Voyageurs Dark Sky Classroom

The Dark Sky Classroom brings the wonder of the night sky and Voyageurs National Park to your classroom! Teachers are provided with a pre- and post-activities to bookend the LIVE virtual classroom visit from a Voyageurs Conservancy dark sky expert. Our lesson plans support national and state standards, including the Next Generation Science Standards. Lessons are designed for upper elementary students, but we’re happy to work with your classroom to customize our program. 

Thanks to generous support from our grant partners, all Voyageurs Virtual Classroom programs are FREE and available to classrooms nationwide! 

Interested in Dark Sky Classroom Programs? Sign up for our Teacher E-Newsletter below to stay informed on program offerings.

Dark Sky Lessons & Classroom Visit:

Our interactive lessons introduce dark sky concepts such as light pollution and northern lights, and allows students to investigate phenomena through hands-on activities. These lesson plans were created to support Next Generation Science Standards, Social Science Standards, and follow the philosophy behind the 5E Model of Instruction. This is a three-part activity, ideally spread out over the course of three separate days:

1: Pre-Activity (45 - 60 minutes)

2: Activity (45 minutes): Includes a live, virtual classroom visit with a Conservancy dark sky expert

3: Post-Activity (60 - 90 minutes)

 

Jonathan Bayer

Kris Lunde

Moon Phases Lesson Details:

Grade level: 4th grade

Setting: Virtual

Subject: Earth and Space Science

Supported Next Generation Science Standards:

  • 1-ESS1-1

  • 3-PS2-2

  • MS-ESS1-1

MN Standard

  • 1.1.3.2.1

5E Phases: Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, Evaluation

The Moon's appearance changes dramatically throughout the month, from shrouded in darkness to bright with reflected light – these are the Moon's phases! Students will learn about how the Sun, Moon, and Earth interact to create Moon phases. Additionally, students will be introduced to an Indigenous Ojibwe lunar calendar and learn about how tracking the moon phases can be vital for survival.

Jeff Kantor

Shuff Marsha

Northern Lights Lesson Details:

Grade level: 4th grade

Setting: Virtual

Subject: Earth and Space Science / Geography

Minnesota Social Science Standards 

  • 4th Grade Strand: Geography

  • Substrand: Geospatial Skills 4.3.1.2.1 (current) 4.3.13.3 (2021 standards)

5E Phases: Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, Evaluation

The Northern Lights reveal themselves as a brilliant display of greens, reds, and whites that fill the night sky. Students will learn about how the Northern Lights are created and how you can increase your chances of witnessing this spectacular light show on your own.

NASA

NASA

Light Pollution Lesson Details:

Grade level: 4th grade

Setting: Virtual

Subject: Earth and Space Science

Supported Next Generation Science Standards:

  • 3-5-ETS1 - 2 Engineering Design

  • DCI ESS3.C Human Impacts on Earth Systems

  • MS-ESS3 Earth and Human Activity

5E Phases: Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, Evaluation

Light pollution is the invasion of night skies by artificial light. It is a growing issue with several far-reaching adverse effects. Students will join a Voyageurs Conservancy member to learn more about the importance of night sky preservation and learn about ways that we can combat light pollution.

Get Your Classroom Involved

Please answer a few questions to sign-up for our Teacher Newsletter and receive updates on Dark Sky Classroom offerings for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Voyageurs Conservancy received an Open OutDoors for Kids grant from the National Park Foundation (NPF) to support the development of our Dark Sky Classroom materials and field experiences. 

Funding for this project was provided in part by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources  Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources  (LCCMR).

The Trust Fund is a permanent fund constitutionally established by the citizens of Minnesota to assist in the protection, conservation, preservation, and enhancement of the state’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources.