Objective

By the end of this month-long lesson plan, Wolves will be able to identify the planets in our solar system, state interesting facts about each planet, recognize the current phase of the moon, find and name several constellations, and hypothesize how these celestial bodies might affect Earth and its weather.

Materials and Prep

• Smartphone or tablet with a stargazing app (like SkyView or Star Walk)
• Notebook and pencil for tracking observations
• Flashlight for night-time activities
• Access to a calendar to track moon phases
• Comfortable outdoor clothing and blankets for stargazing

Before starting the lesson, familiarize yourself with the stargazing app and check the weather for clear nights. Make sure to have a designated outdoor area for observing the sky.

Activities

• Planet Exploration: Each week, focus on a different planet. Use the app to locate the planet in the sky and write down three fun facts about it. For example, "Did you know Saturn has rings made of ice and rock?"
• Moon Phase Tracking: Every night, go outside and observe the moon. Draw its shape in your notebook and write down which phase it is in (new, crescent, half, gibbous, full). Make a chart to track the changes throughout the month!
• Constellation Hunt: Use the app to find famous constellations like the Big Dipper and Orion. Try to spot them in the sky and draw what you see in your notebook. Can you see the shapes they make?
• Weather Predictions: After observing the planets, moon, and stars, make predictions about how they might influence the weather. For example, "If the moon is full, will it be a clear night?" Write down your thoughts and see if they come true!

Talking Points

• "Did you know that Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system? It’s so big that you could fit all the other planets inside it!"
• "Look at the moon tonight! What shape do you see? That's called its phase. The moon goes through different phases every month!"
• "Can you find the Big Dipper? It looks like a big spoon in the sky! It's part of a bigger constellation called Ursa Major."
• "Orion is another cool constellation. It looks like a hunter with a belt! Can you spot the three stars that make up his belt?"
• "What do you think happens to the weather when the moon is full? Some people believe it can affect tides and even animal behavior!"
• "Saturn is famous for its rings. They are made of ice and rock! Isn’t that amazing?"
• "When we look at stars, we're actually looking back in time! Some stars are so far away that the light takes years to reach us."
• "Why do you think the planets move in the sky? They are orbiting the sun, just like we revolve around it!"