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⭐ Weeks 14-15: Stars & Light

Unit Overview
Grade Level Grades 1-2
Duration 2 sessions (30 min each)
Curriculum Year B
STREAM Focus S (Science), R (Religion), A (Arts)

Weeks 14-15: Stars & Light

🎯 Learning Objectives

STEM Objectives

Students will be able to: 1. Understand that stars are far-away suns 2. Identify that light travels in straight lines 3. Explore how light creates patterns 4. Create simple light-based art

Faith Integration Objectives

Students will be able to: 1. Connect the Christmas Star to the story of the Magi 2. Understand Jesus as "Light of the World" 3. See how light represents hope and guidance

Weeks 14-15: Stars & Light

🙏 Faith-Reason Integration

Catholic Teaching Connection

Christ the Light — Jesus called Himself the "Light of the World." Light guides us, reveals truth, and brings hope. The Christmas star guided the Magi to Jesus — the ultimate Light.

Scripture Connection

"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." — John 8:12

Saint Connection

The Three Magi (Wise Men) — Scientists/astronomers who studied the stars and followed light to find Jesus. They show that science can lead us to faith!

📚 Materials Needed

  • Flashlights

  • Star projector or pin-prick star jars

  • Black paper

  • Sequins, foil

  • Light exploration materials

  • Magi story resources

Session 1: Stars in the Sky

📝 Lesson Procedure (30 minutes)

Opening Prayer (2 min)

"Dear God, You created the stars in the sky — billions of them! You placed a special star to guide the Wise Men to Jesus. Help us learn about Your amazing lights in the sky today. Amen."

Introduction: What Are Stars? (8 min)

Stars are suns!

  • "Our sun is a STAR"

  • "Other stars are so far away they look tiny"

  • "There are BILLIONS of stars — God made them all!"

Wonder questions:

  • "Have you ever looked at stars at night?"

  • "What did you notice?"

  • "Why do they twinkle?"

The Christmas Star:

  • Tell the story of the Magi

  • "They studied the sky — they were scientists!"

  • "They saw a special star and followed it"

  • "Science led them to Jesus!"

Key learning:

  • Stars give light

  • A special star guided the Wise Men

  • Light helps us find our way

Star Exploration (10 min)

Activity options:

Option A: Pin-prick star jars

  • Dark jars with holes poked in lid

  • Flashlight inside creates "stars"

  • Observe patterns

Option B: Constellation cards

  • Look at constellation patterns

  • Connect dots to see shapes

  • Count stars in each

Discussion:

  • "How many stars can you see?"

  • "Do you see any patterns?"

  • "What shapes do the stars make?"

Star Art (8 min)

Create a star scene:

  • Black paper for night sky

  • Gold/silver stars (various sizes)

  • Include one BRIGHT star (Christmas star)

  • Optional: Add Magi following the star

While creating:

  • "The Wise Men followed the star for a LONG journey"

  • "They trusted the light would lead them"

  • "Jesus is the light we follow!"

Closing (2 min)

Faith connection:

  • "The Magi used science (studying stars) to find Jesus"

  • "Science and faith go together!"

  • "Jesus is the brightest light of all"

Closing Prayer: "Thank You, God, for stars that light up the night. Thank You for the special star that led the Wise Men to Jesus. Help us follow Jesus, the Light of the World. Amen."

Session 2: Light Experiments

📝 Lesson Procedure (30 minutes)

Opening Prayer (2 min)

"Jesus, You are the Light of the World. Help us learn about light today and remember that You guide our way. Amen."

Review & Light Properties (5 min)

Review:

  • What did we learn about stars?

  • Who followed the Christmas star?

Light properties to explore:

  • Light travels in straight lines

  • Light can be blocked (shadows!)

  • Light bounces (reflection)

  • Light can make patterns

Light Investigations (18 min)

Rotation through stations:

Station 1: Shadow Play

  • Flashlight + objects

  • What shapes do shadows make?

  • How does moving the light change shadows?

Station 2: Light Lines

  • Shine flashlight through tubes

  • Does light go around corners?

  • Light travels STRAIGHT!

Station 3: Sparkle and Reflect

  • Shine light on shiny things

  • Where does the light go?

  • What makes things sparkle?

Station 4: Color Exploration

  • Colored cellophane over flashlight

  • What colors appear?

  • What happens when colors overlap?

Teacher questions throughout:

  • "What do you observe?"

  • "What happens when you...?"

  • "Why do you think that happened?"

Light of the World Art (3 min)

Quick creation or addition to star art:

  • Add light rays to their star scene

  • Draw how light spreads out

Closing (2 min)

Connection:

  • "Light helps us SEE"

  • "Light guides our way in darkness"

  • "Jesus does the same for us — He helps us see truth and guides our lives!"

Closing Prayer: "Thank You, Jesus, for being our Light. When we're confused, help us see clearly. When we're lost, guide us like the star guided the Wise Men. Shine through us so others can see Your love. Amen."

📎 Home Connection

"We explored stars and light! Ask your child: 'What are stars?' 'Who followed the Christmas star?' 'What did you learn about light?' We connected Jesus as the 'Light of the World' to physical light. On a clear night, look at stars together. Talk about how the Wise Men followed a star to find Jesus."

✅ Assessment

  • Explained that stars are distant suns

  • Explored light properties through investigation

  • Connected Christmas star to Magi story

  • Created star-themed art

Unit Version: 1.0 | Last Updated: 2025-12-05