The winter solstice occurs each year around December 21st or 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere when the Earth’s axis tilts the farthest away from the sun. This celestial event results in the shortest day and longest night of the year, marking the official start of winter.
In celebration of this special event, we’ve gathered our most engaging lessons that explore key concepts related to the winter solstice, including Earth’s orbit, eclipses, and phases of the moon. Check out our lessons that bring these celestial dynamics to life!
Ozobot STEAM Lesson: Exploring Solstices and Equinoxes
Your students will love Exploring Solstices and Equinoxes, where they get to become experts on Winter Solstice, Vernal Equinox, Summer Solstice, and Autumnal Equinox. They’ll be challenged to describe when each event takes place and what occurs, then code an Ozobot Blockly program for Ozobot to travel through the year.
Ozo Goes to the Sun, Earth and Moon STEAM Kit
Eclipses are another captivating celestial event that showcases the intricate movements and alignments of the Earth, Moon, and Sun. Dive deeper into the Solar Eclipse and Lunar Eclipse using the OzoGoes to the Sun, Earth & Moon STEAM Kit. Students will explore the positions and motions of celestial bodies during eclipses while enhancing their programming skills using Ozobot Blockly.
Ozobot STEAM Lessons: The Near Side of the Moon and Phases of the Moon Levels 2 & 3
For your aspiring astronomers, The Near Side of the Moon lesson delves into the concepts of rotation and revolution, explaining why we always see the same side of the Moon from Earth. Take your astronomy skills even further with Phases of the Moon Level 2 & 3, where students will use a model to identify and name all eight phases of the Moon. Your students will create shadows with 3D objects and a flashlight in these interactive, hands-on lessons aligned with NGSS standards.
Ozobot STEAM Lesson: Seasons Changing
In our Seasons Changing lesson, students will apply their knowledge of life and earth sciences to complete sentences about the seasonal changes from fall to winter. This engaging activity features a challenging Color Code track that encourages students to hone their problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
Ozobot STEAM Lesson: Light Up the Sky with Auroras Levels 1 & 2
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are a stunning light display most commonly visible during the winter months, when the nights are the longest and the skies are darkest. In the lessons Light Up the Sky with Auroras (Level 1) and Level 2 students will learn about the Northern Lights and program Ozobot to recreate the stunning display of auroras lighting up the night sky.
