At school, December has been a month of learning about the planets, stars, and light. We have watched a video of the Atlantis Space Shuttle launch in 1985, and hoped to see the new James Webb telescope launch into space. Unfortunately that has been delayed.
Just when we were filled with knowledge about the sky, we looked up last Friday evening on the playground to see a perfect arc. Perfect. It started against the full moon and ended on the opposite side of the sky. It was a contrail, but unlike any I have seen.
Children were ‘star struck’. Nothing is better than the real deal, looking up into the sky. What a fitting finale to our December unit of study. Eyes on STEM at its best.
“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.”
– Carl Sagan-
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
the air must have been very still Jennie? Normally the atmosphere has wind moving up there that would dissipate contrails, but it must of been very still up there for that contrail to keep it’s shape.
Yes, it was very still that evening. Quite amazing to see an arc.
the universe conspired to make your lesson very real
I think so!!
I love seeing contrails. Great capture.
Thanks, Dan. I wish my phone could have taken a photo of the entire arc.
Nothing quite like real-world learning opportunities.
Exactly! For the children, this was far more exciting than a YouTube video of the Atlantis. It was real!
It’s wonderful to be able to use these real life moments as teachable ones!
Yes!!
Was that a firefly that appeared at the end of the video? Great to hear the kids’ excitement.
Best wishes, Pete.
Good question, Pete. No, it wasn’t a firefly. It seemed to be something with my phone camera reflecting the light from the tall standing light on the playground.
Aha! 🙂
Yes!
That was a wow moment! I love the Carl Sagan quote.
It was, Liz! I always loved Carl Sagan. I remember watching him on TV teaching a 5th grade science class. He was a born teacher, too.
He was a remarkable man for sure.
He certainly was!
To see the miracles of nature all we have to do is look up!
Yes!! And also, look down.
that was a perfect way to end your lesson; talk about serendipity!
Yes! Who knew all we learned over the month would end in a ‘live’ moment!
first, Kelly Clarkson, and now this. what a year!
Yes!! And thank you. 😊
👍
That was an amazing teaching moment! 😀
It really was. Who knew that arc would be there, on the perfect day? Thank you, Deborah. 🙂
Wonderful! And a great quote by Sagen. Jennie, have you seen the ISS flyover? If not, you can sign up to get notices of flyovers in your area. Sometimes, it happens at convenient times and Nonna clear evening, it’s exciting to watch. It appears as a fast moving star.
Thank you, Steve. No, I have not seen these flyovers. Oooo, how exciting! I will look into this. This floods me with Curbside Classroom memories. 🙂🙂
And who says you can’t teach an ol’ horse new tricks??? 😂. I believe that I use ‘Spot the Station’ from NASA. Gi find it. I can picture you having your class meet for an evening session to watch the ISS. “Who sees it? Who sees it? Good work, class!”😉
If only we could have a star gazing evening event at school with families, like our jack-o-lantern carving. Covid has stopped families from being able to come into school. So sad! Fingers crossed for next year.
The ISS will still be there. Go for it! Have a great day, Jennie.
You know I will, Steve!
Here’s what the notice looks, Jennie. It’ll be passing over here tomorrow morning…
(SpotTheStation) Time: Thu Dec 23 6:26 AM, Visible: 5 min, Max Height: 40 degrees, Appears: WNW, Disappears: NE.
Of course it’ll be snowing here so I’m SOL on seeing it. Besides, my hospital bed doesn’t have windows. Nothing serious, just a follow up to prostate surgery from 5 yrs ago. Going home tomorrow.
Thank you, Steve! I Have the website and will show the kids today. Take care of yourself, my friend. Merry Christmas!
Thanks, Jennie.
😀
So fun to see children be delighted by nature’s beauty :). It reminds us how lucky we are and to be continually grateful! Charlotte also loves looking for the moon in the evenings, no matter where we go. ❤️
You are so right! And looking for the moon is such a wonderful thing to do with children.
Your order to the AirForce had arrived, Jennie! 😉 xx Michael
Haha! 😀
Reblogged this on OPENED HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
Thank you, Michael!
Perfect!
It really was, Norah. Thank you.
I loved the sound track when I got to hear the kids.
I didn’t listen carefully. I’m sure it was squeals of fun.
Sounded like.