• 3-5: 1A/E2. Science is a process of trying to figure out how the world works by making careful observations and trying to make sense of those observations.

• K-2: 1B/P3. Describing things as accurately as possible is important in science because it enables people to compare their observations with those of others.
• 3-5: 1B/E1. Scientific investigations may take many different forms, including observing what things are like or what is happening somewhere, collecting specimens for analysis, and doing experiments.
• 3-5: 1B/E2b. One reason for following directions carefully and for keeping records of one's work is to provide information on what might have caused differences in investigations.

• K-2: 1C/P1. Everybody can do science and invent things and ideas.
• K-2: 1C/P2. In doing science, it is often helpful to work with a team and to share findings with others. All team members should reach their own individual conclusions, however, about what the findings mean.
• 3-5: 1C/E2. Clear communication is an essential part of doing science. It enables scientists to inform others about their work, expose their ideas to criticism by other scientists, and stay informed about scientific discoveries around the world.

• 3-5: 3A/E3. Measuring instruments can be used to gather accurate information for making scientific comparisons of objects and events and for designing and constructing things that will work properly.
• 3-5: 3A/E4. Technology extends the ability of people to change the world: to cut, shape, or put together materials; to move things from one place to another; and to reach farther with their hands, voices, senses, and minds. The changes may be for survival needs such as food, shelter, and defense; for communication and transportation; or to gain knowledge and express ideas.

• 3-5: 3B/E2. Even a good design may fail. Sometimes steps can be taken ahead of time to reduce the likelihood of failure, but it cannot be entirely eliminated.

• 3-5: 4A/E4. The earth is one of several planets that orbit the sun, and the moon orbits around the earth.
• 6-8: 4A/M3. Nine planets of very different size, composition, and surface features move around the sun in nearly circular orbits. Some planets have a variety of moons and even flat rings of rock and ice particles orbiting around them. Some of these planets and moons show evidence of geologic activity. The earth is orbited by one moon, many artificial satellites, and debris.

• 3-5: 11B/E3. A model of something is similar to, but not exactly like, the thing being modeled. Some models are physically similar to what they are representing, but others are not.
• 3-5: 11B/E4. Models are very useful for communicating ideas about objects, events, and processes. When using a model to communicate about something, it is important to keep in mind how it is different from the thing being modeled.

• K-2: 11D/P1. Things in nature and things people make have very different sizes, weights, ages, and speeds.

• 3-5: 12A/E1. Keep clear and accurate records of investigations and observations.
• 3-5: 12A/E2. Offer reasons for claims and consider reasons suggested by others.
• 3-5: 12A/E3. Records of observations are helpful when trying to recall those observations later.

• 3-5: 12B/E3. Judge whether measurements and computations of quantities such as length, weight, or time are reasonable by comparing them to familiar values.

• 3-5: 12C/E3. Keep written or electronic records of information so that the records are understandable weeks or months later.

• K-2: 12D/P1. Describe and compare real-world objects in terms of number, shape, texture, size, weight, color, and motion.
• 3-5: 12D/E2. Make sketches or diagrams to aid in explaining procedures or ideas.
• 3-5: 12D/E7. Write a clear and accurate description of a real-world object or event.
• 3-5: 12D/E8. Locate information in print and electronic resources.

• 3-5: 12E/E1. Buttress their statements with facts found in books, articles, and databases, and identify the sources used and expect others to do the same.

Integrate the language arts and science investigation with this 12-day unit on Saturn and its rings for Grades 3-4. Four digital booklets accompany the unit -- all free (available in English and Spanish). Children will explore size and scale of Saturn, its physical composition, its moons and their characteristics. They will play the role of engineers to design a prototype spacecraft and build a probe that can withstand a fall and float in liquid. It's all turn-key, from detailed lesson plans through assessments.

• Physical Sciences K-8 Astronomy Resources for the K-8 Classroom Unit