Patterns of the Sun

Start with something students can look at or think about: a photo, a short video, a jar on the windowsill, or a question like "what do you already know about patterns of the sun?" Then let them work through the first item together as a class, then finish the rest independently or with a partner, keeping a word bank or anchor chart in view so the vocabulary stays available. When you review, ask students how they knew, and let them point to the part of the diagram or reading that told them. These patterns of the sun worksheets work well as a lead in before an investigation, as a way to capture what students noticed afterward, or as review before an assessment.

These patterns of the sun worksheets for 1st grade give students a clear, visual way to work through one of the big ideas in earth sun and moon. Students label diagrams, sort and classify examples, read short explanations, and answer questions that ask them to say why, not just what. Each page keeps the science vocabulary front and center so students leave with the words they need to talk about patterns of the sun accurately. Working through patterns of the sun on paper gives 1st grade students something concrete to hold onto before, during, or after the hands on part of a lesson.

Yes, both. We made it for 1st Grade earth, sun and moon, and the page works the same whether it lands on a kitchen table or a center rotation. At home, most families go through it together and talk the answers out loud, and that talking is where most of the learning happens with patterns of the sun. In class it runs well as independent work while you pull a small group. Print one copy or thirty, whichever the day needs.

First graders learn that the sun appears to move across the sky in a predictable pattern every day: low in the east in the morning, high overhead near midday, and low in the west by evening. This observable pattern is caused by Earth's rotation. Students record observations, draw sun positions at different times of day, and connect the sun's position to shadow length, understanding that shadows are longest when the sun is lowest.

Patterns of the sun are a NGSS 1-ESS1-1 standard introduced in Grade 1 as part of an Earth, sun, and moon unit. The topic builds on kindergarten weather and sun observations and sets the stage for Grade 1 lessons on seasonal sunlight changes. Teachers often conduct outdoor shadow observations at morning, noon, and afternoon to provide direct evidence.

Go outside with your child at three different times of day, morning, midday, and late afternoon, and trace their shadow on the pavement with chalk. Measure or compare the lengths and note which direction the shadow points at each time. Then complete the worksheet to record and explain what you observed. This direct observation makes the pattern tangible and memorable.

5 printable worksheets, all free to preview. Downloads are included with a ClassWeekly free trial, and every page prints on standard 8.5 x 11 paper.

These are written for 1st Grade students, roughly ages 6-7. Many teachers also use them a grade up for review or a grade down as an extension, so use the preview to judge the fit for a particular child.

Yes. Each one shows the NGSS code it covers on its own page, so you can check the alignment yourself rather than taking our word for it.

Yes. Nothing here assumes a classroom of 25, so they work the same one-to-one at the kitchen table as they do in a 1st Grade classroom, a literacy centre, or a tutoring session.