry out an investigation to determine the effect of materials in the path of a beam of light. Emphasize that light can travel through some materials, can be reflected off some materials, and some materials block light causing shadows. Examples of materials could include clear plastic, wax paper, cardboard, or a mirror. (PS4.B)
1.3.2 — Use a model to show the effect of light on objects. Emphasize that objects can be seen when light is available to illuminate them or if they give off their own light. (PS4.B)

Vermont

The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.
Patterns of the motion of the sun, moon, and stars in the sky can be observed, described, and predicted.
Some materials allow light to pass through them, others allow only some light through and others block all the light and create a dark shadow on any surface beyond them, where the light cannot reach. Mirrors can be used to redirect a light beam. (Boundary: The idea that light travels from place to place is developed through experiences with light sources, mirrors, and shadows, but no attempt is made to discuss the speed of light.)
Events have causes that generate observable patterns.

Virginia

4.6.a — The student will investigate and understand that there are relationships among Earth, the moon, and the sun. Key relationships include the motions of Earth, the moon, and the sun.
K.8.b — Shadows can be produced when sunlight or artificial light is blocked by an object.
4.6.d — The student will investigate and understand that there are relationships among Earth, the moon, and the sun. Key relationships include the relative size, position, age and makeup of Earth, the moon, and the sun.

Washington

Patterns of the motion of the sun, moon, and stars in the sky can be observed, described, and predicted.
Some materials allow light to pass through them, others allow only some light through and others block all the light and create a dark shadow on any surface beyond them, where the light cannot reach. Mirrors can be used to redirect a light beam. (Boundary: The idea that light travels from place to place is developed through experiences with light sources, mirrors, and shadows, but no attempt is made to discuss the speed of light.)
The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year.
Events have causes that generate observable patterns.

Washington, D.C.

Events have causes that generate observable patterns.
1-ESS1-1 — Use observations of the sun, moon, and stars to describe patterns that can be predicted.
Use information from observations (firsthand and from media) to construct an evidence-based account for natural phenomena.
1-PS4-2 — Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that objects in darkness can be seen only when illuminated.

West Virginia

Investigating and explaining cause and effect
S.1.2 — Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that objects can be seen only when illuminated.
S.1.8 — Use observations of the sun, moon, and stars to describe patterns that can be predicted.
Developing and using models

Wisconsin

Patterns of movement of the sun, moon, and stars, as seen from Earth, can be observed, described, and predicted.
Students recognize that patterns in the natural and human designed world can be observed, used to describe phenomena, and used as evidence.
Objects can be seen only when light is available to illuminate them.
Students use and develop models (i.e., diagrams, drawings, physical replicas, dioramas, dramatizations, or storyboards) that represent concrete events or design solutions. This includes the following: Distinguish between a model and the actual object, process, or events the model represents. Compare models to identify common features and differences. Develop or use models to represent amounts, relationships, relative scales (bigger, smaller), and patterns in the natural and designed world(s). Develop a simple model based on evidence to represent a proposed object or tool.

Wyoming

Patterns of movement of the sun, moon, and stars as seen from Earth can be observed, described, and predicted.
The Earth’s orbit and rotation, and the orbit of the moon around the Earth cause observable patterns.
1-ESS1-1 — Use observations of the sun, moon, and stars to describe patterns that can be predicted.