Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory has had the pleasure of working with Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) for years, and the observatory has served as a destination for many schools that are part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) Expeditions program. The program is designed to ensure equitable access for MNPS students to have cultural enrichment opportunities that support their academic, social and emotional growth. In addition, students not only get access to resources not readily available in the classroom, but they directly interact with individuals who are professionally involved in a field of science they are studying.
As Dyer continues to collaborate with MNPS, staff have worked with education leaders and STEAM coaches to devise a field trip agenda that would address multiple Tennessee 5th grade science standards. The agenda not only lists the field trip activities at Dyer, it also outlines activities and concepts teachers would address with their students prior to the trip and after they return, ensuring maximum retention and impact on students.
Below is the 5th grade field trip agenda. Though teachers are not required to follow this agenda when requesting their own field trips, it does provide a guide to illustrate what can be done if specific standards need to be met in order for a field trip to be authorized by their school. Additional field trip activities can be found on our field trip webpage.
Science Standards Addressed
- 5.ESS1.1: The apparent brightness of the Sun compared to other stars is due to their relative distances from Earth.
- 5.ESS1.2: The position of Earth and the solar system within the Milky Way galaxy and comparisons of the size and shape of the Milky Way to other galaxies.
- 5.ESS1.4: Explain the cause-and-effect relationship between the positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon and the resulting eclipses, tides, and appearance of the Moon.
- 5.ESS1.5: Relate the tilt of the Earth’s axis, as it revolves around the Sun, to the varying intensities of sunlight at different latitudes, causing changes in day lengths and seasons.
- 5.ESS1.6: The position of Earth and the solar system within the Milky Way galaxy and comparisons of the size and shape of the Milky Way to other galaxies. While students are using the planispheres, remind them they are using a tool to describe the position of constellations and how they appear to move from the Earth’s perspective throughout the seasons.
5th Grade Field Trip Agenda
Download the Agenda
Download a PDF version of the above agenda.