A population of horseshoe crabs lined up on the short of a beach at night

How Horseshoe Crabs are Impacted by Patterns in Space

Grade 5

This lesson focuses on two main ideas:

Patterns that we see in the night sky (from the moon) during each month
How patterns in the sky and seasonal changes impact horseshoe crabs

Procedure

INTRODUCTION (15 minutes)

Read the introduction to students and review new vocabulary. Students will watch the “Creatures of the Chesapeake” video. After the video, have a discussion around the essential questions and thinking questions aligned to the topic and video. Discuss the career connections related to the Chesapeake Bay and space with students.

EXTENSION (15-30 minutes)

Complete extension activities with students, as you see fit.

ASSESSMENT (15 minutes)

Have students apply their newfound knowledge by completing a Summative CER on the lesson using evidence from the video and activities as support.

REFLECTION (10 minutes)

Have students complete a reflection.

Standards

NGSS Performance Expectation

5-ESS1-2 Earth's Place in the Universe
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.

Science and Engineering Practices
Analyzing and Interpreting Data
Analyzing data in 3–5 builds on K–2 experiences and progresses to introducing quantitative approaches to collecting data and conducting multiple trials of qualitative observations. When possible and feasible, digital tools should be used.
- Represent data in graphical displays (bar graphs, pictographs and/or pie charts) to reveal patterns that indicate relationships.
Disciplinary Core Ideas
ESS1.B: Earth and the Solar System
- 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.
Crosscutting Concepts
Patterns
- Similarities and differences in patterns can be used to sort, classify, communicate and analyze simple rates of change for natural phenomena.

Maryland Environmental Literacy Standard

Standard 2
Human Dependence on Earth Systems and Natural Resources: Environmentally literate students construct and apply understanding of how Earth’s systems and natural resources support human existence.

Summative CER

Option 1:

Construct an argument on how patterns from the moon are important for the survival and functions of horseshoe crabs. Use evidence and reasoning from the videos and activities to support your argument.

Option 2:

Explain how we can use patterns in the sky and from seasons to predict the behavior of horseshoe crabs? Use evidence and reasoning from the videos and activities to support your explanation.

Reflection Questions

How do patterns and changes in the night sky affect horseshoe crabs?
How can we use patterns in the sky and what we know about the seasons to predict behaviors of horseshoe crabs?

Summative CER Rubric

Scoring Rubric Components	No Response Score Point 0	Not There Yet Score Point 0.5	Beginning To Score Point 0.75	Yes Score Point 1.0
CLAIM	The claim is missing.	The claim is incorrect or irrelevant.	The claim partially takes a position on the topic or issue addressed within the prompt.	The claim takes an appropriate position on the topic or issue addressed within the prompt.
EVIDENCE	There is no type of evidence in the response.	The evidence is irrelevant or does not support the claim.	The evidence partially supports the claim and demonstrates some understanding of the topic or text, using appropriate sources.	The evidence supports the claim and demonstrates a strong understanding of the topic or text, using appropriate sources.
REASONING	There is no use of words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and to clarify the relationship between the claim and evidence.	Use of words, phrases and clauses fail to show or explain any relationship between the claim and evidence.	Scientific words, phrases, and clauses used lack cohesion but partially clarify the relationship between the claim and evidence.	Appropriate scientific words, phrases, and clauses are used to create cohesion and to clarify the relationship between the claim and evidence.