5th Grade Next Generation Science Unit Space Systems: Star Luminosity

Includes: Unit Teacher Guide (materials needed, explanation, standards), Student Packet (all experiment components, all argumentative essay components), Assessment Rubrics

This unit is designed to lead students through the Next Generation Science Standards for 5th grade. This packet focuses on Space Systems: Stars and the Solar System and The Next Generation Science Standard:

5-ESS1-1. Support an argument that differences in the apparent brightness of the sun compared to other stars is due to their relative distances from the Earth.


Students will watch videos, read articles and conduct an experiment to meet the standards. The unit was designed to advance students’ achievement on Smarter Balance Assessments and to help improve student writing based on the Common Core State Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.1
Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.1.A
Introduce a topic or text clearly, state an opinion, and create an organizational structure in which ideas are logically grouped to support the writer's purpose.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.1.B
Provide logically ordered reasons that are supported by facts and details.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.1.C
Link opinion and reasons using words, phrases, and clauses (e.g., consequently,specifically).
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.1.D
Provide a concluding statement or section related to the opinion presented.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2.A
Introduce a topic clearly, provide a general observation and focus, and group related information logically; include formatting (e.g., headings), illustrations, and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2.B
Develop the topic with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples related to the topic.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2.C
Link ideas within and across categories of information using words, phrases, and clauses (e.g., in contrast, especially).
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2.D
Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2.E
Provide a concluding statement or section related to the information or explanation presented.

The unit is purposefully written to give teachers the ability to introduce and change as they feel would be best for their teaching style and student ability.

Movie and article choices will be left to the discretion of the teacher. However, Stars of the Universe Starlight produced by CLEARVUE/eav Inc. from 2003, which was found on Discovery Education, would work well if watched from the beginning to 3:38.

Rubrics for the experiment and the argumentative essay are provided as well.

*I'd love for you to share with your co-workers, teammates, and any other educators, but please be respectful and purchase the multiple licenses copy for half price. :)